Post First Race :(

After I Ran the Quay, my running became a little inconsistent. I ran intervals the Tuesday after the race because my body was so wiped out. Then I got sick and had to organize a triathlon, so I didn't run for 5 days. I was so ready to get back out there this week, and both my runs have been amazing! On yesterday's run I ran 2.34 miles without stopping to walk once!! It set the tone for the rest of my day!

So, I have completed several goals, and (of course), now its time to set new ones...!

First of all, I have decided to take a break from an organized training group, only because its going to be HOT, HOT, HOT and I think I'll be doing well to just maintain a regular running routine while it's hot and humid. I am going to continue in the OPT running group, which will meet a couple of Saturday mornings per month and a couple of mid-week afternoons at the track, but I won't be training for a particular race or trying to push myself to another level until August. My goal for each week is to run three times, with the weekend run being the longest.

Then, in August, I will start training for the "4 at 4" race in Holly Springs and the Oktoberfest 8K -- both in October. :)  A bunch of us are going to run the Electric Run in Raleigh on September 13th, but that is purely for fun!! Finally, I'm going to set my sights on a half marathon for April 2014. Time will tell if my old bones can get up to speed that fast, but if not, I'll have the Run the Quay 10K to do instead. :)

I found this quote today on "I <3 to Run"'s page on Facebook. I don't have a crooked nose, but the sentiment is what rings true...

I used to feel pretty sometimes. And then I started running. It was hard. My face was red, I would sweat profusely, my nose would run when it was cold, and no matter how many different pairs of shorts I tried, my thighs always seemed to rub together. The first time I saw my race photos, I cringed. Did I really look like THAT when I ran? Yes, in my past, sometimes I would feel pretty. But thanks to running and triathlon, I gained scars on every elbow, knee, and hip, a crooked nose, and tan lines that would put zebras to shame. Things had changed, in a big way. I stopped worrying about the red face and sweating and realized that the feeling of crossing a finish line was so much better than any good hair day. Yes, in my past, sometimes I would feel pretty. But now, thanks to running and triathlon, things are different. With my crooked nose, battle scars and spandex, I don’t feel pretty anymore. I feel beautiful.

- Susan Lacke

Sharing Some Inspiration...

I don't have anything new to report on my own journey, but I saw this today on Facebook and just had to share it! It sums up why I have decided to do this in just a few words and a picture! Feel free to like his Facebook page -- I <3 to run -- and his website www.ilovetorun.org.

For me, running is both exercise and a metaphor. Running day after day, piling up the races, bit by bit I raise the bar, and by clearing each level I elevate myself. At least that’s why I’ve put in the effort day after day: to raise my own level. I’m no great runner, by any means. I’m at an ordinary – or perhaps more like mediocre – level. But that’s not the point. The point is whether or not I improved over yesterday. In long-distance running the only opponent you have to beat is yourself, the way you used to be.

- Haruki Murakami (What I Talk About When I Talk About Running)

Goal #3... check!

When I started out in this 8-week journey toward running a 5K, I had three main goals...

First, I wanted to be able to run further than the end of the driveway without gasping for breath! We started with interval training, and I did it longer than our homework required because my cardiovascular system was in such bad shape. I didn't even make a commitment to a 5K because I was absolutely convinced that it would take me twice as long as everyone else to get ready, and I didn't want to run a 5K if I couldn't run most of it. So, I concentrated on breathing and making sure I didn't wreck my legs in the pursuit of getting back in shape.

Second, I wanted to kickstart my weight loss efforts, because an occasional boot camp or kickboxing class wasn't getting it done anymore. I recognized that my metabolism was at an all-time low and not getting any better. After two fitness challenges at OPT, I knew that watching every calorie would prevent me from gaining any more, but that the only way to start LOSING again was to get substantially more active. So, running seemed to be the least expensive and most effective way of guaranteeing that I did something very active at least every other day.

Third, and less important, was training for the 5K itself. We were all working toward that goal -- it was, after all, the main reason for the "5K training group" I was in. I waited and waited to sign up for the race and it was only THIS WEEK that I finally decided that I had worked too hard to give up the culminating event of our program -- regardless of how my boss felt. I figured out how to free myself up from work to run, and signed up Saturday morning after all. Although it wasn't originally in my plan to run yesterday, I did, and I did better than last week -- 34:40! I had to stop and walk briefly to catch my breath because of the heat, but my legs and feet never bothered me once! I'm so glad I did it... I had not expected to run it and was happy with my time last week, but in retrospect there's nothing like running it with 600 other people and comparing notes with everyone afterwards. The camaraderie and "team spirit" that we enjoyed before, during, and after the race was like a drug to me -- its not often I feel "included" in things. I'm either the organizer, or the worker bee -- rarely the participant. The fact that I could be all three this time, and really enjoy the adrenaline rush of achieving the third of my three goals on schedule, was an invaluable experience! And, the whole experience reinforced in my mind that I can continue to do this and be successful at it.

The beauty of running is that it is truly a sport for individuals -- you can have your own goals, your own expectations, and your own achievements, and still share it with others from time to time. I didn't complete the race by running the whole time, but I had hoped to do it in 35 minutes or less, and I did! Next time, I'll run the whole thing without stopping, and I'll try for a little quicker time. Yes, there will be a next time, and I will continue to run, even in the heat of summer! Another 5K in August, the Electric Run in September, and an 8K in October... onward and upward!!