5k

Workout - 3.1/39:54

Avg. Pace - 12:51

Tonight's run was a mixture of walk/run. I wanted to make it to 3.1 miles, because I registered for a 5k this weekend with several of the ladies I teach with. Most of us will walk, but I'd really like to push myself and run the entire thing.

At one point in tonight's run, I almost had a heart attack. I turned right at a corner in my neighbor hood and there were two little dogs going ballistic at some fenced in dogs. I stopped in my tracks and took off the other way, looking over my shoulder the entire time. One of them looked just like the dog that attacked me several months ago....I didn't stick around to see if it was the same dog!

Tonight when I was stretching before my run, my sweet boy sat down with me to "stretch" and listen to music. Isn't he the cutest?!?!

Feeling great

Workout - 1.27/14:49

Average Pace - 11:40

Tonight was run number 2 since my time off and it wasn't too bad. My leg feels great! I actually went two full miles, but I stopped the Garmin during my walk breaks. It's such a bummer to think that 3 months ago I was running up to 4.5 miles without a problem! I'll get it back!!!

Gotta start somewhere....

Workout - 1.04

Pace - 10:56

I didn't forget about this blog. I've taken some much needed time off so that my leg would heal completely. I really hope I've rested long enough and that when I wake up in the morning I'm able to walk.

I went to The Runner in OKC last week and got fitted for some new shoes. They're not pretty, but they felt great!

Finally!

Workout - 1.72/20:34

Average pace - 11:58

Tonight's run was the best run I've gone on in a long time. I got smart and took Advil before I took off, and it helped soooo much! Yes, there was still some pain, but nothing compared to the past few runs I've gone on.

I am so proud of my average pace...11:58. That's almost a full minute quicker than my last run. Woot!

Wishful thinking

Workout - 1.62/20:37

Average Pace - 12:43

I went to the doctor again today because my leg is still bothering me. My doctor immediately suggested a Cortisone shot. I hesitated, because he hasn't tried to diagnose what is wrong with my leg, he's just treating it. But, after talking to him for a bit, I decided to go for it. The shot was awful. I had Liam with me and as soon as the nurse came at me with the needle, he flipped, which made me tense, which made the shot hurt much worse than it should have. I left after being told that if this didn't work, the next step is physical therapy.

I decided that since I'd had the shot, I should be good to go for a run. I went to the lake and the first lap was ok. I had a little pain, but not unbearable. I made it about a third of the way around the second lap before the pain really hit. I pushed on and finished the second lap....very slowly.

I'm feeling better after stretching and icing. Hopefully as time passes, the Cortisone will really take affect and I'll be healed!!!

Early Run

Workout - 1.64/19:55

Average pace - 12:11

Ever since I was injured, I've been in a rut. I haven't been running, or at least attempting to run nearly as often as I should. This was evident in my run this morning. The first mile was hard. I don't know how many times I almost stopped to walk. I told myself that if I made it one full mile, I could stop to stretch and walk for a bit.

After I stretched, I started running again. I made it .64 miles before I had to stop and walk. It was hot. My leg hurt. I was worn out, out of breath. Excuses, excuses! If I'm going to start training for a half in two weeks, I better get in gear and at least get to where I can run 3 miles again!

Push through the pain

Workout - Walk/Run 1.49/19:11

Average pace - 12:53

I started out walking tonight to warm up the muscles in my leg that have been killing me. As soon as I started running (when the 19:11 began), I was in horrible pain. I stopped and walked some more. Once I was up the big hill in my neighborhood, I gave running a go again. This time people were watching and there was NO WAY I was going to stop and walk. I ended up running at least a mile before walking again.

It was kind of weird, because the pain started out really bad when I began running, then kind of faded the farther I ran.

I'm pretty impressed with my average pace for tonight considering how much I walked. I could have gone farther, but I didn't want to push it.

Splitsville

I'm in the middle of an awful break-up. It's gonna get ugly around here. That's right, I'm breaking up with....

I don't know how many times I've said it and been unsuccessful, but I think it's time. I've gained some serious weight the last couple of weeks, mostly because of this, but I think that Dr. Pepper has a lot to do with it also. I will continue to enjoy caffeine through my morning coffee, but no more soda. I'm hoping that putting it out there for the world to see will make me stick to my guns this time!

I was supposed to run today, but it didn't happen. Being the great wife that I am, I encouraged the hubs to go to a Ranger's game tonight instead of staying home to watch Liam while I ran. He really wanted to go...it was the right thing for me to do. I'll head out for a run tomorrow to make up for it. :)

Reunited

Workout - 1.33 miles/15:37

Average pace - 11:45 (I love my Garmin!!!)

