Running goals to finish 2011 strong

I try not to compare my running to others that are more experienced than me. But sometimes its hard to do. A friend ran her first 5k in 30 minutes today and it made me feel....rather discouraged. I have been very happy over the past few months, watching my 5k pace become faster with each race. I went from walking/running a 5k in 50 minutes to my current pace of 46 minutes. But, I still have a long way to go. I know each person is different and we all have different activity levels. As long as I continue to improve, I WILL NOT get discouraged! I try to remember that "I may be slow, but at least I'm lapping everyone still on the couch!"

BoroDash - Thanksgiving 2010

I have a 5k next weekend, then a 4 mile run on Thanksgiving Day. I'm going to use this as an opportunity to push myself! I noticed during the Komen for the Cure race, I was able to run for the majority of the first mile but didn't run again until after mile 2. I need to work on sticking to the running intervals to get more running time in. That should surely help my pace.Goal: next 5k - 44 minutes.

I am also going to try to only compare my running to other races I have done - not other people. I'm in much better shape than I was this time last year. That is a success for me. I will concentrate on my small victories rather than getting frustrated.

Komen Race for the cure!

It's race day! I got up early and got ready for the race. Yes, that includes spraying my hair PINK!

We had to get on the road by 7:00 a.m. to get there in time to pick up my chip and the pre-race festivities. I was so proud that my husband went with me to take pictures and to be my personal cheerleader! Thanks babe!

It was a chilly morning at under 40 degrees and heavy fog. By race time it had warmed up some and it wasn't too bad. Of course, I'm dressed in layers so I actually got hot during the race.

There were over 20,000 people at the event - WOW! Most of them were walkers but I decided to run this time. I've walked this race 2 years in a row and felt ready to run. I was hoping to improve my 5k pace with this one. As long as I'm improving, I'm happy.

I finished mile one under 12 minutes - which is a huge improvement for me. I am usually around the 15 min mark.

Mile one!

I haven't gotten my official time yet, but I think it was close to 45 minutes. This is a new PR! The last race I did, I was around 49 minutes. I know to all the experienced runners out there, this must seem very slow. But for me this is good. I'm improving with each race I do and that is what keeps me going! I hope you enjoy my pictures from the race. This is one of my favorite events every year.

The people I run for!

I love this sign - not the REMAX one!

Ready to run!

It's great seeing the parade of pink march through the crowd during the pre-race festivities but my heart goes out to those who have lost members of their family due to breast cancer. I hope and pray a cure is found one day. Until then, I'll keep on supporting this charity and walking/running in honor/memory of those battling this disease and those who have lost their battle. Fight like a girl!

Nashville Women's Half Marathon & 5k

I was so thrilled to do this 5k over the weekend. The weather was just simply perfect for a race - it was in the high 50's. Running through the streets of downtown Nashville was so much fun. I usually feel very awkward running but I felt more at ease during this race. I was able to do intervals of walking and running throughout the race but I kept the walking for the hills! There were several sections of hills that I didn't train for. That was the hardest part for me. The race bibs had our first name printed on them which seems brilliant to me. People cheering along the streets would actually call out your name and cheer your on! Also, hearing my name announced as I passed the finish line was just awesome. I was greeted at the finish by service men awarding me with my 5k medal. I loved it! My husband was also waiting for me to cheer me on as I crossed the finish. I hope he knows just how much that meant to me. I'm so glad I decided to do this one. My official time was :49:34 which is under my most recent 5k time. Since there were hills involved, I felt that this is a great pace for me. I'm still slow, but I'm not stopping! The next 5k is on October 29th, where I will run in Komen Race for the Cure - one of my favorite races! I hope to finish that one closer to :45.

Below are a few pictures from the race.

Race tshirt

Picking up my race packet

race packet and bib

Good morning Nashville!

Women's Half Marathon & 5k race start

We're ready to run!

Along the course

I love the people cheering for us and their signs!

Bands playing along the race course!

I love my medal!

 I love the feeling of running across the finish line. There's nothing quite like it. Am I obsessed with running? Maybe a little. Now I'm treating myself to day of relaxation to recover from my busy weekend.

Almost time for another 5k

I'm gearing up for my next 5k in a few days. It's the Women's Half Marathon and 5k in Nashville. I'm very excited about this one.

