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