Fantastic Friday

     To any of who were waiting anxiously for a post yesterday about the 5K, I'm sorry I didn't get one done yesterday. I just really enjoyed the day! It was fantastic! Party in Pink in Vinton rocked!
     I worked until 1 yesterday and then headed home and decided to go for a short jog. I was kind of nervous and could tell I was getting anxious. It was about 81 and very windy and I wasn't sure how I was going to do. My muscles were kind of tight for some reason and I wanted to get them warmed up a little. So like I said, I went for a slow jog of 3/4 mile in 10 minutes. Then at 3:00 I went for an even shorter jog of a 1/3 of a mile. Then I got in the shower and got my race clothes on! I think that was when it finally hit me that I was running my first 5K!
     I hadn't registered yet. I know, I know, they always say that you should sign up well in advance as a motivation to run the race. But I didn't. I definitely will for the 10K though! So since I hadn't registered yet I wanted to get there a little after 4:30 when they were starting day-of registration. I drove to the the registration area, found a parking spot, got out of the car and immediately had a few feelings of "What am I doing here?" But I knew I could do it so I put those feelings aside and registered! I was number 453! 

                    

   

The original goal for this race was 200 people, they had 300 people registered by the end of the pre-registration a month before the race. As it turns out, there were over 600 walkers and runners when it was all said and done! Awesome!I can't wait to see how many people there are next year, I know I'll be there!
     So, it was now an hour or so until the race. I walked around a little bit, pinned my number on and waited for my husband to get there after work. My husband came with some water for me, my soon to be sister-in-law came for support and then some friends got there that were running the race too. My brother-in-law and sister in law (she is running her first marathon this fall a.k.a huge inspiration to me) drove by and told me they were acting as support for the race which was awesome because I knew I would have someone rooting for me along the way.
     Well, it was finally about time for the race to start. I did just a little jog to get warmed up and then they had some announcements and stuff which were really hard to hear, they didn't quite have the speaker system that they needed since they weren't expecting such a big crowd. And then, ready or not it was time to line up! They had a separate section for walkers and runners. I had decided that I was going to go to the very back of the runners. I did that so that I wouldn't have a bunch of people passing me and I could go at the pace that I wanted. It felt good just to be with the runners.
     At 6:05 the starter gun was shot and we were off! The adrenaline was kicking in and I was ready to just go! I was actually completely shocked at how many people I passed at the beginning! I'm guessing I could have gone about half way up in the runners but at the same time it made me stay slow as I was weaving through people and it gave me a little boost to know that I was faster than some of the runners. I was very proud of myself that I went 1.2 miles before I took a walk break, in fact, that made me feel really good!
     Then we came to the first hydration station. That was an experience. I probably should have just skipped them both but I figured water couldn't hurt. So I thought I knew what I was doing. Grab the cup, pinch the top and sip. Right? Wrong! First sip I totally chocked! LOL!Oh well! That's what memories are made of right? I think after this I will slow to a slow walk, just drink it and then get going. Live and learn right?
     It really is true when they say that you will find other runners that are running at your pace. There were several people that I went back and forth in position with. But it felt good to know that I was keeping a steady pace. In the beginning of the race everyone is cramped together but I would say between a mile and a mile and a half it had definitely thinned out. It was nice to have more space to be able to focus on your breathing and pace instead of other people around you.
     Then with I would say about 3/4 of a mile left, I saw a red PT cruiser which only meant one thing! My brother-in-law and sister-in-law! She was holding a sign to keep the runners motivated. I saw them and started waving and she got all excited and reached for something in the car. It was a big orange sign that said "GREAT JOB LEEANN!!! ALMOST DONE" That was exactly what I needed! It seriously almost made me cry! It meant a lot to have that support from them. At that point I was starting to slow down too but it gave me just the boost I needed to keep going! Thank you!!!
     Then I was finally to the last hill, getting so close to the finish line and the worst thing happened!!! Just kidding! It was great! I got to the top of the hill and heard one of my friends who had run (he was 21st overall) yell at me, "It's all downhill from here!" That was all I needed to hear and I made a mad dash for the finish line! I have no idea where all of that energy came from!

                                      

     
     I was kind of a special moment for me crossing the finish line too because to the left walkers were to cross but to the right runners crossed the line. I think that was the moment that I finally realized, I AM A RUNNER!!!

                                 

    

     I finished 151st out of over 600! Top 25 percent! Oh yeah!!! And guess what? 33 minutes!!! Personal record beat by 2 minutes! I could tell that I was running faster through this race but I wasn't going to look at my time, I just wanted to run my race! Why? Because I was running for me, myself and I!
     So what is my overall thoughts of a 5K? Awesome! Amazing! Fantastic! If you haven't done one before, I would strongly recommend it! It truly is an amazing feeling that you don't get just running on your own. 
     I really can't wait for my next race! I am actually thinking about doing one on Thursday in Dysart but I haven't decided yet. From the times last year, if I did it I could actually place in my age category  That's why I am leaning towards doing it but we shall see. I'll let you know when I figure it out.
     So to all you out there, keep going, you can do it! But as for me, I am running for me, myself and I!

