I DID IT!

Well, technically, I did it three days ago... but life's been busy! :-)

Saturday was race day - and for any of you also on Facebook, you know I completed my 10K under the time I had set for myself. I anticipated 75 minutes to finish... and I came in 1:11:12 for my official time. I was quite pleased! Of course, never one to rest on my laurels for too long, I am already working on what I want to do next....

But, before I say anything more about that, I will let you know that the race itself was a lot of fun. I told Drew as we got ready that morning, I must finally be a "real" runner, because back in the day, I never would have run in nasty weather like that. It just wasn't nice out (mid 40s, overcast, a little misty) but the race was still a good time. People watching was awesome, as it was a runners' fashion show! The volunteers and spectators were great, and I thanked them when I could. (ever the grateful one, don't you know!) A high school jazz band even played for us around mile 4. :-) They were better for the 25K runners later in the morning, but at least they used as as their warm up crowd.

I felt good during the race. I just went with a pace that felt good and between mile 2 and 3, that was a 10 minute mile! I don't ever run 10 minute miles, so that was cool! There were a couple of hills and turns near the end that I walked, but I ran as much as I could... and made it to the end on two legs and not crawling on all fours. Good enough for me! :-)

Now, I'm thinking my next goal is going to be to increase my speed so that I can run with my hubby instead of so far behind him. He ran in 57 minutes. I was 71 minutes, so I'll need to increase more than a little to catch up with him. Once I do, my next goal will be to continue to increase my speed so Drew can eat my dust! :-) I love goal setting! :-)

On a serious note, I was thinking of a 1/2 marathon for the fall... and I just don't know that I want to do that. I find running to be tough on my body and the training time needed for a 1/2 or full marathon is insane. I'm thinking of sticking to shorter distances (5 and 10K) and just working on my speed. That will also allow me to focus on some strength training too. I'd like to tone and tighten some spots that running just isn't touching. :-) I also want to exercise for the sake of exercising. Maybe take a Zumba class at the local rec center, roller blade with Makenna, go for long bike rides with the family, etc.

I'm still in pursuit of my quest for health and fitness, but working toward finding that healthy balance.

Thanks for hanging out with me as I "race" toward 40. I still plan to post as I can, so you can check back and see what's up from time to time, if you choose.

Life's a journey....not a destination! The journey continues!

Angie

Last run before race day!

Hey, my faithful followers!

How are all 5 of you? :-)

My River Bank Run journey is almost coming to a close! Two days until Race Day! I got up early this morning and hoofed it 3 miles. I'm feeling as ready as I will be
at this point! No more running or training for me before Saturday!

And, you know, I'm excited about that. After the River Bank Run, my goal is to just slow down and enjoy things again. Not that I've been training SO hard that I've been stressing myself out... but it's just that exercise has become about HAVING to train. Some of the fun has been removed for me. I'm anxious to go back to being able to do a DVD series, roller blade, ride my bike, walk the dog - without feeling that those are good things to do, but I SHOULD be running. I want running to be something I choose, because I like how it makes me feel - not because I HAVE to run since I've commited to a race.

After the RBR, I plan to take the time before my birthday to exercise for fun again and see what I can accomplish...then we'll see what happens from there.

Drew informed me that tonight is the night we need great sleep, as this is the night that will count for our run Saturday. Learn new things all the time! I didn't know that! He and I will both be running the 10K. His goal is under an hour (I think) and my goal is under 75 minutes. I'll let you know how that shakes down, of course!

I'm sure some nervous energy will have me post again before the race!

Have a great day!

Angie

Less than a week!

Wow!

I'm starting to get nervous about a silly 10K.

I had a dream last week that I didn't follow the signage and I ended up on the 25K route instead of the 10K - and I couldn't figure out how to fix it! I've felt uneasy ever since!

Then a woman at work told me about a friend of hers who is common sense challenged - and she ended up lining up with the 25K group instead of the 10K group...and ran the whole thing! She knew it was taking a lot longer than it should, but she didn't realize that it was because she was running 3 times the distance! Trust me when I say, there is NO way that will happen! My body KNOWS when it hits a mile marker it likes... and it would not like 15 miles yet!

So, that brings me to this weekend's run. I did 5 miles yesterday and it took me until mile 4 to really get a groove on. I just couldn't seem to get the mind and body in sync until then! But, I did the 5 and felt good after... I'll be running 3 tomorrow and 3 Thursday - then Saturday is the big day! :-)

I am not planning to break any records or to win an age division or any of that good stuff. I am feeling a little like John "the Penguin" Bingham. He's famous for the quote, "The miracle isn't that I finished. The miracle is that I had the courage to start." I feel that way!

I was getting down on myself yesterday- and my friend Susan reminded me that this is a GOOD thing. I am showing up! I didn't pay for the race and not show up to the starting line. I'm not going to be at home, sitting on my couch, eating donuts from Zeeland Bakery and watching cartoons. I'm going to be running a 10K! :-) That's an accomplishment, no matter how much I try to diminish it. :-)

So glad I have friends to keep me in line when I need it.

Hugs to all who stop by! Stay tuned for last minute pre-race updates! :-)

Angie