Earlier last week, my mom approached me with the idea of participating in a 5K over the weekend. I wasn't too enthused about it, but I figured, "Why not?" The worst that could happen was a horrible finishing time. I haven't really been running (or exercising, for that matter) since my mom's accident. I've been a busy little bee between school, work, and cleaning this place. (It still amazes me how messy our tiny apartment can get in a matter of hours. And I want to marry the person who invented the dishwasher.)
Anyway, I ended up trying to run on Tuesday but it was a pretty awful attempt. I made it half a mile before my calves began screaming at me to STOP, STOP, STOP! FOR THE LOVE OF GOD, STOP RUNNING! I wasn't expecting much this time. I was just hoping to be able to do my usual run a mile, walk a mile, run a mile.
Well, that didn't happen. First of all, I never saw a Mile 1 marker. Second of all, this was the hilliest course I have ever run on. The places I've been running on have been pretty even with a few slight inclines now and then, but nothing like this. And just when you thought you had climbed the mountain, there looms another hill. Hills are not my friend.
When I saw the Mile 2 marker when I figured I was almost finished, I knew I had no chance of beating my time in April. (I hesitate to say PR because I haven't yet ran a 5K in a time I'm proud of. This probably isn't the best way to look at things, but whatever.) I was just hoping to be a little close to my time.
I ended up walking most of the race, which I'm not happy about. But I also told myself that I haven't been exercising or eating properly for the past month. I'm not in the shape I was even a month ago. And I need to stop taking these long breaks from running. I look back on my post in April, and cringe at how hopeful I sounded to be able to run a 5K by now. I'm disappointed in myself. For once, I want to stick to an exercise plan. I should be able to run a 5K by now, but I'm still struggling to even hit half a mile.
My official time was 46:40, which gives me a 15:20 pace which I guess isn't so bad since I walked most of it. I just know I can do better.
My plan is to sign up for a race every month. At this point, I think I'm going to stick with 5K's until I feel comfortable running 3 miles. I think it will keep me honest about training for them, if I know I have one coming up in just a few short weeks. And who knows? Maybe I'll come in under 40 minutes. That's a time I could call a PR.
I'm nervous about my first 5k on October 16th. I've ran four times so far, and I'm upping my distance, but I'm still walking-running-walking-running. My pace was about 10:50/mile yesterday, but I only ended up running/walking 1.15 miles, so I still have a way to go. I just have trouble figuring out how to breathe properly.
ReplyDeleteGood luck! You can definitely do it!
A race every month? That's AMAZING. Best of luck!!
ReplyDeleteI plan on walking my 5k this year. This goal of running a 5k every month is very admirable goal. Keep it up :) Am proud of you even if you are disappointed in yourself.
ReplyDeleteHey don't beat yourself up! You got out there and did it and that's a lot more then a lot of people can say!
ReplyDeleteYou still got out and attempted it! You could have easily just walked it, but you didn't. You should be proud of that. It's still an accomplishment! Congrats to you and your mom for getting out there.
ReplyDeleteI always try to "cram" training into a week or two and it just never works. Way to get out there though and get it done!
ReplyDeleteI am proud of you for getting out there love! Pat yourself on the back for the progress.
ReplyDeleteDo not beat yourself up over this! You got out there & finished the race, which is something to be proud of. Congratulate yourself on finishing and set your sight on the next race! We all have our runs that don't go so well. And we all have to start someone. heck, I was not able to run a mile when i started running in 2005... And now i am training for a marathon, so really, the sky is the limit!!
ReplyDeleteYou did it! thats all that matters!
ReplyDeleteYou rocked this Stephany, especially because this race has tripled your resolve from the sound of things! Can't wait to hear your progress :)
ReplyDeleteAll that matters is that you DID IT! I'm so proud of you!
ReplyDeleteConfession: Last year, I had a goal for myself that I would sign up for one 5k every month before I turned 26. I did it twice and then the rest of the time, just made sure I would run a 5k on my own (except for the months of the stupid knee injury). So what I'm saying is: go for it! You can do it. And if you don't want to spend the $ on the races you can always join a running club and get support + free 5k runs in that way.
ReplyDeleteDon't get yourself down...you tried and that's all that matters! Good lord, I run out of breath just thinking about running ONE mile!
ReplyDeleteI think it is really hard to keep up with exercise when you have a family emergency. Even if you want to, sometimes, you just can't.
ReplyDeleteYou'll get back in to it! Doing this 5K was a step in the right direction! :)
You should be proud of yourself for getting out there and doing it! I think it's great to set the goal of a race a month. All you can do your best and if you sign up then you know you'll do it! You'll get better if you keep it up! :)
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