Boo-ya!

Just had to share so fun news - at least it's fun for me!

Last night I ran a 5K (without walking, passing out, or dying!) on the treadmill!

WOO HOO!

This means several things:

1. I can DO THIS. No really, I can! On September 22, I set my mind on running a 5K. Last night, less than 2 months later - I did it!

2. I may not be the most embarrassing runner to watch at the 5K in December. Listen. I'm all about being confident, but if I can just be honest - sometimes that confidence comes from the dark place of knowing you won't be the slowest one out there. Just bein' real, people.

3. Now I have a PR (that would be runner-speak for "Personal Record") to beat on December 4th. I think this is pretty awesome, and I KNOW I can do better than I did last night. In fact, I'm ready to shatter that PR the next time I run!

Sadly, the only living thing who was around to celebrate with me last night was my dog. Incidentally, he spent the time I ran on the treadmill SLEEPING on the carpet next to me. Some cheering section.

Three Weeks!

Three weeks from today, I will be running my first 5K!!!!!

My Dad reminded me of this as we took a walk this morning. I wish I could bottle up today's weather and keep it for 3 weeks - a perfect, crisp, sunny fall day!

It has been so fun to have so many friends and family join the 5K wagon - we have quite a group running on December 4th! I can't wait to recap the run and share pics and stories!

In other news, someone has a new pair of running shoes...

I think the sparkles will make me go faster, don't you?

Massive Jlogging Update!

I would have never guessed this would happen.

I sort of felt it coming on, but ignored it.

It has been like a small seed, growing in my psyche.

It's been nurtured, watered, and fertilized.

And now - it's growing!

I LOVE RUNNING. Not only is it fun, but I sort of love all the sweating!

I am still plugging along on my Couch to 5K program, I am now at Week 7 Day 1. I have gotten off track of doing the runs on a routine basis (like Monday, Wednesday, Friday), but I am in a routine of running every 2-3 days. I have found that with the runs switching to longer distances, I'm needing more time to recover! Poor muscles are saying, "WHAT IS SHE DOING?!?"

I am still running outside and on the treadmill, but I've given up on the pacing. At least for now. I've found that with the longer distance, my pace on the treadmill is still the same pace outside. No change. NONE. I've clocked it. Several times. ;o)

One of the things frustrating me is how slow I am. Right now, I have to run 4.5mph to make the distance/time requirements of my C25K day. It's fine, but annoying! I really want to get to at least a 5.0mph pace by my first 5K (which is about a month from now - yikes!).

While I get frustrated with my pace, I know it's okay. I'm a beginner! This is just the beginning of the journey. When I started C25K, I could barely do Week 1 Day 1 without seeing stars! Now - I can run 25 minutes without stopping!

My goals for the 5K are twofold:

1. Run the entire race without stopping.

2. Have fun!

I have an awesome team running the 5K with me - my Dad and a TON of friends! This will be an awesome memory!!

I thought it might be fun to update you on some of my initial observations/lessons about running, which I talked about here.

Lesson #1: When you aren't a runner, jogging 8 minutes is equal to a torture chamber.

Update: Let me clarify that this was running 8 minutes with frequent walking breaks. Now, I can run 8 minutes without stopping!!!! And - it doesn't feel like torture!

Lesson #2: The correct - ahem - supportive clothing is PARAMOUNT. I need to remedy the issue immediately.

Update: The issue has been remedied. Glory to God. Ha!

Lesson #3: Great running music is KEY.

Update: This is SO TRUE! I have some great songs in my rotation now, but am always looking for new tunes! I am planning a new post on music, and I'm thinking I'll include my favorite running tunes and ask for suggestions!!

Lesson #4: Holding your iPod is annoying.

Update: Annoying indeed! Thankfully, I purchased this arm band for my iPhone, and a matching arm band for my iPod. They are excellent!

Lesson #5: Motivation is a big issue.

Update: The mental game has provided many tough moments. Last week, I was literally talking to myself on the treadmill. OUT LOUD. Keep going! You can do this! You can walk in 8 more minutes! You are strong! DO NOT STOP!!!!!!!!

I will continue to keep you posted on my progress. This has been such a fun experience! I can't wait to recap my first 5K!