I am usually not a huge cyber Monday shopper and its been close to a decade since I went out on black Friday. This year however I found a deal I really could not turn down. I really want to do an obstacle course 5k in 2013 and low and behold like a sign, there was a deal for a 2013 race. Guess who is officially signed up for Warrior Dash 2013?
This girl!
September 21, 2013.
I am excited, scared, anxious, ecstatic....so much. Scary to book so far in advance but damn it I need to start doing the things I want to but have been afraid to in the past.
Did you get any good cyber Monday deals?
~A
Showing posts with label 5K. Show all posts
Showing posts with label 5K. Show all posts
Tuesday, November 27, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
In the battle of brain vs. brawn...
That was the story of my 5k race on 9/8. It was the Shawn M. Nassaney Memorial 5k (http://shawnmnassaney.org/). I signed up for this race for a couple reasons.
1) It was part of my August goals to run another 5K
2) The hubs works with Pat - Shawn's brother and the race organizer
3) My company decided to be really awesome and cover the cost of the race for the first 50 registrants.
So good cause, free to me, and helps out one of Joe's co-workers...why wouldn't I do it?
Well, a couple things were weighing on my mind. This race started at 1 PM vs. a usual 9 AM start time. I was not sure how to eat and hydrate for the race. Plus the weather is a big contributor. Because I had heat stroke as a kid, the heat really effects me. The hottest I tend to run outside in is in the mid 70's. I know, weak. But I am sensitive to the heat and due to my high heart rate when I run, my body temp soars...I end up a sweaty, red faced mess when I run when it is in the 70 degree range. So I was really concerned with how the weather would fare, but I signed up.
Come race day...forecast called for 80+ degree weather. There was a chance of thunderstorms...my saving grace I convinced myself. I love running in the rain. Unfortunately by noon when we got there, it was 82 degrees.
Then, they changed the course. No longer on the (very shady) cross country trail. Nope...it was loops in the sports fields...almost full sun. So not only was it in the sun, but it was loops. Big bummer.
I tried to keep my head in the game...but doubts ate away at my confidence.
By the time the race finally started, I could have predicted what would happen next. By the end of the first lap and a third of the way in I was struggling not to overheat myself, willing myself not to give up. Halfway into my second lap, I walked. A HUGE disappointment to myself which only made it worse. When I was halfway through my second lap, the fast guys were finishing. Not good for the mental battle.
I do have to give myself some kudos and say that I did not give up. I finished. I did a lot more walking than I wanted to, but even with that my time was somewhere in the mid 33 minute time frame, meaning I averaged around an 11 minute pace.
After the race I was feeling it. The ever growing pain that has been bothering me on and off in my left leg burned and screamed. It still hurts a week later. On top of losing my mental battle in the race and being super down on myself, I think I hurt myself too. Huge bummer. I still have to call a doctor to get it checked out. We will see how that goes I guess.
Overall, not a good feeling. I know I can run a 5k without stopping, but I lost the mental battle that day and then felt worse because of it. My plan is to remember this, learn from it, and move on. In hindsight, if this is my worst 5k ever, I feel lucky.
I have another race on 9/30 and barring not having a serious leg injury, I am planning to rock it. It is earlier in the day and should be cooler so I will have that going for me. Only time will tell though.
In this battle of brains vs. brawn, brains won and not in a good way I am afraid. But I can and will do better.
Have you lost a mental battle in a race? How did you overcome it?
~A
1) It was part of my August goals to run another 5K
2) The hubs works with Pat - Shawn's brother and the race organizer
3) My company decided to be really awesome and cover the cost of the race for the first 50 registrants.
So good cause, free to me, and helps out one of Joe's co-workers...why wouldn't I do it?
Well, a couple things were weighing on my mind. This race started at 1 PM vs. a usual 9 AM start time. I was not sure how to eat and hydrate for the race. Plus the weather is a big contributor. Because I had heat stroke as a kid, the heat really effects me. The hottest I tend to run outside in is in the mid 70's. I know, weak. But I am sensitive to the heat and due to my high heart rate when I run, my body temp soars...I end up a sweaty, red faced mess when I run when it is in the 70 degree range. So I was really concerned with how the weather would fare, but I signed up.
