November 18

Earlier this June I got the bright idea to start running again...after 11 years of no running, multiple injuries to my feet, and 30 extra pounds. I had previously started the couch-to-5K training program (before tearing a ligament in my foot) and thought I'd download the app. And I did! I faithfully went to the gym to run on the treadmill (softer and MUCH cooler) at least three times a week for a number of weeks...and then thought...I should sign up for some races to help me stay motivated.

And I did! I even secured a hotel room at this Saturday's race so my hubby and I could make a mini-vacay out of it...further incentive. 

Then we started remodeling our house and we had all kinds of contractors in and out all day long starting at 7:30 am. Some working, some bidding the next phases etc. for about two months it's been chaos at my house. Since I needed to be home with the contractors or out choosing/investigating various options, my days were eaten up and NO running (or piano practice either).

Well, I signed up for 2 races and the first is this Saturday. I've been working this last week and this to get back to be able to complete the full 5K (3.1 miles) without stopping. I seriously don't know why I care if I run the first 1.5-2 miles then do training runs the last mile but I do.

Races are hard for me in that I used to be quite the runner (before getting seriously sick). I looked at a 5K as a warm up to a running workout. For a brief time, I even had a running coach! When running a 5K, I'd run a good .5-1 miles BEFORE the run just to warm up. I was never a fast runner...but I could outlast sooooo many people. I was always the endurance runner. My 5K times were about 22-24 minutes. I don't think I ever went after a time in a 5K run, they were always just for fun. Here are how my goals changed for this run:

1. Be able to complete a 5K by November 2014 without injuring myself
2. Complete the Nov. 5K in 30 minutes
3. Just complete the 5K without walking and without injuring my feet
4. Complete the Nov. 5K in 35 minutes. (Then I remembered this course has lots of little hills...I haven't done any hill work outs yet.)
5. Complete the Nov. 5K in 35-38 minutes
6. Just finish the 5K without injury. It would be great if it's at 35 minutes, but I'd be thrilled if under 40.

I always have to keep reminding myself that running for me has to be about keeping my feet healthy! I am competitive with myself and I really want to run for time, but with caring around that extra 30 pounds...Hey...maybe I am actually doing quite well.

So the moral to my story is to keep the ultimate goal in mind, alter when needed.

Weight: 152.6 (size 12 comfortably)

Kelli