Since the end of December I have been training for a 10K race. My goals for the New Year were to exercise at least three times a week, which ended up turning into doing at least three races this year which obviously meant I would have to exercise at least 3 times each week. I have been successful and this past weekend I completed my second race for this year so far. At the end of March, I completed the Ukrop's Monument Ave 10K that I had been training for ! The race was crazy crowded, over 40,000 people participated, the sideline volunteers made the event fun, but the dodging of runners was one downfall. Overall I was pleased with my performance, my time was 51:04, for my first 10K! I was just glad I was able to finish it after all the hard work, pain and sweat I put into training. Just about 2 months ago I injured my knee running on some hilly trails. The pain will come and go and it felt pretty good up until the day of the race, but if you know me then you know I can't let pain get in the way, so I persevered and I have lived to tell about (with continued pain of course, I may be stubborn). I did rest the knee a few days last week before the race this past weekend.
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| With my BFF(s) at the 10K |
This weekend's race, Point of Honor 5K, was fun, it was quite a bit smaller than the 10K which made it a little easier as far as not tripping over people, but there were some killer hills on the course. I ended up finishing with a time of 24:05 and got first in my age group, definitely an encouragement and motivation booster. It definitely helped running the race with someone, typically I run alone because I am an addicted music listener while I run and so if I run with someone I don't want to be rude. My dear friend Heather understands and pushed me along the way to the finish line as I jammed out to my tunes.
Up next, this coming weekend I will be getting muddy and dodging obstacles with some girlfriends from work at the MudWarrior race in Charlottesville to benefit the Hope Community Center. I am a little nervous, mostly because I don't want to injury myself (I am very clumsy), but overall we will have a fun time and enjoy a fun girls night out afterward in my old stomping grounds.
So since I can't be content in having just run a 10K, my new goal is to run in the Richmond half marathon in November. I have contemplated running the Virginia 10 miler and the jury is still out on that one.
I have really enjoyed being more active and healthier. It has made a difference in how I feel about myself and has given me a competitive outlet that I have been missing since my days of college field hockey. More recently I have been working towards focusing on having fun with running and not becoming obsessed with it because I can tend to be somewhat intense at the get go and not always get the complete joy out of some experiences ( if this makes any sense). I know that the Lord could take all of this away tomorrow, so I remain thankful for this ability and remind myself to take each day at a time.
I have learned so much about running over the past few months, I am constantly being introduced to new vocabulary, people, tips, etc. It is fun to surround yourself with supportive and motivating people when your so passionate about something. Although I am a newbie I have been so pleased with how friendly and supportive the running community has been here. Not to mention the support and encouragement from my friends and family, it is vital especially when I am having a less than motivated day.
One item that has kept my steam up during training is my Garmin watch my amazing in laws got me (so thoughtful!) I love being able to constantly see my mileage and pace (it can become a little bit of an obsession).
Well I guess I have rambled enough about my recent running adventures...Have any tips?
Wish me luck this weekend as I get down and dirty (hopefully not so much of the down part).