Come race day...forecast called for 80+ degree weather. There was a chance of thunderstorms...my saving grace I convinced myself. I love running in the rain. Unfortunately by noon when we got there, it was 82 degrees.
Then, they changed the course. No longer on the (very shady) cross country trail. Nope...it was loops in the sports fields...almost full sun. So not only was it in the sun, but it was loops. Big bummer.
I tried to keep my head in the game...but doubts ate away at my confidence.
By the time the race finally started, I could have predicted what would happen next. By the end of the first lap and a third of the way in I was struggling not to overheat myself, willing myself not to give up. Halfway into my second lap, I walked. A HUGE disappointment to myself which only made it worse. When I was halfway through my second lap, the fast guys were finishing. Not good for the mental battle.
I do have to give myself some kudos and say that I did not give up. I finished. I did a lot more walking than I wanted to, but even with that my time was somewhere in the mid 33 minute time frame, meaning I averaged around an 11 minute pace.
After the race I was feeling it. The ever growing pain that has been bothering me on and off in my left leg burned and screamed. It still hurts a week later. On top of losing my mental battle in the race and being super down on myself, I think I hurt myself too. Huge bummer. I still have to call a doctor to get it checked out. We will see how that goes I guess.
Overall, not a good feeling. I know I can run a 5k without stopping, but I lost the mental battle that day and then felt worse because of it. My plan is to remember this, learn from it, and move on. In hindsight, if this is my worst 5k ever, I feel lucky.
I have another race on 9/30 and barring not having a serious leg injury, I am planning to rock it. It is earlier in the day and should be cooler so I will have that going for me. Only time will tell though.
In this battle of brains vs. brawn, brains won and not in a good way I am afraid. But I can and will do better.
Have you lost a mental battle in a race? How did you overcome it?
~A
Thursday, September 13, 2012
August Goals Recap
My apologies for being a bit MIA, but don't worry too much - I've been running in my spare time still, but just not finding the time for blogging about it.
So how did I do against my August goals? I know, you've been waiting on the edge of your seat waiting for an update every day during the month of September right? ha ha. All of my seven followers...I like to think many more of you have me in your blog roll in some sort of reading application, so let's go with that. In my mind, there are like hundreds of you. So consider yourself part of my entourage. No, that's not the right word. It'll come to me eventually.
Without further ado...
1) Average 1.25 per day in August - aka run 38.75 miles or more in August. Where did I end up you ask?
Over 45 Miles!!!!!
That's right my friends. Well over my goal. Thank you, thank you. Please hold your applause towards the end.
2) Complete another 5 mile run. Oh I almost feel like laughing at this one. Not only did I do another five mile run, I did a 6 mile run and then another 6 mile run/walk. I owned this goal. That's right, I owned it. But you knew that since I posted about my 10K. So maybe you aren't as impressed. Fine then. Whatever. But I totally am.
One of the other Moms Run This Town Chapter Leaders posted this image after a run and this sums up my feelings on this rather nicely.
3) Sign up for another 5K. Yes, yes I did. I signed up for a run on 9/8 and another 5K on 9/30. It's after 9/8 you say, well, I'll do another post about that 'experience'.
So yes, I completed all of my August goals. So there!
~A
So how did I do against my August goals? I know, you've been waiting on the edge of your seat waiting for an update every day during the month of September right? ha ha. All of my seven followers...I like to think many more of you have me in your blog roll in some sort of reading application, so let's go with that. In my mind, there are like hundreds of you. So consider yourself part of my entourage. No, that's not the right word. It'll come to me eventually.
Without further ado...
1) Average 1.25 per day in August - aka run 38.75 miles or more in August. Where did I end up you ask?
Over 45 Miles!!!!!
