Last night I did something that I never in a million years dreamed I would actually do.
I registered for a 5 k race. It's on May 3rd in the morning.
I never thought of myself as a runner, or even as a person who would be any good at running. But for some reason over the past few months I have started to look forward to my "treadmill" days.
With the end of the 20 week fitness challenge I also knew I needed something else external to keep myself challenged and focused.
So, right now I am able to do about 2.3 miles in 30 minutes. Over the next four weeks I am going to try to get that to 2.6 miles in 30 minutes. I'm also going to try to get at least two 40 minute runs in a week - to see if I can do 3 miles in 40 minutes.
I am both nervous and excited about this. I still haven't done an outside run - so that is something I MUST do before May 3rd.
My dad has already promised that he'll be there for it - he's even going to spend Friday night with me so he can do all the driving. 
I actually signed up for a second 5k as well that is in July.
Two registration fees - 1 $25 and 1 $15.
I'm going to need to replace my Sportbrain because it fell off my waistband into some water. 
It really stinks because I'd only used it maybe 4 times.
I'm also considering joining the local running club. There is an annual membership fee of $20. But included in that fee is being able to run in 9 races free, plus other member get togethers throughout the year. I'm thinking that maybe this might be a way for me to both be motivated to keep up with my fitness, as well as maybe meet some new people and have something constructive to do with my time (other than sit in front of the computer or tv all the time.)
Did I really sign up for that?!
April 2nd, 2008 at 01:27 am
April 2nd, 2008 at 01:36 am 1207100163
Good luck in your preparation, and the big race!
April 2nd, 2008 at 01:41 am 1207100466
I'm not sure what I could do off the treadmill - if I'd be faster or slower. Hopefully I'll have a chance to find out pretty soon.
April 2nd, 2008 at 01:44 am 1207100690
April 2nd, 2008 at 04:07 am 1207109266
April 2nd, 2008 at 04:24 am 1207110285
April 2nd, 2008 at 04:33 am 1207110803
You sound like my mom tonight on the phone! LOL! Of course she had it in her head that 5k = 5 miles instead of just 3.1 miles.
April 2nd, 2008 at 11:42 am 1207136521
April 2nd, 2008 at 01:59 pm 1207144745
April 2nd, 2008 at 02:07 pm 1207145262
Hehe, back in the day, I used to run quite a bit. I've never broken any bones or anything like that, but it's amazing how easily shin splints can develop and build up....
But then, I wasn't as aware of the safety aspects of running as I do now. Even when my feet blistered and bled, I just kept on running. But that's a dumb guy for ya.
Still, I probably am acting more and more like my mom as I age. "And don't be hanging out with boys! They're nothing but trouble!"
April 2nd, 2008 at 03:21 pm 1207149678
April 2nd, 2008 at 03:57 pm 1207151841
My mom was actually I think more worried about the aspect of my running on a trail - by myself. You know all the stories of women joggers being assualted, etc. I'm planning on going when there are plenty of people around, and most likely in the early evening when it's still light out - so I'm not too worried, but will of course keep "aware".
LOL - Eat your veggies! Yep, that's my mom too.
Thanks Kashi!
April 2nd, 2008 at 06:22 pm 1207160547
April 2nd, 2008 at 07:58 pm 1207166298
I'll be sure to keep the altitude in mind should I end up doing the 10k in CO.
FFB,
Wow! The NYC Marathon!
My dad and I were talking last night, and I jokingly told him that maybe someday I would be calling him and telling him that I was going to do the NYC Marathon!
I defintely plan this first 5k to be a kind of test run for me. Kind of just get my feet wet. I sure don't want to get injured!
Question - The lady who carpools with me told me that she'd heard that drinking pickle juice before a race was one way to ensure no muscle cramps. Is this true?? I'm kind of hoping not because - yuck! pickle juice.
April 2nd, 2008 at 10:26 pm 1207175190
April 3rd, 2008 at 01:22 am 1207185750
How cool is that! I'm assuming the Cowtown marathon was in Fort Worth? What time of the year was that?
April 3rd, 2008 at 08:04 pm 1207253075
April 5th, 2008 at 12:28 am 1207355302
I'll definitely do that!
Right now the weather is just PERFECT to go out running in. I'll probably do my first outside run Sunday evening at 7 p.m. It will still be light out, there'll be a good amount of people still in the park where I plan on going, and any heat from the day will have mostly cooled down.
Oh! I should have mentioned this.
April 6th, 2008 at 03:27 pm 1207495625
April 6th, 2008 at 04:13 pm 1207498397