Since Friday is our wedding anniversary, my hubby and I decided to go to Nashville on Friday and stay in a hotel downtown. First of all, we are doing this to celebrate our anniversary and second, to be close to the race location. That will be very convenient and I won't have to get up quite as early. We usually stay in more cost effective hotels but this time we are staying at a fancy one, The Renaissance Hotel. I found out they give a discount to runners in the race so we did get a better deal than the regular price. This should be fun. I'm taking Friday off work so we can get to Nashville, check in our hotel and pick up my race packet. I get so excited about this part of doing races. I'm hoping to get this medal after the finish....

the 5k medal!

We will spend the evening downtown and who knows what we will do! As long as I get enough rest for the race, I am open to whatever we decide. Nashville is an exciting place with so much to do. I love the atmosphere of the downtown area.

Nashville!

Wish me luck!!! I'll be posting pictures after the race.

Overindulged today - must go to workout!

I watch my caloric intake pretty closely. So, today I knew I was in trouble when Gigi's cupcakes showed up at my office. I resisted the temptation for an hour or so, but finally gave in. Here is the one I chose:

Kentucky Bourbon cupcake from Gigi's -photo compliments of their website

I don't know the exact nutritional information for this decadent cupcake, but I'm sure it exceeded the amount I needed. Their website doesn't publish that information. But I'm glad to say that I didn't eat the whole thing. I only ate a few bites of the frosting and only about half of the cupcake.

It's a good thing that I brought my clothes to work with me, so I could head to the gym right after work. If I have to go home to change first, sometimes I don't ever make it there.

My workout clothes and new running shoes

I got a good treadmill workout in and tried out my new running shoes. They feel great so far. I'm glad I didn't talk myself out of going to the gym. I have been able to do that over the last few weeks and don't like that. It's been a while since I have set foot on a treadmill. I have been walking/jogging outside more often since the humidity in Tennessee has slacked off some. I'll be glad when fall gets here and it will be more comfortable to exercise outside.

Walking trail

Adventures in Nashville - Day 2

The Parthenon at Centennial Park

Day 2. I woke up early and had the free breakfast at the hotel. I was able to choose a few healthier options. They had fruit, low fat yogurt, coffee, juice and a few healthy cereals to choose from. I passed on the eggs, sausage and biscuits.

After breakfast, I decided to head out to Centennial Park to do some walking/jogging. It was a lovely morning. I walked around the pond a few times and around The Parthenon. If you ever visit Nashville, this is one stop you should make. Click on the links above for information about this park and the Parthenon.

After my easy workout, I got back in my car and drove a few miles downtown to the Nashville Women's Half Marathon 5k course I will be doing in less than a month I wanted to drive the course and see what to expect. It looks like it will be a good course. There are a few hills but nothing too daunting.

It was a nice weekend to explore in Nashville. It wasn't as hot and humid as it usually is. I really should do this more often, especially since I only live about half an hour away from Music City! There's so much to do, even if you aren't a fan of country music.

Here are some photos on day 2 of my adventures in Nashville:

Nashville skyline

The ducks in the pond at Centennial Park

My semi-healthy breakfast at my hotel

Looking a little tired after my walk/run this morning

I can do 9 miles!

We finished the 9 mile Fallen Soldiers March yesterday. I was very happy that my husband decided to join me.

The thought of 9 miles was daunting to both of us, but knowing it was walking and not running gave us confidence. It was a wonderful event to be a part of, honoring the fallen soldiers from Tennessee. This is the 7th year of this event and there were over 150 participants. Most of the people walking were soldiers, but there was a good turnout of civilians as well.

Safety meeting and roll call -John & I are in the blue shirts surrounded by soldiers

Roll Call

And we're off!

It began at 4:00 p.m. and it was a hot day in Tennessee. I am used to working out on a treadmill in an air conditioned gym. So, its no surprise that the heat began to wear me down.The first 4 miles were pretty easy, but when the sun was beating down on me I started feeling exhausted. I drank tons of water. Thank goodness they had several water stations along the way. I did have to cool off in one of their vans for a few minutes but soon was able to catch up with the group. I think I was a little surprised that since I've been working out I thought I would be able to do this with little difficulty. My husband got quite a bit ahead of me at one point. I was very impressed that several soldiers passed me and asked me how I was doing. I felt a little guilty of complaining about the heat when the soldiers were dressed in uniforms and carrying packs. Since I took a short break, my total distance was 8.06 miles. We were finished in 2 1/2 hours. That was a shorter time than I expected since we were walking, not running.

