For as long as I can remember, I told people "I can't run." But in March of 2009, I decided that this was no longer an option. From my first 5K to my second half marathon, I've endured my highest highs and lowest lows as an official Runner. This year I want to embrace running for something beyond times and distances.

Running is so much more than merely getting out there. I want to get out there and love it.

Tuesday, January 19, 2010

Back in the saddle!

A few little updates:

I decided to start running during my work lunch hour. We have a shower here, so that's nice. And right now I just can't run in the dark in my neighborhood...not a good idea. So far it's working out well! I have plenty of time to run at least 3 miles. The hard part is actually doing that. My first time back on the asphalt, after my six week hiatus, was last week Wednesday. The run wasn't actually too bad, but I went relatively slow (9:30 min. mi.) and only went 2.5 miles. Today, I was really focused on going at least 3, and I thought I timed it perfectly. Nope. 2.94 miles. Bah so close! In fact, if I had just gone to the end of the block my office is on, instead of stopping at the door where I started, it would've been 3 exactly. Ah well. In any case, today's run was the WORST!! More on that in a second.

This weekend was the Milwaukee Co. Zoo's Samson Stomp 5K. I believe this event has been going since 1980?? So this year's "30th anniversary" shirt listed all the years and the temperature of that year. While 2010's January in Wisconsin has been forgiving (it was around 20 degrees or so), in past years it's been in the negatives! Two years ago it was -4. Yeah. In any case, the race winds through the zoo and parking lot. It's VERY hilly and that was definitely my downfall. As was the cold damp air (I would've almost rather had it 8 degrees and dry than 20 and wet)...I'm still getting over my chest cold and that phlegm just sat right there in my throat/trachea...awesome! So my final time on my watch was 28:09. Very very disappointing. Only because I ran my first 5K in 27:53. And of course my best 5K was 25:30! So basically I'm in worse shape now and that's just not good at all. But!! Talk about fuel for the fire. Now I'm on a mission to get back to where I was.

So back to today's run...as I was passing the two mile mark, I kind of figured out that my muscles aren't so much the problem, it's my lungs. Perhaps your lungs atrophy more quickly than muscles when you take breaks. Add in the whole chest cold thing, and the fact that the air is so cold right now, it's so hard to breathe. And I didn't even get a chance to ease into it because of the stupid hiatus. Anyway, I have to be confident in the fact that I can get back on track. Additionally, boy have I learned my lesson! Barring any serious injury, I'm never taking that long of a break again!!

UPDATE!
The official stats are finally in:
bib number: 999
age: 30
overall place: 384 out of 1097
division place: 17 out of 90
gender place: 101 out of 520
time: 28:03
pace: 9:02
~link to my stats

So within the top 19% of my age and gender (and 35% overall)...that's practically the same EXACT place I was in for the 8K last fall! And that race I did spectacular in! So honestly? I'm not AS bad as I thought after the hiatus, all things considered ;)

4 comments:

  1. Just wanted to say hi!
    Hi! My name is Stephanie. I have your blog on my reader (I don't know what originally led me to finding it) and just wanted to say thanks for writing it. I live down on the Il/Wis state line and just started running in October. I am hooked. I was at the Samson Stomp too.... just a ways behind you somewhere. :) I am training for my first half marathon at Disney in March. :)
    Anyway, thanks again!

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  2. Aww thank you SO much for the comment!! Running is definitely addicting, hey?! :) I think maybe because it's inexpensive and a great way to get results, no matter what kind of results you're looking for (speed, weight, distance, etc).

    Good luck training for the half!! I'm finding more and more "noobies" who are training for half marathons this spring, and it's so inspiring! "If they can do it, why can't I?!" During my run today I thought to myself: there's no way, but hopefully I'll have a good run soon to keep me going.

    I just checked out your "old" blog...maybe you should get back into it! I love crafty stuff!! :)

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  3. It'll come back to you..and quick at that!

    You can sooo do the half. I've got one coming up in April...and it'll be coming in right under my 2 year running mark.

    Good luck to you!

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  4. Oh man, I certainly hope so! I can't help but feel sad about the great path I was on that literally fell by the wayside. The half will be a month after my year mark, so it's daunting, but I just need to get over that part. Like your quote says: "The miracle isn't that I finished, it's that I had the courage to start." So unbelievable true.

    Thank you so much for your confidence! :)

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