That's right my friends. Well over my goal. Thank you, thank you. Please hold your applause towards the end.
2) Complete another 5 mile run. Oh I almost feel like laughing at this one. Not only did I do another five mile run, I did a 6 mile run and then another 6 mile run/walk. I owned this goal. That's right, I owned it. But you knew that since I posted about my 10K. So maybe you aren't as impressed. Fine then. Whatever. But I totally am.
One of the other Moms Run This Town Chapter Leaders posted this image after a run and this sums up my feelings on this rather nicely.
3) Sign up for another 5K. Yes, yes I did. I signed up for a run on 9/8 and another 5K on 9/30. It's after 9/8 you say, well, I'll do another post about that 'experience'.
So yes, I completed all of my August goals. So there!
~A
Friday, August 10, 2012
Virtual Races
So I've discovered a new goal...Running bling. I heard some of the other MRTT ladies talking about Running Bling - aka medals you get for doing some races, so now I'm determined to get some.
I saw a couple upcoming virtual races that are for a good cause and conveniently have bling, so I'm in.
Here are a couple I signed up for:
Barking Mad About Breast Cancer Virtual 10K
It's a 10K run - August 16 targeted date that you do on your own and this one the proceeds go to the Susan B Komen foundation. This should be a good challenge for me. I can run 5 miles...and it's in my August goals to do so. I figure even if I run the first five and walk the last I'm good to go.
Bling:
Books From Bug Virtual Half Marathon
Virtual half marathon sponsored by BooksFromBug.org. Between August 15, 2012 and August 31, 2012 get 13.1 miles completed in either a series of walks/runs or all at once.
Definitely won't be all at once for me, but I'm game. :) Bling available. No picture so it's a teaser.
The Great Cupcake Race Virtual 5k/10k
This is a 5K or 10K run on or about September 8, 2012. Proceeds will benefit TNT (Team in Training). It includes bling as well, but no image yet. Another teaser. Can't wait to see what it is!!
So that's a few items brewing in my world lately. Looks like I'm going to be a busy girl!
~A
I saw a couple upcoming virtual races that are for a good cause and conveniently have bling, so I'm in.
Here are a couple I signed up for:
Barking Mad About Breast Cancer Virtual 10K
It's a 10K run - August 16 targeted date that you do on your own and this one the proceeds go to the Susan B Komen foundation. This should be a good challenge for me. I can run 5 miles...and it's in my August goals to do so. I figure even if I run the first five and walk the last I'm good to go.
Bling:
Books From Bug Virtual Half Marathon
Virtual half marathon sponsored by BooksFromBug.org. Between August 15, 2012 and August 31, 2012 get 13.1 miles completed in either a series of walks/runs or all at once.
Definitely won't be all at once for me, but I'm game. :) Bling available. No picture so it's a teaser.
The Great Cupcake Race Virtual 5k/10k
This is a 5K or 10K run on or about September 8, 2012. Proceeds will benefit TNT (Team in Training). It includes bling as well, but no image yet. Another teaser. Can't wait to see what it is!!
So that's a few items brewing in my world lately. Looks like I'm going to be a busy girl!
~A
Tuesday, August 7, 2012
My August Goals
So after setting and reaching my July goals and feeling great about it (giving myself a gold star sticker for that thank you very much), I decided that I would continue and set some goals for August.
1) After hitting my one mile per day average in July I am thinking that perhaps I will increase it a notch and target an average of 1.25 miles per day. I am already behind on this though after vacation, so I have some catching up to do.
2) Complete another 5 mile run. I originally was going to target hitting 5 in August but I pushed myself at the end of July and did it. It was a little too much at once and it took me a while to recover. I would like to do it again later in the month perhaps though...the right, slow way.
3) Sign up for another 5k. I am eyeing a couple...just need to decide the right one. I like to have someone else run races with me...I should get over that fear...not yet though.
I think that is good for now. I might be pushing myself a bit too far if I lay out anymore goals.
