Galloway 10k Training Week 4

Week 4, Workout 1
25-30 minute run (Actual 1 mile)
Went for a run today.  I was in a time crunch.  I got off of work, took the dogs for a walk, had to run, get washed up and dressed for dinner with coworkers.  Therefore, my run was a short one.  It was cool outside, so my breathing was a little erratic. I was glad that my run was only 1 mile, time 11:08.  

Week 4, Workout 2
25-30 minute run
The weather was nice today, temperature 70 degrees with humidity.  We ran outside today.  I'm a little disappointed because my GPS on my Nike watch never picked up, so I only have the foot pod data.  In the first 10 minutes, I always want to stop running and start walking.  I realized if I can make it past the 12 minute mark, I usually can continue the run without any problems.  I ran 2.1 miles in 25 minutes.  Overall, it was a good run.

Week 4, Workout 3
4 mile run
Well, it's been a week since my shoes have hit the road.  I was determined to run today.  Nick and I walked the dogs, and it started raining at the end of the walk.  The rain subsided and we decided to take our chances, there was no way I was going to run 4 miles on the treadmill.  I ran the first mile, then I did run/walk intervals for the remaining 3 miles.  The weather was very humid, making breathing a little difficult.  

This was my longest run ever.  After my first mile, I thought there was no way I would be able to finish the rest.  Nick ran at my pace and walked when I needed to walk.  This was helpful, and probably why I didn't give up.  It took 50:03 to complete the 4 miles, making my average pace 12'29"/mile.  

ABB 5K

The ABB 5K was an incredible experience; it is held in conjunction with the Houston Chevron Marathon.  This was my second 5K and I was hoping for a little better results, but the fact of the matter is I completed a 5K and I am proud of that.  There were 3183 runners, so the streets always seemed a bit crowded.  I felt like I couldn't keep a steady pace because I was slowing down due to the person in front of me or I was having to speed up to pass people.  The weather was approximately 70 degrees and humid, very humid.  The roads were wet, which means some spots were pretty slick.  Although rain threatened the race, it held off, and I was very grateful for that.   

The picture below is me and Kellie after the race, showing off our finisher's medals.  

Official results for ABB 5K held on Saturday, January 12, 2013. 
- Official Time:  36:07
- 1812 of 3183 finishers
- 133 of 262 females aged 30-34
- 856 of 1826 all females

Galloway 10k Training Week 3

Week 3, Workout 1

25-30 min run
Well the weather has been pretty awful lately.  It's been cold and raining the last couple of weeks.  Today was no different.  I decided to run on the treadmill this afternoon.  I ran for a total of 25 minutes, covering 2.2 miles.  At about 12:30, I walked for about a minute and a half, then I ran the rest of the way.  I couldn't get my Nike watch to create a lap, so times are estimated.  The run was decent, would have been better if I would have ran outside.  Oh well, maybe next time.  

Week 3, Workout 2
25-30 min run
It finally stopped raining today.  The weather has been so miserable, that I'd almost given up on running.  When I got home from work, I took the two dogs for a walk.  They did not do well.  They've been cooped up inside for the last two days due to the weather, and today was like they had never been on a walk before.  They had to stop and sniff everything.  Crossing other people on the path was a pain; they barked and jumped and just overall misbehaved.  By the time I finished the two mile walk, I was ready to give them up for adoption.  I had convinced myself I would just run tomorrow.  

Then I got home, and put on my running shoes.  I needed to go for a run.  I needed to burn off some of this frustration.  So I ran.  It was ah-mazing!!!!  The weather felt great, refreshing.  I ran 30 minutes, 2.54 miles.  I could have just kept running.  The weather calls for rain the next few days, but at least I had a good run today.   

Week 3, Workout 3
3 mile run
Make that a 3.1 mile run!!!  Kellie and I ran the ABB 5K this morning.  The weather was cloudy, temperature about 70 degrees with 90% humidity.  My goal was to run the entire way, but I ended up walking approximately 3 minutes.  Regardless, I finished!  

Emily's 2013 Goals

On January 1st, I made a list of goals for 2013.  I am only going to have 5 official goals, so I can focus my efforts on them.  My only other "goal" for the year is to go on vacation.  I want to get away for a few days, not worry about work or anything else.  I just want to be able to relax for a little while.  

Emily's 2013 Goals

1. Weigh 130 by June 2013, and maintain through December 31, 2013
2. Complete 13 races in 2013
3. Drink 64 ounces of water each day
4. Read 12 books
5. Post on blog at least once a week

2012 in Review

I've noticed there are vastly different opinions about the year 2012.  Some people say it was a really good year, while others say it was a really bad year.  I agree with the latter.  My opinion has nothing to do with politics or finances or anything like that; 2012 was just not a good year for us.  I am not going into detail about the year, I'm just glad that it's over.  

On November 1st, I decided to write down some goals for the end of the year.  Something to work towards.  I read that not only should you set goals, but they should be written down and end dates set for each goal.  It was also suggested that your goals should be visible, don't hide them in a desk drawer to be forgotten.  So I printed out my goals and put them on the refrigerator.  Below is a review of my 2012 goals.  

Emily's 2012 Goals

1. Run 3 times per week 
• Completed
2. Complete the Couch to 5K Program
• Finished C25K program
3. Complete a 5K in December
• Rudolph Run 5K
4. Weigh 140 lbs. by end of year
• No weight loss
5. Drink 64 ounces of water each day
• I did not always achieve 64 ounces, but have become more aware of my water consumption.  

Overall, I am satisfied.  I am proud to say I completed a 5K, something I never thought I would be able to do.  Now it's time to focus on 2013!

Galloway 10k Training Week 2

Week 2, Workout 1
20-25 min run
My first attempt was a failure.  I got on the treadmill and only lasted 7:48.  I was overheated and couldn't run any further.  

Take 2.  We were visiting my parents, and ran down their road.  My little nephew stayed in the driveway and cheered us on as we passed him.  The road is right at 1 mile, so we passed him twice.  Let me tell you, it's pretty encouraging when you have a cheering section.  The weather was nice and it felt great to run outside.  I ran 23 minutes, completing 2 miles.  

Week 2, Workout 2
20-25 min run
I ran on the treadmill again.  This time I ran 21 minutes, for a distance of 1.8 miles.

Week 2, Workout 3
2 mile run
The week has been hectic with the holidays, and it's taken me almost two weeks to complete week 2.  I promise I will stick to the program in the New Year.

This evening we walked the dogs, and I was freezing the entire time.  The temperature was in the mid-40s.  We are running a 5K next weekend, and I know if I don't run this week I'll have a hard time finishing the race.  Today Kellie pointed out that I used to only run on the treadmill and refused to run outside.  My, how times have changed. 

I really didn't want to run, but I finally convinced myself to get on the treadmill.  The run was okay.  My breathing was decent, and my legs didn't hurt, I just really don't like running on the treadmill.  I ran the entire 2 miles in 21:45.