Wednesday, March 28, 2012

5 K Success

After committing to my idea to complete the half marathon, I realized that I actually had to start running seriously. I researched online at the Disney website and learned about the Jeff Galloway walk-run method. I hadn't been running consistently for at last 3 years, so I thought this was going to be the best way for me to train. Have you ever heard of him.. I asked a lot of my running friends and they all said he knows his stuff... After about a month of this method, I realized that I had built myself up to running 3 miles without having to walk. The first time I did it all I could think of was... SUCCESS! I realized at this point that I was capable of running and that I needed to push myself. That night I went online and signed up for two 5K races and a 10K. I was hooked.

My first 5K took place in the beginning of March. I woke up to snow falling and freezing cold weather. I was already nervous about running my first race, never mind the snow and cold. I remember suiting up and walking to the race with my husband and my daughter, Bubs (our nickname for her) thinking it will be a miracle if I finish this race under 40 minutes. Well, 32 minutes and 33 seconds later I crossed the finish line... my best 5K time yet! Though let's be honest, it was my first 5K. I was even lucky enough to have this picture snapped by my husband. Looking back at it, I definitely want to work on my training so I'm not on fumes at the end of the race, because I know the Disney race will be well documented with pictures. And honestly, who wants to look like they got hit by a truck in all the pictures?


Pace to the Pint, March 2012


The next weekend I had also signed up for a St. Patrick's Day 5K. My goal this time was to bring my time down to 30 minutes. I know it was a big goal, but part of running is mental focus, right? There were WAY more people at this race and my social anxiety really kicked in just finding my place at the starting line. I learned that I am going to need to participate in many more "big" races to prepare myself for just the crowds that I anticipate will be at the Wine and Dine half marathon. I started this race much sstronger than the previous week, but I did die out toward the end. I need to learn that balance of keeping a steady pace so that I can make it to the end without feeling beat... Anyone have any training ideas? I'm happy to hear... Although I didn't bring my race time down to 30 minutes (really, LT, you felt that was a good goal?), I did finish the race in 32 minutes and 24 seconds.Here in another not so flattering finish line pick. I'm working on it.

St. Patrick's Day 5K, March 2012


Monday, March 19, 2012

Countdown!

As I begin training for my first 1/2 marathon, I figured that journaling would be the best way to keep my family and friends involved in my training. Also, I thought it would be a great thing to look back on when I finally complete my 1/2 and ask myself "what was I thinking?!" Naturally, a blog seemed the best idea because who really journals with paper and pencil anymore. Just bear with me, I'm not the witty one in the family (I'll leave that to my husband) and I may not be the most engaging writer. Perhaps I'll become one as result of this experience.


I guess the best way to start would be to look back at when I officially made the decision to train for the Disney Wine and Dine 1/2 Marathon in November. I'll admit my initial thought for running was just another excuse to go to Disney. Since I've been there 3 times in 2 years, I needed a "real" reason to go since I know my husband would under no circumstances would go for another Disney trip. OK, I know... it's a bit embarrassing! While thinking of an excuse to go to Disney, I came across information about the Disney Wine and Dine 1/2 marathon and I was hooked. I've always wanted to do a 1/2 marathon and it's at my favorite place in the world. It was a no-brainer, until I started to train. I guess I should also mention that I have a 9 month old daughter and that I hadn't run more than chasing my crawling daughter since before I became pregnant. The first few training times I definitely second-guessed myself... who was I to think I could be a full-time working mom and train for a 1/2 marathon. Given my competitive nature, I realized I had to commit or move on and here I am today. Sitting at home blogging because it's my off day for training and I'm itching to be running.


I'm not sure where this blog and training will bring me when November comes around, but I'm sure I'm in for quite a wild ride. Until next time...