Half Crazy

The forecast for Saturday, September 22 didn't look promising.  When I went to bed on Friday night, they were calling for a 60% chance of showers.  I got up in plenty of time on Saturday morning to eat breakfast and get ready and the sun was shining.  My friend from church, Erica, met me at our house and we pinned our number bibs to our shirts and put our chips on our shoes. 

We headed out in plenty of time for the race...so we thought!  Traffic was backed up for a couple of miles getting on the road where the race started.  We passed the first parking lot and it was packed.  We knew that we had 30 minutes left before the race would start.  By time we made it down to the second lot, we had less than 25 minutes.  There wasn't enough time to walk/jog to the starting line at the church(over a mile away), so we opted to wait for the shuttle bus.  We made it to the starting line with 10 minutes to spare, but we needed to check our bags and jackets and use the bathroom.  The lines for the port-a-potties were really long so we decided to wear our jackets and carry our bag until we found Mike and his parents somewhere around the 6 mile mark...it was either that or have to stop along the route to use the bathroom.  We actually were in the bathroom when the race started, but since the race was chipped that didn't matter. 

The race started out good, Erica and I settled into a good pace (around a 10 minute mile) and enjoyed the cool dry weather.  Around mile 5 we were running along the lakeshore by Lake Macatawa when we heard thunder.  Clouds were rolling in, but it wasn't raining.  We passed Mike and his parents just past mile 6 and they cheered us on.  Since we were coming up on the halfway point, Erica and I both took a Gu and then a drink from the water/Gatorade stand. 

And then it went downhill for me.  I got a bad side cramp (I think from the water) and had to slow down.  Erica kept up her pace and before I knew it she was out of sight! (Go Erica!)  I kept on running and I got to the Holland State Park. 

I was just entering the park when I started hearing people say that the race was called because the lightning was getting too close.  It wasn't raining and I had only seen a few bolts of lightning so I kept on running.  I got confirmation from a race volunteer that we would be able to continue running if we desired but the race was cancelled and we would not receive an official time. Since I was past the 8 mile mark by this time I decided that I would keep on going.  Then the rain decided to come down and the wind picked up.  I found another lady to keep pace with so we chatted for a bit and we both decided we were going to finish the race (there were volunteers and police officers offering rides back to the finish line if we wanted).  I kept on going and the rain kept on coming, harder and harder.  My phone stopped playing music, so I was left in silence except for the thunder and rain and wind.  I had put a plastic bag in my pocket in case of rain so I stuck my phone in there, thinking I had probably already ruined it with the water.  I kept running and running...it felt like forever. 

After the 10 mile mark (the furthest I'd run thus far), the mile markers were packed up so I had no idea where I was.  I was freezing and completely soaked.  My shoes felt like they weighed 50 pounds a piece because I was running through puddles 2 inches deep.  As I would catch up to other runners (or as they would catch up to me), we'd offer words of encouragement.  I guessed that I had about 2 miles to go at this point, but by time I finished it felt like I had run 5.  I turned the corner to the street I knew the church was on and I picked up a bit.  I left the lady I had been talking to and saw Erica coming back for me.  (Thanks again!)  She asked if I had it in me and we sprinted toward the finished line.

I DID IT!  I RAN A HALF-MARATHON!  13.1 MILES! My mind was spinning as I hugged Mike and his parents.  They went back to the car to stay dry (you guys rock for putting up with the weather!).  Erica and I went to get our finishers medals and some food.  The race was really tough, but I can honestly say that I never once thought about quitting or getting a ride back.  I also never stopped running, unless you could 3 steps that I walked while drinking water around mile 8 :)  I'm proud of myself for accomplishing a huge goal, and I'm hoping to run another one in the future...and hopefully get an official time!

Another 5k in the Books!