I have been pain free for a few days now. So, I decided to attempt going for a run tonight. I decided to run around the lake, because I could start out in the wooded area just in case I was limping like crazy as soon as I started running.

I stretched before I left the house and stretched again when I got to the lake. Then, I was off. I wasn't pain free, but it wasn't unbearable like it was the last time I tried to run.

As I was going through the wooded area, I saw the biggest spider hanging from a tree. I started squealing like a little girl and then realized that three guys were watching me from about 15 feet away on one of the fishing docks. I'm sure I looked ridiculous!

Once I got myself together I realized that I was hardly feeling any pain at all! So, I went farther than the .5 miles I had hoped for. Now, I just hope I can walk in the morning!!!

Ugh!

I went to the doctor on Tuesday and left in such a happy mood! The doctor said that I probably just pulled a muscle and I was fine to run with the help of some Advil. So, I head out for a run last night. I was so excited because it was the first run with my Garmin. I walked to the lake stretched and took off. The pain was immediate and it was bad. I ran with a limp for .2 miles before I couldn't take the pain anymore. I walked the rest of the way around the lake and headed back to the house. I'm so bummed.

Wish List

Since I'm unable to run right now, I thought I'd make a list of a few things that I'd like to eventually purchase. First up, the Road ID. This is something that David and I will have to get once we start running outside of our neighborhood. I think I'd like the pink one. :)

Then, there's the foam roller. I've read about these on a lot of blogs. They're supposed to help you stretch really well and avoid injury. It's a little late for that. :(
I saw a guy running with one of these the other day and I was jealous. I almost stopped and asked him for a sip. It's a Nathan Handheld water bottle. I know that I don't need hydration on my runs yet. I'm not running long enough or far enough. But...my mouth gets so dry when I run, especially in this heat. It'd be nice to have! Once again, I'll take pink!!!
This is something else that I'd like to have. I've heard that Jillian can really work miracles and my upper body and abs need a miracle!!!

And, this CamelBak water bottle is strictly something I want, not need. I have this weird thing for water bottles and cups. I saw this one at Target and instantly thought it needed to be added to my collection!

I'm off to the doctor this afternoon to hopefully figure out what's going on with my right leg. I know that even though I've taken time off from running, my leg isn't better. I'm hoping my doctor can give me some encouraging news!

Time off

I guess it's official. I'm taking some time off. I'm not sure how long, but at least until the pain in my right leg is gone. It's the weirdest thing. I was fine when I was running Wednesday night. I was fine after I got home. Overnight it started hurting and when I got out of bed in the morning I could barely walk. I stretched several times throughout the day and took some Advil. I woke up this morning with less pain. Hopefully I'll wake up tomorrow morning pain free, this injury will be behind me and I'll be back on the road Sunday. Fingers crossed!!!

Feet on fire

Workout - 3 miles/32.30

It was so hot tonight that the soles of my feet were burning. I had to stop one time and walk because I couldn't catch my breath. There was no breeze and I felt like I wasn't getting any oxygen. I walked for 20 seconds and took off again. I am SO proud of tonight's time. The last time I ran this same route I ran it in 34:05. My goal tonight was 33:00. I was so excited when I looked at my stopwatch to hit the stop button and it said 32:30! Big improvement!!! And I give credit to these shorts....

This was my first run in my new Nike Tempo Shorts, and I loved them!!!!

Anniversary gift

Workout - Approx. 2.4 miles/?????

I slacked this weekend, well really all of last week...badly! I was determined to run Saturday, but sometimes things happen. Like 6 year anniversaries! David and I were going to get up early Saturday and run together since we were at my parent's house, but we ended up sleeping until 9:00...BLISS! Then, running at night was out because we wanted to go to dinner and hang out with some friends. So, tonight was my first run in several days and I am SO glad I took some time off! My run was pain free! I felt like my pace was quicker, but due to my stopwatch malfunctioning (or maybe it was a user malfunction) I have no idea what my time was. No worries though, because in 5-9 days I will receive this beauty in the mail....

I am so excited! I have wanted a Garmin for a month or so, and my wonderful husband made it happen. Thanks, David for the anniversary gift!

Why run?

I've been asked this question a lot lately. It's got me thinking. Why have I suddenly decided to become a runner at the age of 30?

