I saw an email from Fleet Feet the other day advertising a free 5K for tonight. I asked my cousin if she was up for it. She said she was in, so I packed it up early at work tonight and headed that way. My running buddies told me this morning they were expecting a PR. I thought it was a possibility as it was a night race (I run faster at night), and I've been putting in lots of miles and feeling stronger. My last PR was a 33:27 last April.
I forgot my watch, which was a little frustrating, because I had no clue on my distance or speed the whole time. I told Emily before we started I was going to shoot for a PR and she was a huge encourager. So, race started and I kicked it, probably a touch too fast. I think the first mile is the worst, it just takes that long to get in the groove. But I digress, I just ran and ran hard. Hard enough it hurt a little but with enough reserve to try to make it the whole time. It started out on concrete, which I don't love, but then we turned and ran through a very pretty neighborhood. There was some incline, a one short but tough real incline, but once that one was over, the last half was a lot of decline. I tried to take advantage of every one of those. I was going crazy in my mind wondering what my pace was, I knew I was running hard, but I just have no sense of pace.
When we turned back into the parking lot, I was wincing to see the clock. Couldn't see, couldn't see, finally started to make it out, 33:07, I think kick it, beat your time, until I get a little closer and see it's not 33 minutes, it's 30 minutes. Shock I tell you, pure shock and joy!! I run to the finish and pass the clock at 31:07. Woo-hoo!!!! 2:20 faster than last year!! Almost a 10 minute pace!!
And I didn't believe it. See, tonight was called a Ladies First. So they started the women, then 2 minutes later started the men. So, I think, they must have started the clock over when the guys left, and that's ok, I still PR'd. So I found the race girl, and asked if they started the clock over. She said NO!!! I fist pumped, might have scared her a little, and a grin that would not go away crossed my face.
So here I sit, with achy legs, and a goofy grin! I'm one excited girl! Thanks to Emily for meeting me (wouldn't have made it otherwise) and for cheering me on! Good times!
Monday, February 11, 2013
Sunday, February 3, 2013
February Happiness Project
So I really, really liked the January Happiness Project more than I expected. I may not have met all goals perfectly, but I made progress in all areas.
January was all about surviving work, and I did it, with much more grace and many fewer breakdowns than last year. Yay, me. During February, I would like to continue with the January goals, but add some new things. February's focus is going to be health. So here are the problems, and the goals.
1. 6 pounds. Yes, January was a success in many areas, but I also apparently ate my way thru January, and between it and the holidays, I've put on about 6 pounds in the past few months. Not pretty. My clothes are tighter and it just doesn't feel good. By the end of February, at least 4 of those need to be gone! A pound a week is not too much to ask, right??
2. Arms. I've been doing a better job with my abs when I'm on the floor doing my hip exercises. Normally, I just add some crunches to the mix, but my arms are getting nothing! So, I ordered some 3 pound weights yesterday to be delivered to my office. I watched a you tube video with a 15 minute workout. I think I can incorporate some of these during lunch maybe 3 times a week, just to do something to be working on my arms.
3. Water. At some point last year, my friend, Melissa, and I started holding each other accountable during the day on drinking 64 ounces of water. It really helped me. It's not that I don't like water, I just get busy during the day and forget to fill up my cup. We jumped back on the wagon yesterday, and mission accomplished! When I drink my water, I find myself with less headaches, less desire for Coke, and I know it's great for me.
4. Lunch. It's my most difficult meal of the day. I really wish I weren't hungry and I didn't have to worry with it. I rarely leave for lunch during the work day, so most days, I end up sending money with whoever is headed out to bring me something back. Bad idea, unhealthy and expensive. So, last week, I headed to Target and bought fruits, yogurt, string cheese, etc. so I would have some healthy alternatives in the office. Friday, I made my first smoothie in the office. I overdid it on the spinach, but overall, not too bad. So, the plan is to eat in and healthy on the days I don't have lunch plans. The biggest challenge is planning ahead and making sure I have food at the office. Planning ahead is not my strong suite, but I need to be working on bettering myself, right?
