I had not run for four days leading up to this 10K and this made me NERVOUS. I had a sinus infection that wouldn't go away even with medication and the 5K the Saturday before was my last run.
With one goal in mind (completion) I met my buddy Amber and some of her friends in Ft. Mitchell to carpool into the city.
We found a great parking spot - shuffled into the cold air downtown and starting finding familiar faces...our Get Fit Family!
After two bathroom visits we settled in at the 11minute mile marker on the start line. Amber had a goal to finish under 1:15 so we put that at the back of our minds and began. After the first line of starters took off we had a 10 minute shuffle to get our start line to the actual start. Nerves were VERY high at this point and I was juggling taking pictures, and starting timers as we stepped onto the blue mats to activate our timing chips.
The first 3 miles felt good. In fact they felt great. I remember crossing the 5K mark thinking, why have I ever walked a 5K? I just ran one without a stop?
Each mile marker caused for celebration - a high five- a time calculation and a new determination to keep on moving. The water break wasn't until mile 4 and we both needed some desperately. As we slowed to walk to swallow some water the only word to describe how my body felt was PAIN. The pain in my hips as we walked for a few seconds was excruciating. I decided then and there that I would not walk again - and we didn't. We solidiered up the last hill to the final bridge to cross the Ohio river and it started to hit us - OH MY GOD we are running an entire 10k!!!
Emotions teetered back and forth from pain to disbelief, to pride and accomplishment. The last .6 was difficult - I didn't want to make another turn - I just needed to see the finish line. People who had already finished were crossing the run line to get to their cars and spectators were cheering.
There were strangers with signs for us strangers encouraging us along - a funny one said "This parade sucks - where are the floats?" ~ that made me laugh but at that point around 4.5 or so - I couldn't let my mind wonder too far.
When the final banner (same start banner) was in sight it was automation that had taken over to allow us to finish. My hips were burning and Amber's foot was in a lot of pain - but by George we DID IT!!
I would like to say the runners high lasted all day - in a way it did - but my body was in shock. I enjoyed some Hot Flow yoga the next day to stretch out all sore and wounded feeling parts and would highly encourage that or a good massage for these longer runs. I can't imagine running for longer than what we did 6.6 miles in 1:14 (under our goal time) - but I guess we have to because we have a 13.1 mile race on our docket for March!
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Boone County Parks 5K
November 17th:
Over 100 bootcampers participated in this run. This time Amber was able to join me in between work (I think I guilted her in coming to run with me actually), either way I was very happy to have her by my side at the start.
The course had been changed since my last time at the parks and off we went. During mile 1, I wanted to keep my faster pace and so Amber motioned me ahead. The park never seemed this big before ~ somehow it wasn't coming to an end.
The mile markers are a nice touch and again I felt a boost of energy after hearing I was under the 11 minute mark on this hilly course. Mile two looped back on itself and I knew I had to just keep going. I pushed myself through the hills to the end (and took several 5 seconds walks) to finish in 32:39. Not shabby considering I ran the flat 5K a week before in 30 seconds less.
I was disappointed that I missed a medal by a minute - If only I didn't walk so often!
Over 100 bootcampers participated in this run. This time Amber was able to join me in between work (I think I guilted her in coming to run with me actually), either way I was very happy to have her by my side at the start.
The course had been changed since my last time at the parks and off we went. During mile 1, I wanted to keep my faster pace and so Amber motioned me ahead. The park never seemed this big before ~ somehow it wasn't coming to an end.
The mile markers are a nice touch and again I felt a boost of energy after hearing I was under the 11 minute mark on this hilly course. Mile two looped back on itself and I knew I had to just keep going. I pushed myself through the hills to the end (and took several 5 seconds walks) to finish in 32:39. Not shabby considering I ran the flat 5K a week before in 30 seconds less.
I was disappointed that I missed a medal by a minute - If only I didn't walk so often!
Olypmic Day - 5K on the track
A celebration day of sorts for our Get Fit program - where we challenge ourselves to show what we can do within a one hour workout.
I scheduled myself to run a 5K followed by a series of cardio activities to rack up 50,000 points.
