May
17
This Saturday, my bad hair cut and I are going to run our first 5K race. (Dave, too.)
After two months of training, last Friday I ran the 5K distance (3.1 miles) at the walking place in 36 minutes. (Dave did it in 26.)
Today, I ran the actual race route (with hills and everything!) as told to me by a woman at the walking place who heard it from her friend who ran the race two years ago. So. I did that in 40 minutes. (Dave did it in 29.)
You may be thinking that I don’t run very fast, and if that’s what you’re thinking, I must point out that 40 minutes is a long time to run without stopping. This why I like running. If you’re fast, you’re awesome! If you’re slow and it takes you longer, you’re still awesome! Speed or endurance. You probably have one or the other. And as long as you’re running, you’ve got a leg up on all those people who aren’t. And it’s my experience that the people who like to make fun of me aren’t running at all. “Say that to my face…if you can catch me!” I say to them with a laugh. Actually, I don’t say it. I think it. And I’m not laughing, because I’m breathing too hard.
It’s taken a lot of time and effort to prepare for this race and I’ve traveled more than miles to get where I am right now. Kind of like Forrest Gump. Four months ago, I couldn’t run a tenth of a mile. Today, I ran 3.1. I feel stronger and more confident than I have in a long, long time. Not just because I am capable of running a 5K, but because I know that I am capable, period. I forgot that for a while.
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Ooooooh. Aaaaah.
That is an amazing time! 36 minutes means that you’re running almost a 10 minute mile! That is something to be proud of!
I really am so very proud. I can’t hide it. I actually really enjoy running! I’m excited for the race. I’m not worried about how long it takes me, I just want to run it.
“Not just because I am capable of running a 5K, but because I know that I am capable, period. I forgot that for a while.”
I’m glad you remembered.
Me, too.
MAZEL TOV, as my people say!
Please go back to the video you made, when you announced that you were going to start on this journey. Tell the woman in the video, “I’m going to run a 5K”. See what she says.
Now, realize that you are GOING TO RUN A 5k! Yay! So cool.
It’s still sinking in. In fact, every time I set out to run, I get all anxious, my stomach flips and I think I won’t be able to reach my goal for that run. And every time, I do it and I’m amazed. I wonder how long I have to do it until I’m not surprised anymore.
I’ve started training for a 5K that I’ll run on 6/6. But I need some more ipod suggestions. Right now my two faves are “Lose Yourself” - Eminem and “Personal” - Fergie. The are both exactly the right pace for me - just a little faster than I’d go without music. Which is very, very slow.
Also, I don’t know if you need this, but I thought I’d pass it along all the same. The Enell sports bra. http://www.enell.com/products.php?productID=1
Title Nine calls it the “Last Resort Sports Bra,” but Title Nine only sells the three smallest sizes. It’s pricey, so I only buy one. I had to get over the guilt - I’m worth it. And so it this bra.
Yay for you! Yay!!!
I’d been thinking about blogging about what I listen to when I run. I’m so glad you brought it up!
Lately, I’ve been doing a warm up walk to “I’m Yours” by Jason Mraz (makes me feel loose) and “Light and Day” by The Polyphonic Spree (makes me feel like running). Then, I start running. “Here It Goes Again” by Ok Go. “Fox On The Run” by The Sweet. “Sooner or Later” by The Grass Roots. Then, I have a few slow songs that are actually perfect to run to. They help me keep my pace steady and allow me to really concentrate on my breathing and kind of get ready for my big push for speed at the end. I listen to “Into The Mystic” by Van Morrison and “La Cienega Just Smiled” by Ryan Adams. Sometimes “Fall For You” by Secondhand Serenade. I usually finish up with “Girlfriend” by Avril Lavigne. The beat is perfect.
That’s been my playlist lately.
Thanks for the sports bra link. I soooo could use that!
I forgot to mention - you signing up for your 5k was the impetus for me to sign up for one here. Thanks for the motivation. What you’ve already accomplished is so damn impressive.
Thank you for this comment. You just totally made my day! Good luck on your 5K. I know you’ll do great!!!
Congrats, Leslie - you’re AWESOME, Woman!!!
Thank you! I feel really good.
Yahoo! Glad you remembered, and I can’t wait to hear all about it.
Hopefully I’ll have good news to share, like how I ran it in under 36 minutes! I’ve already recruited my mom to take pictures. I can’t wait!
You’re awesome. I’m so impressed. I can hardly run at all. I’m sorry about the hair. You should never go for the cheap haircut. It’s always gonna end badly.
Dave’s advice to me for the 5K: “Turn it up to 11, Nigel.”
He thinks I look like Nigel from Spinal Tap.
Yeah you! That’s awesome! Go mama, go!
Thanks! I still can’t believe I can run. Who knew?
Dude, this is so awesome. One year ago would you have thought that you’d be running a 5k? Who cares how long it takes, you are DOING IT! That is great! Also, 36 minutes isn’t really bad, I don’t think. 12 minute mile…sounds good to me.