In college I dated a cross country runner, so I was surrounded by runners. During that time I started running so that I could lose weight and fit in with the females on the cross country team. I was never good at it and never ran farther than 3 miles. For some reason I just quit one day until it was time to get married. Once again, I started running. A couple of months before the big day, I ran my first 5k race. I have no idea what my time was, but it couldn't have been too bad because I got first place in my age group! As soon as the I do's were over, I quit running just as fast as I started. Then, there were the months when we were trying to get pregnant. At the time, I thought that not getting pregnant immediately was the worst thing that could happen. So, I started running off and on throughout the 8 months we were trying to conceive. Running was my outlet. I'd hop on the treadmill and get my anger out. Throughout all of these times, I never thought of myself as a runner.

So, why now do I consider myself a runner? I feel like for the first time I'm running for me. I'm not running to lose weight, although that is a great side effect. I'm not running to make someone else like me. I'm running because it's what I want to do. So, here are some of the reasons I want to run...

-I love the way running makes me feel. I am so happy after every single run and I have so much more energy than I used to.

-I love that my butt and thighs have toned up. :)

-I love running clothes and gear! (I'm currently a bit obsessed with getting a Garmin!)

-I love that I am setting an example for my son. Hopefully by watching David and I live an active lifestyle, he will do the same.

-I love having time to myself.

-I love having a goal to work for. November 21st, the day of the half I am registering for, will be here before I know it!

-I love that I have cut my daily dosage of blood pressure meds in half since I began running! I hope to soon be completely off of blood pressure meds!

These are just some of the reasons why I (recently) became a runner. I could really go on forever!

First run entry

Workout - Approx. 2 miles (maybe more, maybe less)/23:21

I'd say that tonight's run was a failure, but at least I got out and did something. I am still so sore from The Blaze, and the soreness really showed up as I was running tonight. Once I gave myself a 30 second walk break, I couldn't get started running again. I hurt too bad. So, I took the scenic way home around the lake in our neighborhood and did some duck watching. I am now sitting on the floor with frozen carrots on my right shin and frozen peaches on my left shin.

I tried a few new things on my run tonight.....

-I tried running with gum, which was a failure. I need to concentrate on running, instead of worrying about not swallowing my gum.

-I tried running with a head band. This worked out ok. I usually run in a hat, but decided that it was just too hot tonight. My hair is too short to fit in a ponytail, and some fell out by the end of my run. I think next time I'll throw some bobby pins in also.

-I wore a new running shirt that has a zippered pocket that fits my iPhone. I loved this! I really don't like wearing an arm band, but since I was attacked by a dog, I've made sure to have my phone every time I go out for a run. The pocket is on the right side at the bottom. I stuck my iPhone in it, ran the earphone wire out and through my shirt. It was perfect!

I think I'm going to take tomorrow and Friday off from running. Maybe I'll do some Pilates or something. Hopefully that will give my legs a chance to heal.

A new beginning

I started running about two months ago. In the beginning I used a Couch to 5k app on my iPhone. I quickly began to enjoy the three times a week I spent running/walking. This was the only time I got to myself all week long. Don't get me wrong, I treasure every moment I spend with David and Liam, but I've gotta have some time with my own thoughts every now and then! I was having so much fun that I eventually ditched the Couch to 5k program and started running at my own pace.

In the last two months, I have ran in two 5k's. I started with The Aquarium Run in Jenks. It was SO much fun! Everyone was super friendly and there for a good time. I had three goals for that race:

1. Don't stop to walk....CHECK

2. Don't finish last....CHECK

3. Cross the finish line....CHECK

My time was slow, but I am not a fast runner, hence the name of this blog, "Slow and Steady...finishes the race". I think my chip time was 36:17. I didn't even care about my time. All I was worried about was that I achieved all three of my goals!

I was on such a high after I finished The Aquarium Run that I decided to sign up for another 5k, the Bricktown Blaze. My one goal for this race was to finish sub 35:00. Well, that didn't happen. This race was miserable. It began at 5:30, which means it was BLAZIN' HOT. There were so many times during the race that I almost quit. It was so hard, but I kept pushing. I stopped at both water stations out and back, took a few drinks and then poured what was left down my back. It seriously felt like this race was never going to end. I finally crossed the finish line with a chip time of 37:09. Pathetic.

Since that race, I have been so sore and discouraged that I haven't gone out for a run. It's been three days. Three days wouldn't be a big deal except for the fact that I was supposed to start training for my first half two days ago, meaning I've already missed two runs. Oops.

With this blog I hope to hold myself accountable in my training. I will use this as a way of tracking my runs. I plan to blog each day that I go for a run....starting with today....a new beginning. Here's to the beginning of a healthier me!