Amber had to work so I had to run the flat oval track at Conner solo. That did not excite me one bit, and the track was packed with runners. I had one goal - to run in 35 minutes so that I could complete the other cardio activities I had preplanned.
Mel yelled go - and off I went in a fast but steady pace.
All along the track by the bleachers I saw fellow boot campers giving their best. I had placed my own support signs that my kids created for my me. I looked at them on every lap. I knew I was making good time after mile one - my first under 10 minutes miles :) 9:43~~wohoo. Mile two was tougher, I needed water and my dad was on the sideline to grab my bottle when needed. It was much warmer today than any of our previous weeks of running and that was draining my energy fast. Mile two was completed just under 10 minutes also 9:56. Onto the last stretch and I slowed a bit but finished in a total time of 32:05. A new record for me and off to more cardio I went :)
5K's are meant to be scenic - not wanting to repeat that oval track again anytime soon.
I scheduled myself to run a 5K followed by a series of cardio activities to rack up 50,000 points.
Amber had to work so I had to run the flat oval track at Conner solo. That did not excite me one bit, and the track was packed with runners. I had one goal - to run in 35 minutes so that I could complete the other cardio activities I had preplanned.
Mel yelled go - and off I went in a fast but steady pace.
All along the track by the bleachers I saw fellow boot campers giving their best. I had placed my own support signs that my kids created for my me. I looked at them on every lap. I knew I was making good time after mile one - my first under 10 minutes miles :) 9:43~~wohoo. Mile two was tougher, I needed water and my dad was on the sideline to grab my bottle when needed. It was much warmer today than any of our previous weeks of running and that was draining my energy fast. Mile two was completed just under 10 minutes also 9:56. Onto the last stretch and I slowed a bit but finished in a total time of 32:05. A new record for me and off to more cardio I went :)
5K's are meant to be scenic - not wanting to repeat that oval track again anytime soon.
Monday, November 12, 2012
Still here..
Sorry for the disappearance... crazy busy life of mothers.
We have been running though - Friday Nov 9th we did a 2.3 mile quickie to keep moving and grooving.
Saturday Nov 10th was Olympic Day for our boot camp family.
I am definitely proud to say that I ran my best 5K time to date. I ran mile one at 9:43, mile two at 9:56 and mile three at 10:35 for a personal best time of 32:05. For me this broke my milestone (personal goal) to run a mile under 10:00. Unfortunately my buddy was not able to join us due to work conflicts and I missed having her on my left.
Amber ran an impressive 4 miles on Nov 7th with Running Club .....
We have a 5K this Saturday and I'll let Amber update you on her foot issues :(
We have been running though - Friday Nov 9th we did a 2.3 mile quickie to keep moving and grooving.
Saturday Nov 10th was Olympic Day for our boot camp family.
I am definitely proud to say that I ran my best 5K time to date. I ran mile one at 9:43, mile two at 9:56 and mile three at 10:35 for a personal best time of 32:05. For me this broke my milestone (personal goal) to run a mile under 10:00. Unfortunately my buddy was not able to join us due to work conflicts and I missed having her on my left.
Amber ran an impressive 4 miles on Nov 7th with Running Club .....
We have a 5K this Saturday and I'll let Amber update you on her foot issues :(
Tuesday, November 6, 2012
New roads 4+ miles
Today Amber and I enjoyed the new trail that runs from Route 18 to a busy shopping district on Houston. It was freezing (literally) this morning when we had planned to run, so I begged for a few more hours after checking the weather forecast.
As it happens every time, after a few minutes we are warm and toasty and start shedding clothes.
Today we were planned to run 22, walk 1, run 22 - I would like to say we stuck with that plan but we didn't.
I ran last night (2.8 miles in record time - and forgetting to turn my runkeeper on :(, so unfortunately I just didn't have the energy I usually have in the morning.
