607

I've been so uninterested in writing my own blog posts on my blog lately, and I've been wanting so much to just write about running. I totally forgot that I can write about running all the time here. 

I ran my first 5k yesterday. My bib number was 607. It was the Lowry Park Zoo Run Run, and it was so much fun! The only thing I regret about it was that I wore earphones and zoned out from my surroundings. We literally ran through a zoo. I heard people talking about the animals and noises when it was over, and I thought to myself...hmm...didn't hear any of that. But other than that, it was pretty awesome.

I've never been a runner. I literally started this past March with Couch to 5k. I never thought I would get into it, as I hated it when I swam in high school, so to have so much fun running a race blew my mind.

Here's a bit of a recap:

I got up at 5:30 to leave by 5:50 to get there by 6:30 for bib pickup and check in. The race started at 7:30, but I wanted to make sure and get a t-shirt (they were first come first serve), as I knew I would want to remember my first race. 

I checked in, got my swag bag, checked out my bib, got my tshirt, and picked up my chip. I was happy that such a local run was chip timed, but I think it also made me focus more on time than experience. I'm such a competitive person.

I was (unrealistically) thinking that I could hold somewhere between an 8 and an 8:20 mile, so I really wanted to see my time in the 24 minute area. And I legitimately thought I was going to do it...

It was HOT (90*) and humid (90%+), but I didn't care. I was ready. I ran into a girl that I knew, so I lined up near the start with her and some of her friends I didn't know. I asked them advice, they told me to put one foot in front of the other, and then the gun went off.

I started right at it. I was READY! There was a man standing at the mile one marker reading out a timer and he said 8:29 as I passed. Since I crossed the start line 13 seconds after the gun, I was pleased that I ran the first mile at 8:16. I wasn't pleased, however, with how beat I felt already. Holy cow! I decided I needed to slow down a little bit to be able to keep going. So I did...

I don't know what my splits were the rest of the time, as I have forgotten now and my iPod was on crack apparently (it told me as I crossed the finish line that I had run 2.6 miles...umm...), but clearly I slowed down quite a lot. I ended up averaging just over a 9:00 page, so can you say died?

I am going to get a Garmin, because I definitely think knowing where I was in the race would have been super helpful. I knew I was nearing the end, but I didn't want to pick up the pace too soon. I ended up picking up the pace with less than a tenth of a mile left, so I'll definitely do it a little earlier next time. We turned a corner to run to the end and through the chute. 

My final clock time was 28:09, but my chip time was 27:56. I'm thrilled with it, even though I was being unrealistic before. I got 4th in my age group out of 51 people, and I got 94th overall out of 511 runners. And it was my first race!! Now I know what to expect!

I didn't take ANY pictures during the race...sorry...

But here's my loot from the tons of stuff available after the race. Not bad for the $30 fee...

OBX training update.

Today officially marks the end of week two of my OBX marathon training.  In all honesty, it doesn't feel much like half training because I really haven't been doing anything different.  Here's a clip of what weeks 1 & 2 looked like:

As you'll notice, both weeks only require a total of 10 miles.  That's not too bad, right?  Here's what was actually completed:

So I assume if you care that much, you'll have to click it to make it bigger.  I've consistently missed two days per week, each being strength or cross training.  While my miles are still slow, I ran on a different brand on treadmill for the second Tuesday run and noticed it is significantly faster.  I've amped up my speed if I am forced to run on the older treadmills.

To break it all down:
Running:  My method is to run at a slow, easy pace for the first half of week day runs.  After the half, I increase my speed by 2-3 notches for each song.  This is a way for me to sort of get in speed work while feeling like I'm being productive on the treadmill.  For my first Sunday run, I utilized the same method.  Today, I won't.  I plan to stop worrying about the time, and keep an easy pace.  I am going to attempt to include a treadmill hill program in order to semi- begin prep for outside running again (which I plan to incorporate starting in September).
Cross Training:  I've been doing the elliptical, but I'm not sure that this is appropriate cross training.  I don't have a YCMA (where I work out) appropriate swim suit, so swimming isn't an option now.  I don't have a good outside bike, so that isn't an option either.  I'm all for recommendations!
Strength:  I'm planning to incorporate the 30 Day Shred again when I start outside runs and going to the gym less.  The first week, I did a circuit of the New Rules for Lifting for Women plan with one of my friends.  I may try the book at some point.  For now, I'm content with using my Women's Health app with quick circuits.

I know strength and cross training are important and will help prevent injuries during the half.  I plan to continue to find ways to make these a part of my weekly routine even if it is tricks at home.  I haven't started foam rolling yet.  I am pretty happy with my progress from the last two weeks though.  It has been difficult making the rush from school to the gym most days of the week.  I look forward to outside training again.  It has been easier since D has been out of town a lot within the past two weeks.  As he starts being home again, I need to ensure that I make morning runs a priority to get in my training.

UPDATE:  It's official...the other treadmills are faster.  I did the same 4 miles + added a hill program + maintained the same easy speed and finished in 50:29 (read: a minute and a half faster than last week's on the other treadmill).