On Thursday night I ran my first 5k race of the year. I didn't know what to expect, as I hadn't trained for this race like I had for my previous races. I've been focusing more on my Bootcamp workouts, still running, but not as my main workouts. I was unsure how this race would be, because it seemed a little disorganized when I stopped on Wednesday night to pick up my race packet. I was pleasantly surprised on Thursday night with how the race was organized. It was an out-and-back course, but it really didn't seem as bad as previous out-and-backs I've run before. There was one curvy hill to run up about 2.5 miles into the race, but I really felt like I nailed it. I started out at an 8:30 pace, but I think I should have started a bit slower. By the last mile, I had slowed down to about 9:30 mile. I think if I had started slower, I could have maintained a 9 minute mile the whole race. Lesson learned :) I crossed the finish line with a chip time of 28:56. I was 43 seconds off setting a new PR, but that's okay. I felt really strong this race, and I think that is due to all the cross-training I've done with Bootcamp. I'm planning to do another 5k toward the end of June, and my hope is to run a sub-28 race. Then my next focus will be a half-marathon in September!

Do you see me?  I'm wearing a blue shirt.  My mom was trying to run and take a picture of me but the guy in the grey shirt got right in front of me!

Mom was finally able to get a good picture.  She ran with me up to the corner, and then she was whipped :)

I had enough energy to finish strong!  The guy behind me and I had been keeping a good pace until those yellow blockades in the distance, and I wasn't going to let him pass me!

Crossing the finish line!

Time to rehydrate and relax!

It's hard to believe that the 8 week Bootcamp program has nearly come to an end.  I loved all the workouts that Tina created for us, and the amount of support and community on the Facebook page is outstanding.  I feel like I gained better knowledge of what my body is capable of, as well as the chance to push my body harder than I've done on my own.  I've noticed a lot of physical changes--the muscle definition in my triceps is pretty sweet!  I've also improved my cardio endurance.  I plan to continue to use the workouts that I've learned over the past 8 weeks, and continue to build upon, and improve my physical fitness!  Thank you, Tina, for all your work!

Mind Games

I ran approximately 4.7 miles yesterday.  I realized it was a run of mind-over-matter.  The first 3/4 of a mile went great, I was keeping a good pace and felt good.  Then I got hit with bad stomach pains, it wasn't like cramps, just pain.  I'm assuming my breakfast just didn't sit well with me.  I pushed on, but I know my pace drastically slowed.  After another 1/2 mile, I knew I needed to stop.  I stopped on a bridge and waited for the pain to go away, it slowly did and so I walked for a little while.  I felt good enough to run again, but my mind just wasn't in the game.  My goal when I left my house was 5 miles, so I really wanted to hit that, but I just wasn't feeling it anymore.  I ended up running most of the way home, but it was one of those runs where I'd tell myself that I'd run to the next tree and then walk.  Then I'd walk to a mailbox and run to the next tree, or something like that.  I had to find some way to keep on going!  I did make it home and was feeling pretty good by time I ran up our driveway.  After I got home I realized how much of a mind game this run was, my legs felt great, I probably could have kept going, but my mind just wasn't in the game.  I know everyone has bad run days, so I'm hoping that my next run on Monday is much better.

I still haven't picked a half marathon, but I'm thinking I might do one in September.  It's local, so I wouldn't have to travel a couple of hours and stay in a hotel for it.  I'm positive I'll be ready after 6 more months of training, but I am actually thinking that's too far away.  Hmmmm.....

This week's Bootcamp workouts were awesome!  I can tell that I'm improving and doing better on the workouts than I did last week, so I love that aspect.  I've adjusted the workouts to fit my training schedule: Mondays I run, Tuesdays I do Workout A, Wednesdays I do spin class and speed work, Thursdays is Workout B, Fridays is my long run, and Saturdays I do Workout C.  It feels good to have a great plan in place.  Monday begins week 3 of Bootcamp, and that means new workouts begin.  I'm looking forward to seeing what Tina has planned for us!

Bootcamp

I did something big the other day...I signed up for bootcamp! 

Ok, wait, before you start freaking out, not the bootcamp you're probably thinking of.  I'm not joining the military (though it was considered in high school!)  I'm doing bootcamp with a group of awesome bloggers!

One of my favorite fitness bloggers, Tina, has put together an incredible program to help people acheive their workout goals.  It's very similar to the Accountability Adventure I've done a few times with the ladies at church.  Tina has spent a ton of time creating workouts for us, and now it's up to us to follow through.

Bootcamp runs for 8 weeks, and it started yesterday.  It's perfect timing for me, because it will end right before Mike and I leave for vacation.  Hopefully I'll be in awesome shape by then.  (Don't get me wrong--I do like how I look, but I'd love to be more toned!)