~A
1) After hitting my one mile per day average in July I am thinking that perhaps I will increase it a notch and target an average of 1.25 miles per day. I am already behind on this though after vacation, so I have some catching up to do.
1.25 x 31 = 38.75
2) Complete another 5 mile run. I originally was going to target hitting 5 in August but I pushed myself at the end of July and did it. It was a little too much at once and it took me a while to recover. I would like to do it again later in the month perhaps though...the right, slow way.
~A
Sunday, July 29, 2012
J...is for July update and Just Do It
One more quick one for my A-Z blogging challenge.
July Goals. So if you recall - and I know you follow my blog so intently that you remember this with crystal clear detail - I set some Goals for July.
To date I had provided an update that I had indeed run 4 miles and I had indeed not only registered for, but completed my 5K. That left my average of one mile per day in July or 31 miles total.
So I set down and went to work with my calculator and Nike+ today to check out where I was and how I'm doing. Are you ready for this?
31.86 miles!
July goals - Check!
Works out really well since we are on vacation this week. I still want to run if I can, but my leg might need some rest after my 5 mile run the other day so we'll see I feel. But pretty awesome. I guess I need to figure out my goals for August now to prepare that post when we are back. I was originally going to target five miles...but, well I hit that, so we'll see. I need a few days to recover to figure out if I want to increase distance in August or perhaps work on time for a bit. I'll let you know.
Either way, as I mentioned in my goals post - specific, measurable, attainable goals. I was specific about what I wanted, they were measurable, and I attained them. Whoo hoo!
Just do it. I've always loved Nike's slogan. It's actually one of the reasons I got into marketing and went to school for it. I used to tell people that I wanted to be the person who wrote Just do It slogans. Well, I don't necessarily do that today...yet...but I still love the idea...and the slogan.
Just do it has been one of my running mantras. Do I really want to run today? Just do it, Amber. Can I do 4 miles - Just do it. Can I run a 5K - Just do it. Can I run 5 miles - Just do it. Sounding familiar? Mainly I use it as my inspiration to try. Don't question if I can - just do it. If I don't get the whole thing, at least I did something and tried. Anything is better than not doing anything and wondering if I could have.
So whatever your goals are - Just do it. Stop questioning yourself. Just do it.
~ A
July Goals. So if you recall - and I know you follow my blog so intently that you remember this with crystal clear detail - I set some Goals for July.
To date I had provided an update that I had indeed run 4 miles and I had indeed not only registered for, but completed my 5K. That left my average of one mile per day in July or 31 miles total.
So I set down and went to work with my calculator and Nike+ today to check out where I was and how I'm doing. Are you ready for this?
31.86 miles!
July goals - Check!
Works out really well since we are on vacation this week. I still want to run if I can, but my leg might need some rest after my 5 mile run the other day so we'll see I feel. But pretty awesome. I guess I need to figure out my goals for August now to prepare that post when we are back. I was originally going to target five miles...but, well I hit that, so we'll see. I need a few days to recover to figure out if I want to increase distance in August or perhaps work on time for a bit. I'll let you know.
Either way, as I mentioned in my goals post - specific, measurable, attainable goals. I was specific about what I wanted, they were measurable, and I attained them. Whoo hoo!
Just do it. I've always loved Nike's slogan. It's actually one of the reasons I got into marketing and went to school for it. I used to tell people that I wanted to be the person who wrote Just do It slogans. Well, I don't necessarily do that today...yet...but I still love the idea...and the slogan.
Just do it has been one of my running mantras. Do I really want to run today? Just do it, Amber. Can I do 4 miles - Just do it. Can I run a 5K - Just do it. Can I run 5 miles - Just do it. Sounding familiar? Mainly I use it as my inspiration to try. Don't question if I can - just do it. If I don't get the whole thing, at least I did something and tried. Anything is better than not doing anything and wondering if I could have.
So whatever your goals are - Just do it. Stop questioning yourself. Just do it.