We ran about half (I think this is a fair statement), and were able to get some great conversation in. I'm currently reading "Run Like a Mother" and it's an amazing connection Amber and I both have. Especially since we have similar mothering stories - me: adopting 3 older children internationally (becoming an instant mom) and her: adding four to her two through marriage. We understand, relate, and empathize. That along with our running hopes and dreams have bonded us in a way that words cannot explain - but that miles and miles welcome ;)
As it happens every time, after a few minutes we are warm and toasty and start shedding clothes.
Today we were planned to run 22, walk 1, run 22 - I would like to say we stuck with that plan but we didn't.
I ran last night (2.8 miles in record time - and forgetting to turn my runkeeper on :(, so unfortunately I just didn't have the energy I usually have in the morning.
We ran about half (I think this is a fair statement), and were able to get some great conversation in. I'm currently reading "Run Like a Mother" and it's an amazing connection Amber and I both have. Especially since we have similar mothering stories - me: adopting 3 older children internationally (becoming an instant mom) and her: adding four to her two through marriage. We understand, relate, and empathize. That along with our running hopes and dreams have bonded us in a way that words cannot explain - but that miles and miles welcome ;)
Sunday, November 4, 2012
What a great running weekend!!!
Yesterday was my second running 5K this year. I had a goal of beating my time from last week which was 37:37, with encouragement of my buddy Geniene I made it in 35:41 with a pace of 11:31! The course was hilly and we knew that from our preview on Wednesday. It was a little different from Wednesday since we actually followed the course and didn't get lost!
The runners high I had when the race was over was awesome-I love that feeling!
This morning I went to running club and ran 4 miles!!! I had back surgery 7 months ago today and never thought I would run again so it was a great accomplishment.
I am ready to run 6.2 miles in my head on thanksgiving, I hope my body goes along with the plan!!
The runners high I had when the race was over was awesome-I love that feeling!
This morning I went to running club and ran 4 miles!!! I had back surgery 7 months ago today and never thought I would run again so it was a great accomplishment.
I am ready to run 6.2 miles in my head on thanksgiving, I hope my body goes along with the plan!!
Saturday, November 3, 2012
Run 4 Recovery 5K -November 3rd
The weather check last night around 9pm said today would be clear skies and 40degrees. Perfect running weather! Well it was slightly cooler - more like the freezing mark, but no fear - we runners layer and get out there :)
I carpooled with another Get Fit buddy (Amy) and we headed out to Blessed Sacrament. What a great turn out for their first year event. There were cars and people everywhere. Kudos to the organizers for setting up things so well today - registration was running smoothly and music was getting everyone pumped!
Amber arrived with my bag and we tied on our chip timers onto our laces, and pinned our bib numbers. We met up with a big group of Get Fitters from Melody's Bootcamp Fitness. Even though we were all very cold, there was a great energy present this morning.
I saw a poster near the registration table sharing that several Navy men and women would be running on their treadmills somewhere in the ocean as they serve the U.S., in support of this run. Runners here were asked to wear their chip so that they could record a finish time. How cool is that!
Run 4 Recovery was set up to support men in The Grateful Life Center (an inpatient rehabilitation center which provides free treatment for men who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Hundreds of lives have been saved by this program).
I'm really glad we previewed the course this week so the hills were not surprises, and we knew that our course today would be shorter in theory because it would be marked and so we would not get lost :)
We had one goal today - to improve Amber's time. I was excited to run alongside Amber today. For some reason I went ahead last 5K but I much preferred running side by side as we do when we train :)
So with the goal of 37 minutes or less, we took off. With gloves, head band (ear warmers) and three layers we soon warmed up, except the joy of cold weather running is that you seem to leak. Eyes were running, snot was flowing and my buddy Amber was spitting like a cowboy ~ the realities folks sorry....
We reached the first mile marker in 10:41and knew we were definitely on track to beat the 37 minute finish time. Some hills to combat in mile two and the scenic run around the lakes slowed us down a bit to a 12:00/mile. Mile three had the beast of a hill that we decided to fast walk up. After that it was a level/downhill run to the finish. I stopped my tracker after we finished but we tracked close to 11:42 on mile three.
We finished just under 36 minutes, almost two minutes faster than last 5K for Amber. Boy was she a happy camper - talk about Runners High plus victory rolled into a fiery ball of energy :) Awesome to see Amber smiling - so proud of her! Proud of us!