Finish at the Wilson County Fair

After the walk, my husband and I felt like we had really accomplished something. We are doing a 5k next Saturday, so that should be a breeze! I'm really enjoying doing fitness activities together. I am a little sore today with a few blisters on my feet. I think it was a great idea for me to schedule a massage for today.

Running setbacks

Charity walks memorabilia

I noticed I have accumulated quite a collection of race shirts from the events I have done. This madness began a few years ago when I decided to get healthy and thought doing charity walks/5k's would be a good start.

Looking at my memorabilia puts me in a better mood. I'm glad I have been able to help some of these charities raise money. Why am I in a bad mood? Tonight, I tried to do my running workout outside. It was not good. Here in the south, we have had a heatwave for several weeks now, but I thought if I waited until the sun went down I could do it. I need to train outside soon, since I have a 5k planned in a few weeks. It was still around 98 degrees when I started and unfortunately there wasn't much shade in the area. I ended up shortening my workout and feeling like a failure. I am so used to running on the treadmill that I felt extremely awkward on the track. And the unbearable heat didn't help. At least the 5k I am doing will be early in the morning. Hopefully that will make a difference. Days like this make me miss living in the Pacific Northwest.

Spokane WA

Riverfront Park in Spokane

Mornings and evenings are so pleasant there, even in the summertime. The humidity here in the south is dreadful.

The running trail

Siegel Soccer Park - nice area with running/walking trails

My passion!

 Looking at my race shirts remind me of the reason I do this. Tomorrow will be a better day. I'll give it another try.

Another month in the books

It's July 31st and it seems like a good time for reflection. How are your fitness goals going? I am happy with my progress during July. I have stuck to my workout calendar and continued with healthy eating. And more good news to report....I have lost 4 pounds. It doesn't sound like much but for me it feels wonderful. I have struggled with the scale for months now. No matter what I do, the scale doesn't move. I think the increased workouts have helped. And using a calorie counter has kept me below my daily calorie goal. I'm glad I have made progress this month. August, I'm ready for you!

I'm looking forward to doing a 5k on the 20th. Time to amp up my training. I'm more worried about the heat than anything. It can get dangerously hot and humid here in Tennessee during August. I'm also used to running on the treadmill. I'm doing this race with my hubby and it will be our first event together. We are trying to figure out how we will deal with our pace differences. We will probably alternate walking and running on this one, since it's our first. I am very excited about this!

I can tell such a huge difference in how I feel since I've been working out more. I can breathe better, I sleep better and I have more energy to make it through long workdays. That alone is motivation to keep it up. I hope I can remember that if I ever start slacking off!

It's time to plan my weekly meals and workouts. Failing to plan is planning to fail....

I'm loving my life!

Hotter Than Hades Virtual Half - Ready, Set, GO!

July 15 begins the Hotter than Hades Virtual Half Marathon. I was anxious to get to the gym to get some miles in. I printed off my race bib from their website, but I didn't wear it at the gym.

My race bib!

I had the best running interval workout in weeks! I was so proud of myself. For the last few weeks, I have had terrible foot/ankle pain when running. I started off wearing an ankle brace, but removed it after the first interval. It's very uncomfortable on the bottom of my foot. Usually when doing the intervals, I am fine for the first few but then I get tired or the pain starts. This didn't happen today. I guess this is why runners run. Everyone has bad days but you keep running for the good days. I ran 2.5 miles in 40 minutes and cooled down on the stationary bike for about 20 minutes. It was a great workout! Now, I'm able to log 2.5 miles for the virtual half.

After cooling down, I came home to spend time with my family. I had a glass or two of Merlot and we played Rock Band, one of our favorite family activities. Here is my rocker daughter....

Rocking out!

We are fortunate that we don't really have any plans for the weekend. I welcome that after two weekends of constant activities. Of course, we will do more than be lazy....workouts, family time, back to school shopping, and church will be included. But it's so nice to know we are not on a schedule.

I hope you have a great weekend!