Technical Thursday

     Good evening my wonderful followers! Guess what? I just hit 100 page views !! I started this week less than a week ago and already 100 page views !! It's a really big motivation to keep going with this seeing that you are all interested and enjoying reading my blog!
     Well, I think on Thursday's since I won't have anything to tell you about when it comes to my training, with it being my day off, I think on Thursday's we will talk about tips and plans.
     So today, I thought I would fill you all in on my next running goal. As you know, tomorrow I am running my first 5K thus reaching my first goal and so I've decided it's time to set my next goal. Are you ready? I am going to run a 10K on Saturday August 24th!!! I am super excited about this goal. It is way more than I thought I would accomplish when I start running less than a month ago but I know that I can do it!
     Today I finally nailed down my training plan. I have searched a lot of 10K training plans online and finally decided on one. I think it is really important to find one that will work for you. Some plans are 3 days a week, some are 5 days a week, some are based on time, some are based on distance, some put a lot of focus on drills, others just focus on covering the distance at your pace. For me, drills just didn't sound like any fun, too much to think about. I just want to get out there and cover ground. So for me I decided on a 5 day a week training plan that focuses on distance except for one day a week, the easy run.
      This plan includes cross training one day a week on Tuesdays which I am very happy to be adding.  I have been wanting to add some strength training into my routine to help tone and strengthen my body but didn't know what to do. I think for cross training I will swim some laps in our pool for some cardio and then possibly some Pilates, weights and balance ball work.
     Wednesday's will provide something that I have not been doing as well. Wednesday's will be about running at race pace. I still need to do some more reading about that to see exactly what I am planning on doing in this regard. Any pointers out there?
     Friday and Saturday will also provide a change from my previous schedule. Saturday's have been my long run days and then Sunday was a rest day. But now I will have my long run on Friday followed by an easy run on Saturday. This method makes sense because it helps with active repair of your muscles before your day of rest.
      Thursday's and Sunday's will definitely be my favorite days, rest days. Just kidding! Thursday's and Sunday's actually feel very strange for me. I feel like I should be out there running, I miss it. But at the same time, I know that it is very important to let my muscles heal and strengthen.
     So below, you will see the schedule that I have made for these next 8 weeks leading right up to the 10K. I hope weather will cooperate and if not, I hope that I have the mental strength to just keep going despite the weather.

WEEK	MONDAY	TUESDAY	WEDNESDAY	THURSDAY	FRIDAY	SATURDAY	SUNDAY
1	3 mile run	CT	2.5 mile run  (race pace)	Rest	3 mile run	30 minute  easy run	Rest
2	3 mile run	CT	3 mile run     (race pace)	Rest	3.5 mile run	35-40 minute easy run	Rest
3	3.5 mile run	CT	3.5 mile run  (race pace)	Rest	4 mile run	35-40 minute easy run	Rest
4	4 mile run	CT	3.5 mile run  (race pace)	Rest	4.5 mile run	40-45 minute easy run	Rest
5	4 mile run	CT	3 mile run (race pace)	Rest	5 mile run	40-45 minute easy run	Rest
6	4 mile run	CT	3.5 mile run (race pace)	Rest	6 mile run	40-45 minute easy run	Rest
7	4 mile run	CT	3 mile run (race pace)	Rest	7 mile run	40-45 minute easy run	Rest
8	3 mile run	CT	3 mile run (race pace)	Rest	Rest	10K!!!	Rest

     I can't believe that in 8 weeks from now, 12 weeks from when I started this journey, that I will be running 6.2 miles! I'm so proud of myself, I'm amazed at what my body can do, and impressed at what my mind can handle. 
     So please leave your comments below, I would love to hear from you. I'd love to get some encouraging words to keep me going, some stories of your own for inspiration or your plans and future goals to know I'm not alone. 
      But remember, no matter your reason, lace up those shoes and get out there. I am, I'm running for me, myself and I!

Wonderful Wednesday

     Welcome to this wonderful Wednesday! I just got back from my run this morning, my last run before the race on Friday!!! I ran 3.1 miles and guess what? New personal record!!! 35 minutes!!! 
      I know, it's not very fast when you look at other 5k times but I am pretty happy. I love seeing the progress I am making. As you know I have been running with walk breaks but this morning I decided to see how far I could run without even a short walk break and I ran for a whole mile!!! Wow, can you tell that I have runners high right now or what? Man, I love the feeling after a good run! I think today I may even reward myself with a nap! It's not weird that as I'm writing this I'm stretching is it? Man, I am so proud of myself right now. It's hard to believe that 3 1/2 weeks ago I had never really done any running and now I've gone 4 miles in a day. I can do 3.1 comfortably even running a mile straight during that. 
     Tomorrow is my day off to recoup before the race and so I think I am going to share with you my training plan for the next 8 weeks. I just decided what I am going to do last night! So, go ahead, it's your turn now. Get out there and show yourself what you can do! You know what I'll be doing.... I'm running! Why? Because I'm doing it for me, myself and I! 

Terrific Tuesday

     Just a quick check-in before I head to bed. Today I was planning on going on a run, until I woke up that is. I felt horrible when I woke up and decided I should take the day off. I was kind of disappointed but then I also remembered that yesterday I had my longest run and so then I didn't feel so bad about taking the day off. 

