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 Races. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Races. 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
Tuesday, August 14, 2012
Prepping for my first virtual race AKA my first 10k
So I am irrationally nervous about my Barking Mad About Breast Cancer 10K race. I'm actually planning to run it tomorrow 8/15 instead of 8/16 due to the weather and mostly due to my schedule. I have some time blocked on my calendar tomorrow and I'm hoping to get to work early.
I'm planning to run the first five miles. After that, well, we will see. Five miles is my personal distance record. 10K = 6.2 miles so that's a hefty increase. If I have to walk part of it, I'm okay with that. Just as long as my total is at least 6.2 miles since it's a great cause.
I'm not really quite sure how to prep the day before a race. I always think I need to eat a bunch to prep, but I'm not really sure exactly what - protein? carbs? So I end up doing random stuff. Tonight I'm trying to do extra protein. I'm in desperate need to go grocery shopping, but I'm planning to do a protein smoothie in the morning (strawberries, kale, peanut butter, milk?) and hope for the best.
What do you do the prepare for a big race or workout? The night before? Morning of? Give me some tips!
I'm also thinking I might bring a small water bottle with me on this one. I have never run with water though and I tend to forget the small stuff in the morning so we'll see. I really wish someone was running this with me, but it's just me. You'll hold me accountable right? I can't wait to get my first medal (bling) though. That will be awesome I think.
Since I need some inspiration, here's a couple to share.
My plan for tomorrow:
Good one since this is a race for a good cause:
Love this one. Great for everyone:
That's enough for now I think.
Think of me in the morning. Send me some love. I'll try to post an update tomorrow...even if it's a quick I did it...or I failed miserably. I kid, I kid. Even if I don't do it, at least I will have tried and I'll do it in two runs instead of one.
~A
I'm planning to run the first five miles. After that, well, we will see. Five miles is my personal distance record. 10K = 6.2 miles so that's a hefty increase. If I have to walk part of it, I'm okay with that. Just as long as my total is at least 6.2 miles since it's a great cause.
I'm not really quite sure how to prep the day before a race. I always think I need to eat a bunch to prep, but I'm not really sure exactly what - protein? carbs? So I end up doing random stuff. Tonight I'm trying to do extra protein. I'm in desperate need to go grocery shopping, but I'm planning to do a protein smoothie in the morning (strawberries, kale, peanut butter, milk?) and hope for the best.
What do you do the prepare for a big race or workout? The night before? Morning of? Give me some tips!
I'm also thinking I might bring a small water bottle with me on this one. I have never run with water though and I tend to forget the small stuff in the morning so we'll see. I really wish someone was running this with me, but it's just me. You'll hold me accountable right? I can't wait to get my first medal (bling) though. That will be awesome I think.
Since I need some inspiration, here's a couple to share.
My plan for tomorrow:
Good one since this is a race for a good cause:
Think of me in the morning. Send me some love. I'll try to post an update tomorrow...even if it's a quick I did it...or I failed miserably. I kid, I kid. Even if I don't do it, at least I will have tried and I'll do it in two runs instead of one.
~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
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
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)