Friday, December 21, 2012

Galloway 10K Training Week 1

After a fantastic 5K, I was completely motivated to take on the world of running.  My mind was consumed with thoughts of 5Ks, 10Ks, and even 1/2 marathons.  I was ready to take my running to the next level. 

But where do I start?  When I began training for my 5K, the choice was easy- Couch to 5K is a well-known, and highly recommended program.  How do I train for longer distances? I've already picked a 10K race in April, I just have to be able to run it.  So, turning to my good friend Google, I begin my quest to find the right training program for me. 

After researching the programs, I decided on Jeff Galloway's 10K Training.  It starts with my level of capability, the times aren't drastically increased week to week, and the running commitment is only 3 times per week.  This will get me to a 10K long before April, which means I have room for a few setbacks.  I am not counting on any, but we all know it's inevitable. 

Once again, I will give you a weekly breakdown of my runs.  We have been slow getting started, and I'm sure the upcoming holidays will create a few obstacles.  Nevertheless, I started this program before Christmas because I didn't want to be lazy the entire month of December.  Let the training begin!!!

Week 1, Workout 1
20-25 min run
I was able to run 21 minutes, covering 1.75 miles.  The weather was cool and I feel like I've recovered from my cold/cough. 

Week 1, Workout 2
20-25 min run
I ran 22 minutes, 1.8 miles.  This was a morning run, but the weather was extremely humid.  Breathing proved to be a little difficult in the thick air.


Week 1, Workout 3
2 miles
I completed the 2 miles in 23:30.  I am beginning to enjoy running again.  Although, I was very glad to complete this run. 

Saturday, December 8, 2012

Rudolph Run 5k

Well, Nick and I completed our first 5K!!!  It was incredible!  The weather was cooperative and the festivities were fantastic.  The race left me feeling like I could do anything in the world.  Of course, I have plenty of pictures to share.  

The Rudolph Run 5K website encouraged us to dress in costumes.  And you know there was no way we were passing up this opportunity.  Kellie and I dressed as snowmen.  

I even convinced Nick get into the Christmas spirit.  

Originally, Nick and I were going to run our first race together.  But once the race started, I told Nick to go ahead and run at his own pace.  He finished a few minutes before me and had enough time to get the camera and snap a few photos as I finished the race.  

We waited for Kellie to finish her first 10k.  Here she is approaching the finish line.  

Afterwards we walked around,  and got a few pictures with Santa.  


Unbeknown to us, Kellie and I were entered into the costume contest.  (Because we had awesome Snowmen costumes, of course!!)  We had no intention of entering the contest, the race coordinator chose the contestants as we neared the finish line.  The little girl in the photo won the contest.  Congrats to her (even though she didn't seem very thrilled about it)!

And here we are showing off our finisher's medals.  


Monday, December 3, 2012

November Numbers for Nick

I chalked up 408,665 steps in November, accumulating 177 miles.

As for running - I logged 20 miles, though there are at least 3 runs not included in that number.

First race is this weekend, hopefully all will go well.

Saturday, December 1, 2012

White Tutu Party

My first 5k (Rudolph Run) is a week away...Christmas costumes are encouraged!  Time to get busy.  Kellie and I made our tutus today.  




I had no idea what I was getting myself into, luckily I had a pro to help me out.  Little did I realize how much work is involved in making a tutu.  We went to JoAnn's Fabric this morning and purchased our materials - sparkly white tulle and elastic.  Then we spent the majority of the afternoon making our white tutus and hats.  Now, I'm not going to spoil the fun and reveal the whole costume, but here is the finished tutu.


C25K Week 9

Well, this week has been sad.  I was sick all week, so running wasn't my top priority.  Nick and I decided we would just run 10 minutes each day until our 5k next week.  The stats are below, but no judgements please.  

Workout 1
30 min run (Actual: 10 min run)
I felt very accomplished when I finished running.  Our normal walk was leaving me winded, so running was a huge accomplishment this week.  Because our 5k is next weekend, Nick and I decided we will take it easy this week and next.  So technically we are not completing the C25K program, but we are running a 5k.  

Workouts 2 & 3
30 min run each day(Actual: 10 min run/3 min walk/2 min run/1 1/2 min walk/ 2 1/2 min run /2 1/2 min walk/4 1/2 min run)
We decided to combine the last two workouts.  The goal was to run 10 minutes, walk 3 minutes, run 10 minutes.  Obviously, that's not what happened.  After the first 10 minute run, I realized I'm not up to par yet.  I'm still having problems breathing, and that is setting me back a good bit.  I started the second part of the run, and could barely run 2 minutes.  I started walking and was going to walk the rest of the way home.  Then I decided, I'm not giving up, this cold isn't going to get the best of me.  So, I ran/walked the rest of the way.  The last run was a huge push for me, but I had to do it for myself.