So, that's the plan. I can't go too stringent on dieting rules, it just doesn't work for me, I have a bit of a rebel streak, and when I set strict parameters, it seems like all I want to do is eat pizza and Snickers, so hopefully some added exercise, more water, and more intentional food choices will help me feel stronger and healthier by the end of the month. I'll keep you posted!
January was all about surviving work, and I did it, with much more grace and many fewer breakdowns than last year. Yay, me. During February, I would like to continue with the January goals, but add some new things. February's focus is going to be health. So here are the problems, and the goals.
1. 6 pounds. Yes, January was a success in many areas, but I also apparently ate my way thru January, and between it and the holidays, I've put on about 6 pounds in the past few months. Not pretty. My clothes are tighter and it just doesn't feel good. By the end of February, at least 4 of those need to be gone! A pound a week is not too much to ask, right??
2. Arms. I've been doing a better job with my abs when I'm on the floor doing my hip exercises. Normally, I just add some crunches to the mix, but my arms are getting nothing! So, I ordered some 3 pound weights yesterday to be delivered to my office. I watched a you tube video with a 15 minute workout. I think I can incorporate some of these during lunch maybe 3 times a week, just to do something to be working on my arms.
3. Water. At some point last year, my friend, Melissa, and I started holding each other accountable during the day on drinking 64 ounces of water. It really helped me. It's not that I don't like water, I just get busy during the day and forget to fill up my cup. We jumped back on the wagon yesterday, and mission accomplished! When I drink my water, I find myself with less headaches, less desire for Coke, and I know it's great for me.
4. Lunch. It's my most difficult meal of the day. I really wish I weren't hungry and I didn't have to worry with it. I rarely leave for lunch during the work day, so most days, I end up sending money with whoever is headed out to bring me something back. Bad idea, unhealthy and expensive. So, last week, I headed to Target and bought fruits, yogurt, string cheese, etc. so I would have some healthy alternatives in the office. Friday, I made my first smoothie in the office. I overdid it on the spinach, but overall, not too bad. So, the plan is to eat in and healthy on the days I don't have lunch plans. The biggest challenge is planning ahead and making sure I have food at the office. Planning ahead is not my strong suite, but I need to be working on bettering myself, right?
So, that's the plan. I can't go too stringent on dieting rules, it just doesn't work for me, I have a bit of a rebel streak, and when I set strict parameters, it seems like all I want to do is eat pizza and Snickers, so hopefully some added exercise, more water, and more intentional food choices will help me feel stronger and healthier by the end of the month. I'll keep you posted!
Saturday, February 2, 2013
Super Bowl Saturday
I'm linking up with Sarah today for some Super Bowl talk!
Yup, still cheering for the Ravens. There is actually a guy from my hometown on the 49ers, so I wouldn't be disappointed at all to see him win a ring! I just hope it's a great game!
Looking forward to a good time with friends and football, two of my favorites!
1. Do you watch the actual game or only watch
for commercials and half time?
The game. If you know me, you know I love football! Funny commercials are just a bonus.
The game. If you know me, you know I love football! Funny commercials are just a bonus.
2. Which team did you want to make it to the
Superbowl?
I enjoy keeping up with the Titans, but they made it clear early on they wouldn't be contending this year. As the playoffs rolled around, I jumped on the Ray-Lewis-is-retiring-Go-Ravens bandwagon, much to the dismay of all my Peyton/Denver loving friends.
I enjoy keeping up with the Titans, but they made it clear early on they wouldn't be contending this year. As the playoffs rolled around, I jumped on the Ray-Lewis-is-retiring-Go-Ravens bandwagon, much to the dismay of all my Peyton/Denver loving friends.
3. Which team will you root for? The Ravens or the 49ers?
Looking forward to a good time with friends and football, two of my favorites!
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