Girl Power

Today was a club 5k run at Pipestem. Only 3 of us members showed up to run and none were men. It was about 32 degrees out so I am sure that had a lot to do with the low turn out. I finished last again, but set a Personal Record on this course - 37:18. Two minutes and 8 seconds faster than when I ran the same course in November. WOOHOO for me!
As for the run, it was cold. The other two ladies started in front of me and slowly gained distance, but they looked back to check on me every now and then. I am just slow. As I was running I set mini goals.
Make it to the top of the hill, now just jog down the other side.
The mountain bike race people are watching, don't stop!
Make it to the horse barn, now the top of the hill isn't so far away and just keep running down the other side.
Run to the turn around, now it is a lot of down hill so keep going.
There are the bike people again, don't stop now either!
Big hill now, but you ran this far, now it is flat and then a down hill.
One last up hill, fast isn't important, just keep running.
33 minutes! Now it is all down hill you are going to beat your PR!
Did It!
Girl Power is awesome!
And now there are snowflakes in the air.

Earlier this week I had a pretty good run in the hayfields. I did 8 laps of the barn field, which totals out to about 5 miles. I ran around three sides and then cut up the middle to the tree, walked a bit and then ran around to the tree again. I did that trip five times and then walked a lap and then ran two more. The dogs all went swimming in the middle of it, but they stayed with me for the most part. Poochy was cutting corners toward the end though.

After writing all of that, I am thinking I should be able to run 4 miles straight out if I can find a nice flat route for the first attempt. Might get crazy and map out a flat 5 just in case I feel good.
That is it for this week. Keep moving everybody.

Competition Brings on Real Running

Today was the High Rocks Celtic Knot 5k. The knot part is right! The race winds and twists through the streets of Lewisburg. The promo said "a flat race with one big hill". There was very little flat, unless you consider that the long uphills were on level streets. The one big hill - big is a word for it. Monstrous is another. I walked half of that one and another hill that I couldn't force myself to run and finished in 35 minutes 11 seconds. 4 minutes and 15 seconds faster than my last race. There is some dispute that the milage was only 2.9 miles - maybe a certain GPS needs calibrated? Or maybe the route was a little short. Even if you add in a couple minutes to make up the missing portion I did better than last time. So all is good, I am running more than I am walking these days.

Next big race is a 10k (6.2 miles) in May. That means next weekend while I plan to complete 8 miles, I need to run at least 4 of them to build up for that race. I should be able to add another mile 2 weeks later and another 2 weeks after that, if not sooner. Might be aggressive due to the amount of weight I still need to lose, but it has to be attempted.

I also have to be able to finish a Half Marathon (13 miles) in September. It will be hot. All I can say is I am not afraid to walk some of that one. I am hoping for a freak cold front to go through Ohio that weekend. Since I am not relying on that hope I am requiring myself to lose at least 25 more pounds and I need to run in the sun. Hmmm running with sleeves warms me up in 40 degree weather, ought to consider that for this summer. With plenty of water stashed around the hayfields of course.

I have a lot of work to do, but I Believe it can be done!

How to have a GREAT Run and Still Mess Up

Warning, do not attempt the following experiment without first consulting some common sense! That is the part that I neglected.

1. First step - Accept a challenge to see what happens when you just don't stop running.
2. Then go out for a run with no water on a beautiful 55 degree March afternoon.
3. Then have a Great run, but don't stop running (ok, just for a quarter mile or so if you pushed too hard) no matter how slow you are going, just don't walk.
4. Really enjoy the run, even the hills, because when you come over the top and get to stretch the legs out again on the flat or down hill you will feel great.
5. After you have completed 3.5 miles (45 minutes, woohoo) you can stop, but don't go for a nice cool down walk or drink anything like water or Gatorade, just feed the dog, and go in the house where the wood stove is putting out some really nice, dry heat.
6. Then take a shower and eat dinner
7. If you have the result that I did within 2 hours you will have a migraine like headache and be nauseated for the rest of the night. You will also lose 4 pounds, which come back quickly the next day.

It was a great run. I was amazed with myself and am looking forward to running the 5k in Lewisburg next weekend - hopefully it won't be snowing like it is today. Thursday was that 55 degree day, Friday was about 45 and right now it is 25. It is a wonder we aren't all sick!

Disappearing Pounds

My system seems to be giving in to the pressure. Finally! Slowly but surely the pounds are disappearing. I expect it has something to do with the new exercise program I am doing, but whatever it is I love the sight of new numbers on the scale! It makes me happy! I can't wear any new clothes yet, but they are just a couple of weeks away.
This week I lifted every day at work, did some walking, went to step aerobics on Thursday, rode the bike Friday, and ran the hayfields Sunday. Next week will be more of the same, except I want to do step class on Tuesday and Thursday. That class really works the sides of my legs and hips. My coordination might even get better if I have any luck.
The dogs were dragging by the end again. They kept moving though, just like me.