letsgorungrandforks's Xanga

Saturday, July 05, 2008

Sat, 05 Jul 2008 13:43:31 GMT

Yesterday's race: 5K

Official time: 22:04

I'm taking the day off from running today, but I am going to tell you all a bit about my fourth of July 5K. I was pretty nervous going into it. The guy who said he'd pace me throughout the race decided at the last minute that he was going to run the 5K at his own pace. This turned out to be a good thing for him because he ended up winning the entire race. Instead, I had another guy I knew who wasn't racing pace me for the first mile.

I always feel like I am dying when I race. My breathing is so out of control while I race as compared to when I am training. I panicked a bit during the second mile, thinking I needed to slow down if I was going to finish. By mile three, I was picking up the pace again to finish it out.

I wasn't wearing a watch (BAD IDEA for race day), and I am not that experienced of a racer, so I wasn't sure where to begin my "kick". Perhaps if I had begun a few minutes earlier I would have finished at my goal time. Being four seconds over my goal isn't too bad, though. I'm happy.

I was also happy to find out I got second place for the women's division of the 5k and 12th overall of women and men out of 115. I was first place in my age group of 20 to 29. Not to mention, I PR'd by over a minute since my last race at the end of April. It was also a good day for my boyfriend. He got first place in the 10K (the main event out of the two races). He usually wins that race, so not too much of a surprise there!

Friday, July 04, 2008

Fri, 04 Jul 2008 12:10:32 GMT

I don't have an official time yet for the 5k I ran this morning, but I finished in just over 22 minutes! Although I was hoping to go just under 22, I feel pretty good about how the race went. I'll update a bit more when I find out my official time. Now, I'm going to go celebrate Independence Day with my family. :)

Thursday, July 03, 2008

Thu, 03 Jul 2008 12:43:06 GMT

Today's distance: 2 miles and three short striders

Time: 17:03

I'm tapering! I've decided to run tomorrow in the fourth of July 5k. I do hate spending the money, but one of my track friends has agreed to help by running with and pacing me during the race, so I couldn't turn the offer down. I'm hoping to run under 22 minutes. Wish me luck!

Tuesday, July 01, 2008

Tue, 01 Jul 2008 19:21:02 GMT

Today's distance: 3.5 miles and 3 short striders

Time: 27:18 for the 3.5 miles

It was excruciatingly hot today. Well, in my opinion, it was hot. I ran in the 90 degree weather, and I sweat so much! I'm used to those 50-60 degree morning runs.

I hate to say it, because I know it is a good opportunity, but I am still wavering on my decision about racing this weekend. The entry cost is the new thing that is detering me: how many college kids are willing to dish out $25 just to run 3.1 miles? Not too many, that's for sure.

Monday, June 30, 2008

Mon, 30 Jun 2008 08:35:40 GMT

Today's distance: only 2 miles

Time: 15:02

I'm slightly fatigued from last night's long run. The question of the day is still if I should run the 5k road race on the 4th.

Sunday, June 29, 2008

Sun, 29 Jun 2008 22:31:34 GMT

Today's distance: 8.5 miles

Time: 1:12:07

All right...

I am sad to admit that I didn't commit to the 30 mile week. I actually ended up doing my long run today, due to the fact that I was unable to run yesterday because of the wedding I was in. Who knew it would be an all day affair? I'm sad, but there is always the possiblity for another 30 mile week sometime!

Should I do a 4th of July 5k? The only thing holding me back is the fear of disappointing myself. I've put in the time and effort, but will I get the results I want?

Friday, June 27, 2008

Fri, 27 Jun 2008 10:48:42 GMT

Today's distance: 3 miles at tempo pace, 1 mile cool down

Time: 22:10 for the 3, 8:05 for the last mile

This run felt good as far as my legs and feet go, partly due to my rest day yesterday. The hard part? Probably the breathing aspect of running. I almost felt like I was huffing and puffing more than usual, but I did go pretty fast for those three miles. Tomorrow's plan is to run 8, rounding out my 30 mile week. Besides my long run, I'm also a bridesmaid in a wedding tomorrow!

Wednesday, June 25, 2008

Wed, 25 Jun 2008 10:32:50 GMT

Today's distance: 5 miles

Time: 40:24

Today felt really good, which was a nice change. My blisters/foot felt the best that it has all week. By mile four, I felt limber enough to pick up the pace just a tish for the last mile. Although 5 miles at 8-minute pace is still a distance that is slightly daunting, after today's run I feel like it is much more managable and possible to maybe even bring down my time on. Tomorrow will probably be a rest day, as I am biking ten miles out to my house tonight with a bunch of my friends. I'm on track for a 30 mile week of running!

Tuesday, June 24, 2008

Tue, 24 Jun 2008 08:39:39 GMT

Today's distance: 4 miles

Time: 33:29

I took it easy again today for two reasons: I had gone on an eight-mile bike ride last night, and my blister is still quite painful. Somehow, running slower seems to alleviate some of the rubbing in my shoe.

Monday, June 23, 2008

Mon, 23 Jun 2008 08:49:14 GMT

Today's distance: 5 miles

Time: 42:09

The blister still hurts, but after a few miles, whatever chemical in my body that makes pain go away kicks in while running. The last couple don't hurt as bad.