Gotta love it...

So, I took 3 weeks off from running due to various excuses such as travel for work, having a cold, and some foot issues I've been having randomly (with zero explanation). But let's be honest, they're all excuses!

Yesterday I went running in the 25* F weather and was not really excited about it, literally felt like I needed to drag my bottom out of bed. So I get out there, just thinking ok, let's just see how I do, not going to put any set times on myself to run, just going to see where I'm at after my break. Much to my surprise, I was able to run LONGER than I was able to before my break. Now, keep in mind, I am no marathoner (yet!) and I started out running no more than 60 seconds at a time, and no I'm not joking. Yesterday I ran for 5 minutes straight, took a quick walk break and then ran for another 7 minutes straight. I was so proud of myself, haha. How pathetic.

Later that night I went to hip-hop class, and am now regrettably very achy and sore. But hey, I enjoyed both the run and dance class...so it was worth it. Anyway, just an update to keep me on my toes. Looking forward to my run tomorrow.

93 days until I run my first 5k.

Week 4

Well, so here we have arrived at week 4 of my training for my first 5K. Now, keep in mind I am not running until March 31st, but I have to say, today's run was a doozie. However pathetic that may sound, it's not an easy task when you've literally never run before except in gym class. Call me lazy, but what counts is that I'm doing it now.

So this week I'm alternating: 5 minute warm up, 3 minute run, 1:30 walk, 5 minute run, 2:30 walk, 3 minute run, 1:30 walk, and then lastly another 5 minute run, and 5 minute cooldown. I thought that this task would be easier, but my ass, was kicked today, but the same run on Monday, was not bad, which makes no sense because I was running the same amount of time. Go figure.

Needless to say, I will be repeating this week, because in week 5, I will need to be running for 20 minutes straight, and even in my just barely hilly neighborhood, I'm not sure that I can do that.

I've been reading tons of blogs and websites about running, training, how to fuel your body, etc etc and I have found some really good sources for motivation and suggestions for n00b runners like myself. I need to keep my motivation and my spirits up. Otherwise, I will not be able to complete anything.

And mark my words, I will run the entire way through that 5K, even if it takes me a week to do it.

Just breathe.

God grant me the serenity to accept the things I cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to know the difference.

I cannot possibly take credit for those words, but they're words to live by.

Feed the Need 5K 2012

"I am not built like a runner. No one runs in my family. My bones aren’t weightless. My legs aren’t gazelle-like. As a child, no one ever said, “Now that one…she’s going to be a runner.” I am not a marathon runner. But, I know that no one is a marathon runner until they actually run one."

That is all. Oh yea, and I'm running my first 5K on March 31st, 2012. See flyer above.

8th Annual Feed the Need Hammonasset 5K

Madison, CT 9:00AM Hammonasset Beach State Park, 1288 Boston Post Road

SO PUMPED. CAN'T WAIT.

Training for a 5K

I never thought I'd be saying this, but I am currently training for a 5K, which I hope to run in January of 2012. I have NEVER been a runner. In fact, I'm quite terrible at it, and I'm sure it's a horrific sight.

I've been trying to get others involved in this scheme of mine, including my boyfriend. We ran together tonight, and I can't tell you how grateful I was - especially knowing that he does not like to or want to run. My cousin ran the New York City Marathon this year, and I cannot tell you how motivated it has made me. I realize that a 5K is peanuts compared to that, but hey, you have to start somewhere, right? I've been alternating walking and jogging for different intervals of time for 30 minutes (with 5 mins warmup & cool down). I always want to quit the first cycle or two, but it gets easier as the workout continues, and I'm always itching to go on my days off. And let me tell you, that is extremely rare for me. Who actually enjoys exercising? Well not me, until recently at least.

So, I've done two days of running so far, every other day, going to the gym doing some cross-training, lifting weights, hip-hop class, Zumba tomorrow possibly. Running every other day for me is certainly a good idea, no matter how much I want to run the day after. I need to give myself the chance to recuperate from my workouts. I don't want to wear myself out too quickly or get discouraged. I've been reading running forums and trying to get tips from people who are long time runners and marathoners. I know this doesn't guarantee me that I'll be an amazing runner, but it certainly can't hurt right?

Plus, I'd like to get me a pair of those runner legs...so kill me, ok?

Summer isn't over until I say it's over...

The summer is coming to an end, far too quickly as far as I'm concerned. When did it all start moving so quickly?

I swung by where I went to college today to visit some friends, and it made me miss college...but that's nothing new. September is days away, and I am loving the cooler weather, but I'm still holding on to what summer meant when I was a kid.

I am going on a cruise in just about two weeks to Bermuda with my boyfriend's family, and I am welcoming the break, let me tell you. I cannot wait. No cell phone service, no worries, no responsibilities, just endless pina coladas, sun, sand, and good times. I'm seriously looking forward to it.

I am going to enjoy my day off tomorrow and try to relax, and hopefully, if it's nice out, soak up some sun.