Each week will consist of 3 workouts that Tina put together.  We'll also have cardio days as well as a rest day.  This is awesome for me, because I can continue to train for a half-marathon while participating.  (My training has been slacking lately as I've been sick and still car-less so I can't get to the gym!)  We also have 2 individual goals that we will work toward over the course of the bootcamp.  My goals are to drink 6-8 glasses of water a day and to take a daily multivitamin.

I did my first workout routine yesterday morning, and I can definitely feel it in my legs.  I'm already in good shape (probably the best shape/fitness level of my life), but I know there's so much room for improvement.  If I'm feeling a workout, I know it's working muscles I may have ignored for a while, and so for me the pain is awesome. 

Over 300 other bloggers are participating and the amount of support is just incredible! I'll definitely keep you updated on my progress and how the workouts are going over the next 8 weeks.

What have you done for your health today?

5k Results

The race results have (finally) been posted, so now I can tell you about my most recent 5k on November 12th.  This race was really special because I was able to run it with a group of friends from church, Jennifer, Karen (and her husband and son), Kim, Bekah (Kim's daughter), and Erica.  I loved the race course because it was flat and well marked!  And, I have to say, the post-race refreshments were the best I've had yet!

Getting ready to begin

My original training plan was to complete a 5k each month through the summer in preparation for a 10k in October.  However, a stress fracture way-laid those plans and I didn't run a single race between June 28 and November 12.  This was my comeback, and I did make a nice comeback!  I crossed the line with an official time of 28 minutes and 13 seconds!  This was my best race yet by 1 minute and 8 seconds; I ran my fastest mile times ever too!

So get this though, they start to announce the awards and I figured I'd stick around to see what place Karen's husband took. All a sudden they called my name...I took 3rd place of the females in my age division. Whoo hoo! Shout out also to Karen who took 3rd in her age division and her husband who took 1st in his. What a day for all of us!

3rd place medal--very surprised and thrilled!

Our little group of runners

Just so I can keep track of it, and if you want to see my progress, here are my past race results:
3/12/11--Black River Rat Race--31:51
4/16/11--Lamont River Run--30:33 (not chipped)
5/28/11--Kick Off to Summer Run--31:12
6/28/11--Zeeland Zoom--29:21
11/12/11--Paradise Bound--28:13 (not chipped)

Overcoming frustration

I ran on Wednesday, pain free, for the first time in nearly 5 weeks.  This was a huge moment of pride and accomplishment for me. 

You see, 2 days after I ran over 6 miles, I injured my foot.

I was out running, just a quick 1.5 mile loop, and I felt a sharp pain in my foot.  First I thought it was just a cramp so I figured I'd run it out.  When it was still hurting a few minutes later, I thought I better give up, and so I limped home. 

I spent the next few days limping around.  5 days later, I decided it was time to go to Urgent Care and get it checked out (I'd had many people tell me to do that!)  Basically that visit didn't do me any good.  The PA said he thought it was probably a stress fracture, but the chances that an X-ray or bone scan could show that were quite slim.  Since we haven't met our insanely high deductible yet, Mike and I opted out of the X-rays and figured I would just treat it as a stress fracture.  The PA gave me a perscription for an anti-inflamitory and sent me on my way. 

Since then, I'd been sticking with lower impact workouts, like the elliptical and cross trainer, and focusing on some more strength training.  I tried to run one day and my foot felt ok as I was running but as soon as I stopped, the pain was back.

I was just so frustrated!  I love running and I felt like I wasn't getting a good enough workout on the elliptical.  My goal had been to complete a 10k race in October and I was right on track for that...and then BAM--an injury. 

So now I finally feel like I'm back on track again.  I ran a 5k on Wednesday and had absolutely no pain (well, except for my toenail cutting my toe and making a bloody mess in my shoes but that's another story!)  I'm half tempted to go back into training full-force, but I'm sure that would only end in disaster.  For now, I'm going to listen to my body...I'll probably run 2 or 3 times a week until I'm sure I'm painfree. 

I just signed up for a 5k with some friends from church for November 12.  It's been a while since I've done a race...since June (!!!), so I'm really excited for this one.  And, I found a great training program to start gearing up for a half-marathon next spring.  Now I just have to choose one to do!

So excited!