I loved the balloons at the finish line (note to self for my 5K next July). After grabbing a banana and water and hugs we cooled down at the finish line cheering everyone in and uploading to FB. This was a great run for a great cause and I will definitely put it on my race calendar for next year.
Next event running event: Boone County Parks 5K November 17th. We both just registered for the Turkey Day 10K November 22nd ~ Half Marathon you are in sight :)
I carpooled with another Get Fit buddy (Amy) and we headed out to Blessed Sacrament. What a great turn out for their first year event. There were cars and people everywhere. Kudos to the organizers for setting up things so well today - registration was running smoothly and music was getting everyone pumped!
Amber arrived with my bag and we tied on our chip timers onto our laces, and pinned our bib numbers. We met up with a big group of Get Fitters from Melody's Bootcamp Fitness. Even though we were all very cold, there was a great energy present this morning.
I saw a poster near the registration table sharing that several Navy men and women would be running on their treadmills somewhere in the ocean as they serve the U.S., in support of this run. Runners here were asked to wear their chip so that they could record a finish time. How cool is that!
Run 4 Recovery was set up to support men in The Grateful Life Center (an inpatient rehabilitation center which provides free treatment for men who are addicted to drugs or alcohol. Hundreds of lives have been saved by this program).
I'm really glad we previewed the course this week so the hills were not surprises, and we knew that our course today would be shorter in theory because it would be marked and so we would not get lost :)
We had one goal today - to improve Amber's time. I was excited to run alongside Amber today. For some reason I went ahead last 5K but I much preferred running side by side as we do when we train :)
So with the goal of 37 minutes or less, we took off. With gloves, head band (ear warmers) and three layers we soon warmed up, except the joy of cold weather running is that you seem to leak. Eyes were running, snot was flowing and my buddy Amber was spitting like a cowboy ~ the realities folks sorry....
We reached the first mile marker in 10:41and knew we were definitely on track to beat the 37 minute finish time. Some hills to combat in mile two and the scenic run around the lakes slowed us down a bit to a 12:00/mile. Mile three had the beast of a hill that we decided to fast walk up. After that it was a level/downhill run to the finish. I stopped my tracker after we finished but we tracked close to 11:42 on mile three.
We finished just under 36 minutes, almost two minutes faster than last 5K for Amber. Boy was she a happy camper - talk about Runners High plus victory rolled into a fiery ball of energy :) Awesome to see Amber smiling - so proud of her! Proud of us!
I loved the balloons at the finish line (note to self for my 5K next July). After grabbing a banana and water and hugs we cooled down at the finish line cheering everyone in and uploading to FB. This was a great run for a great cause and I will definitely put it on my race calendar for next year.
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| Pre Race |
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| Post Race |
Next event running event: Boone County Parks 5K November 17th. We both just registered for the Turkey Day 10K November 22nd ~ Half Marathon you are in sight :)
Thursday, November 1, 2012
Girls on the Run practice 5K
That was a treat - running/jogging/walking alongside 4th and 5th grade girls - encouraging them to finish. The coaches had paper banners for them to run through when they finished. Each lap earned a colored bracelet and a change of direction (not too sure about the counting because I didn't quite log 3.3 miles) - but it was good short intervals. I convinced the girls to run the straights and walk the ends which slowed things down quite a bit but kept us moving in the right direction :)
Unfortunately Amber had complications getting to join us. I kept my gear on just in case I'm inspired to run some more later - but as I sit I'm feeling a weariness come on .......
According to my Cardio Tracker history - I've run/walked 6 hours 27 minutes - 29.07 miles in the last 12 workouts (Sept 16-Nov1)- that's pretty cool!
Unfortunately Amber had complications getting to join us. I kept my gear on just in case I'm inspired to run some more later - but as I sit I'm feeling a weariness come on .......
According to my Cardio Tracker history - I've run/walked 6 hours 27 minutes - 29.07 miles in the last 12 workouts (Sept 16-Nov1)- that's pretty cool!
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