     So tomorrow, I am back at it, tomorrow I am going to get up before I need to start cooking and run 5k. Hopefully your day went as planned and you got a chance to lace up your shoes and get out there! If not, time to start!  You know I'm going to keep going because I am running for me, myself and I. 

Monday Madness

When I woke up this morning, I could tell that it was a Monday. It had been raining though the nit and was really cloudy when the alarm went off at 6:45. Let's just say that I hit dismiss. I didn't want to run in the rain. So I slept just a little bit longer and then I was up. I got to thinking, if I don't run this morning, when am I going to run today? I kinda laid a guilt trip on myself. A little rain never killed anyone right? I mean there wasn't any thunder of lightning. So why not?

So it was about 7:30 when I left the house, shoes laced up and ready to go. I had a hat on to keep the rain out of my eyes and there was nothing that was going to stop me. I got to my parking spot at about 7:40. I decided that this morning I was going to try and run without music, and just run based on how my body felt. I wasn't sure if that was going to work at all, I wondered if I was going to get bored. So I decided that I would bring my earbuds with me just in case. I think it was when I got out of my car that I decided to run the farthest I have, 4 miles. I figured, why not? If I didn't do it now, I wouldn't get a chance to before race day and I wanted to have a longer distance under my belt. So 4 miles it was! I ran the 5k route plus along the route there is a track so I got the extra mileage there. 

It barely rained while I was running, just a few sprinkles. The temperature was nice, there was a breeze part of the time too. I just had to run around puddles and I got some mud on my legs when I got the the gravel or supposed to be gravel track. The first 3/4 of the lap was fine but the last 1/4 was quite soggy. Oh well! I didn't it anyway. Then it was back on to the road to get back to my car. I'm guessing a little more than a mile left at that point. From that point on it is a steady hill but I was determined to finish strong this time. I did much better than I had in times past. And when it was all said and done, I did it! 4 miles in 50 minutes. Not as fast as I would like but still something to be proud of. It equals out to 12:30 miles. I know I'll increase pace as I go. 

Well, that was my run for today! Tomorrow I am going to run 5k. So now it's your turn! Lace up your shoes and get out there! Let me know what you accomplished today, whether it be treadmill, trail or road, just get out there! 

The Weekend

      So, this weekend has not gone as planned at all. It has been hot, humid and rainy. Saturday was supposed to be my day for my first 4 mile run. That didn't happen... Both Graham (my hubby) and I slept horribly Friday night and it was raining when we finally woke up. Not a good excuse I know. But sometimes life gets to you, sometimes you need to just step back and get away from the norm. That was definitely Saturday. The hubs and I had to get away. So we went to a nearby city and just goofed off for the afternoon, nothing too exciting, just spent some time together on the miserably hot day!
     Then today, I thought about running but then my alarm didn't go off and so after fighting with myself about  doing it this afternoon, I just decided to start back Monday. Saturday was the first time that I have skipped a scheduled run and Sunday is my normal rest day.
     So tomorrow, I am going to get up and run before work because the rest of the day is going to be very busy. I have the feeling this whole week is going to be crazy but I am going to run Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday I will rest and then Friday is the big race!!!! I'm so excited! My first 5k!!!
      So go ahead, lace up your shoes and join me this week. Get out there and walk or run, do what you can.  I know I am because I am doing it for me, myself and I!

Introduction

     So for those of you who have been following my other blog, OrganizedForReal, you know a little bit about me already but for those of you who don't my name is LeeAnn. I am 21 years old and have been married to my wonderful husband for a little over a year now. I am a little bit of a neat freak and I love to organize things. Cooking has always been a passion of mine since I was little and I am working as a personal chef. But the reason that I decided to start this new blog is because of my newest passion, running!
     Let me start of by saying that I have never been a runner, ever! I never have and never thought I would be. This last winter I dealt with some health issues and it was a tough time to get through. In the last couple of years I have tried to take good care of myself. I eat well and take vitamins to supplement but exercise has never been one of my strong-points. 
     So at the beginning of this month I decided that I was going to start exercising. I was going to do it for myself because I was tired of feeling like I couldn't. I was going to this for myself because their is no reason that I couldn't.
     So what would I do? At first I thought that I would swim during the summer since our pool had just opened but then I decided that I would use my parents treadmill that we are storing for them while they are doing construction on their house. I decided to start out slow and progressively build up because I had tried to start exercising before but my calves were so tight the first week that I gave up. Even now I am not running constantly, I am taking walk breaks, especially since this week I decided to take my running to the road!
     This is my third week and I have run 3 miles 4 times this week! Tomorrow I am going to go the furthest I have, 4 miles! My next post will be to show you what I've done the last 3 weeks and then after that I plan on having short posts as a daily update as I continue on this journey of running. My first 5k is coming up in 1 week and I could not be anymore excited!
     So, go ahead, lace up your shoes and join me on this journey. In posts to come I will share some of my short term as well as long term goals for my running and I'd love to hear yours as well. So here I go, I'm just running for me, myself and I.