Monday, July 23, 2012
My First Time...running a 5K
I did it! Ran my first 5K this weekend. I did a small, local one so I could build some confidence. Will's Way 5K.
I was so nervous and anxious the night before. It took me forever to go to sleep. I kept thinking of all the things I needed the next day, trying to calm myself, but I finally fell asleep after doing some power eating and hydrating to prepare for the big day.
Wake up bright and early on Saturday morning. I made myself a strawberry, banana, and kale smoothie to prep. Slathered on some sun screen and then drove to my fellow MRTT Sterling team mate C's house to carpool over.
Got to the race - what a strange, new experience. I hadn't pre-registered, so stand in line and register after finally finding the registration desk. Bib #203. Then I struggled to attach a shoe tracking chip that they use to track your time more accurately. Apparently I wasn't the only one new to this - none of my running club ladies had seen them either. Finally got that on and then we had an hour to spend waiting for the race to start.
Bathroom run.
Then it was time to line up.
Finally, the race started. I kept telling myself to go slow and I did a good job. My Thursday training hill run did me well. It was an extremely hilly route. I think somewhere around the 2.5 mile mark I was digging to find some strength, but I pushed through my mental road block and pushed through. Probably 400 meters before the finish line a brown haired woman cheered me on at the perfect time - telling me great job - you can do it. It was just the inspiration I needed to sprint the final part. My official time was 30'27". According to my Nike+ it was 5.55K (I think it was 3.4 miles vs. 3.1) so my pace came out at 8'51" according to my Nike+. I PR'd my time by over 30 seconds per mile! But not only that...I finished. I did it.
So proud of myself!
And now I'm addicted. I think I'd like to do some more 5K's. See if I can get my pace down closer to 8'30" or 8' per mile perhaps. I'm also contemplating doing a 10K too - but that would be late fall for sure. I need to slowly train up to this so I don't get injured. Most of all, I really am proud of myself for this journey I've made to becoming more fit.
Goal #2 complete for July and on track (ahead of schedule) for my last goal. Whoo hoo!
Supposedly they took photos...I need to track this down!
~A
I was so nervous and anxious the night before. It took me forever to go to sleep. I kept thinking of all the things I needed the next day, trying to calm myself, but I finally fell asleep after doing some power eating and hydrating to prepare for the big day.
Wake up bright and early on Saturday morning. I made myself a strawberry, banana, and kale smoothie to prep. Slathered on some sun screen and then drove to my fellow MRTT Sterling team mate C's house to carpool over.
Got to the race - what a strange, new experience. I hadn't pre-registered, so stand in line and register after finally finding the registration desk. Bib #203. Then I struggled to attach a shoe tracking chip that they use to track your time more accurately. Apparently I wasn't the only one new to this - none of my running club ladies had seen them either. Finally got that on and then we had an hour to spend waiting for the race to start.
Bathroom run.
Then it was time to line up.
Finally, the race started. I kept telling myself to go slow and I did a good job. My Thursday training hill run did me well. It was an extremely hilly route. I think somewhere around the 2.5 mile mark I was digging to find some strength, but I pushed through my mental road block and pushed through. Probably 400 meters before the finish line a brown haired woman cheered me on at the perfect time - telling me great job - you can do it. It was just the inspiration I needed to sprint the final part. My official time was 30'27". According to my Nike+ it was 5.55K (I think it was 3.4 miles vs. 3.1) so my pace came out at 8'51" according to my Nike+. I PR'd my time by over 30 seconds per mile! But not only that...I finished. I did it.
So proud of myself!
And now I'm addicted. I think I'd like to do some more 5K's. See if I can get my pace down closer to 8'30" or 8' per mile perhaps. I'm also contemplating doing a 10K too - but that would be late fall for sure. I need to slowly train up to this so I don't get injured. Most of all, I really am proud of myself for this journey I've made to becoming more fit.
Goal #2 complete for July and on track (ahead of schedule) for my last goal. Whoo hoo!
Supposedly they took photos...I need to track this down!
~A
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