First 5K Down!

So, this past Saturday was the Susan G. Koman RFTC. The day started out pretty bad, but got a little better.

Friday night, I decided I wanted to get a short run in so that my muscles would be a little warmed up for what awaited me the next day. My sister and I did a 2 mile run, but instead of taking it easy I decided to run hard. I don't know what I was thinking, I just wanted to get in a last "practice" before making it to the real deal. Well, I over did it because my knee started giving me some problems.

The next morning, we woke up at 5:30am to the sound of pouring rain - GREAT (*insert sarcasm*). One thing that had been stressed to me is that the race goes on rain or shine, so rain it was. That's all well and good, but the rain increases my knee pain - so I knew that it was going to be a very trying day. We arrived at the mall, and discovered that there had been a 30 minute delay of the race due to the sighting of lightening. That meant that we would be spending the next hour standing in the pouring rain. There really was no shelter anywhere, so we were absolutely DRENCHED by the time the race started.

I started the race pretty strong, despite the tingling in my knee. Got through 1/2 a mile before I took a "walk break". I walked for about 2 minutes, and then took off running again. Just as I did I felt like someone had stabbed me in my knee cap. The pain was terrible. I'm not sure what happened, what I did, all I knew is that I couldn't give up. I literally had to hobble through most of the course, until I came to the last 1/2 a mile. I just couldn't bear the thought of walking through the finish line, so I sucked up everything I had to ignore the pain and I took off running. I crossed the finish line with no pain, just joy that I had done what I had been working so hard to do.

I managed to finish the race with a time of 48:30. Not great at all, but good taking into consideration that I couldn't run. I'm happy with it, and it just gives me something to work harder on next time.

I have been out of running commission since then, because I apparently I injured my knee pretty badly. It's been 5 days since the race, and I'm still in a little bit of pain. I've been taking it easy, but now it's time to jump back on the horse and start working out again. I just have to take it easy.

So, my weight today: 230.1 lbs!! I just have .1 lbs to lose to hit another 10lb target!!

Here are a couple of pics from the race:

Me, my sister, and my 10 year old daughter before the race.

Me right after I crossed the finish line:

Oh, Yes I Can!!

So, this past Saturday was my first run with my new running "group". Well, the run consisted of me and the group leader - but I actually preferred getting some one-on-one time with her.

When we first met, she explained that the trail was 1.8 miles long, and she likes to run around it twice - giving us a total of 3.6 miles. I was ok with that, because I've been walking/jogging for about 5 miles for a few weeks now. The difference was, I'd been running for about a minute or two, and then walking for 2 minutes. Karrie, my running partner, explained to me that she liked to run for 3 minutes and then walk for 2. I was a little nervous, but I thought - "it's now or never - if those people on Biggest Loser can do it, so can you!" Well, we started out, and I got through the first 3 minutes pretty easily. Then I did the second run, and started feeling the burn, then the third and I thought I was going to throw up but I kept on pushing. I finally pushed myself through the pain and got around the first time. The second time around I decided to step down to 2 minutes run/2 minutes walk. I got around the second time - and I was exhausted, but I did it!!

Despite how tired I was when it was all said and done, I really felt great. Karrie was such an inspiration and a motivator. She's currently training to run a marathon - so she's in a lot better shape than I am. We decided that being no one ever really shows up to run with her, she is now becoming my new "trainer". She's going to help motivate and push me through a long run each Saturday. I'm excited - maybe this time next year, I can run a half marathon!!

So, I'm just over 2 weeks away from the 5K. I'm getting pretty excited, and a little nervous. Even though I'm entered into the competitive run, I'm not doing it to compete with anyone. I know I'm not going to win - but the competition is with myself. I'm determined to get through it just to prove to myself that I can.

My sister, who is 14, is going to run with me. She's extremely fit, so it will be nice to have her to pace me and keep me going. She's coming over this weekend, along with my mom and brother, to spend the weekend with me. I plan on hitting the track at least once while she's there so we can get an idea on how we run together.

After work today, I'm heading straight to the track. I'm going to run 3 times a week from now on. On my "off" days, I'm going to either run on the treadmill or lift weights. I really like how my body is getting, but I still have these HUGE chicken wings that flap around all day. I really want to work on getting rid of them, so I'm going to start working on the weight gym 3 times a week.

So - my weight this week: 236lbs. Down another 2lbs - not too bad. :)

Well, that's it for now. Till next time. :)