This morning I set out on a run with the intention of running about 4 miles. I had my route mapped out and knew my pace and how long it would take (gotta leave time to shower and get ready for work!) Well, on the way back home, my legs felt great and I felt like I could just keep going.  And so I did!  I have a tendency to quit when I hit my "goal", and call it good.  Today I decided to keep going and just listen to my body.  So I did and I ended up running:

Actually a little more, I quit at 6.31 miles!  Running longer meant I had a lot less time to shower and get ready for work this morning, but it sure was worth it!

On a side note...I had exactly 33 minutes to shower, dry and straighten my hair, get dressed, and put make-up on before running out the door to work. I made it--I think that's another record!

I did it!

As you all know, I have been training to run 5k's.  I have run 4 so far, and each race I have set a goal to do better than the previous race.  For example, after walking a small portion of my first 5k, I set the goal to completely run my next one.  Then my next goals were to increase my pace and bring down my time from each race.  Well, I had a race on Tuesday night and this time I set the goal to run it as close to 30 minutes as possible.

Here I'm waiting for the race to start...

This is just past the halfway point of the race.  I ran the first mile in 9:26 (my best mile ever!) and I was so pumped.  I knew this was going to be a record setting run for me!

I am about to cross the finish line here.  See the lady in the blue beside me?  She had been behind me for most of the race and was pulling ahead.  There was no way I was going to let her pass me so I used every last bit of energy I had and crossed the finish line before her.

Oh yeah, and my time?  29:21!!!  I shaved almost 2 minutes off my previous PR!  Out of 724 finishers, I placed 352nd! (Out of the women, I placed 158 out of 428 runners.)  Let's just say I'm proud!  Now on to the next goal....a 10k?

I did it!!!

I've had a goal...ever since high school when I measured the distance between my house and one of my best friend's to see if it was 5 miles (it was...almost exactly)...that I wanted to be able to run 5 miles.  In fact, it's even on my bucket list.  Well, guess what?  Today I got to cross that off!  When I got to the gym this morning I decided that I was going to run 5 miles, so I did!  I felt great, I was tired when I was done but I honestly feel like I could have kept on running.  My legs felt great, I didn't cramp up, and I had no trouble breathing.  I was soaked with sweat when I finished, but it was hot in there today!

I took this picture right after I hit the 5 mile marker.  I did do a cool down, so I actually did 5.25 miles today!

In other running news, I completed my 3rd 5k on May 28th!  My 2 running buddies, Jennifer and Karen, and I ran in the YMCA's Kick-off to Summer race.  It was a challenging course, lots of hills to run, but we all set personal records.  It was a fantastic day!

The race was chipped, and I actually completed in 31 minutes and 12 seconds!  I'm running another race at the end of June and my goal is to beat that time :)

We did it!

New Equipment

Did you know the right equipment really makes all the difference?

After my first 5k, my hips and knees hurt horribly!  I had been running for almost 4 months before the race and hadn't had a whole lot of trouble.  But for the majority of those 4 months, I had been running on a treadmill which has more "give" than pavement.  When I started running outside the week before the race (and the day of the race), my knees and hips were screaming!

I talked with a seasoned runner and he encouraged me to buy a good quality pair of shoes.  The pair I had been running in were my track shoes that I used in high school when I threw discus and shot put and (sometimes) ran the 400 yard relay.  It was high time for them to be replaced.

My friend told me about a great store for runners.  I went there and they fitted me for a pair of good shoes.  It was neat because they watched me walk/jog and paid attention to how my feet moved so they could recommend the best pair of shoes for me.  I tried on quite a few pairs before finding "the one"--the pair that didn't feel like I was wearing shoes, was comfortable, and fit just right!  (By the way, did you know that your running shoes should be about 1/2 a size larger than your street shoes so that when you run your toes don't hit the end and cause pain? I didn't!)

I have been wearing my new shoes for about a month now and running outside with them quite frequently.  The best part?  No pain!

On another note, I've been wanting an exercise ball for a long time.  It really helps my back when I lay on it and stretch out.  I've also heard that sitting on the ball while watching tv (or reading blogs on my laptop!) is a good way to build up core strength.  So when I saw this ball at Aldi for just $5.99, I snatched it up!  I've used it quite a bit and I'm loving it!