I read a headline recently, I believe it was from Women's Running online? It said "Worrying About How Slow You Run Could be Holding You Back". I believe this. When I started running it was part of my never ending effort to lose weight. Once I completed my first 5K (3.1 miles) I was hooked. My time for that particular run was 34:34 (11:08 minutes per mile pace) not bad for a first timer. Since then I have been chasing the elusive sub 30 5K. In other words, I really want to finish a 5K in less than 30 minutes (10:00 pace). The closest I have come to this was a couple of years ago when I completed those 3.1 miles in 32:04 (10:34 pace). Now I find that when I train I am more focused on pace and less on total time. I know that for weight loss I should be running for longer periods of time and not focus so much on pace. This past June I completed my first 10K (6.2 miles) in 66:58 (10:31 pace). That was by far my favorite race! I felt great the whole way. I think a big part of that was because it was my first 10K so no matter what time I pulled in at it would be a personal record (PR). I was running at a comfortable pace which ended up being faster than I had anticipated. I was also running for a longer period of time than I normally do…66 minutes vs. 32. At the end of the day, that is where I am going to see a bigger calorie burn and isn't that what I wanted from the beginning?
Where does this leave me in my training plan? Should I continue to chase the sub 30? NO. Let's face it, I have an injury that is not going to go away. (If you are just catching up with me, I have a bulging disc in my neck.) Until I manage to lose a significant amount of weight I truly do not believe I can improve on my pace. It sounds like a "Catch 22" doesn't it? Run to lose weight, lose weight to run. So here is my plan, are you ready? Can you guess? I am going to do my best to increase my distance which in turn will increase my workout time which will help me to lose weight and then MAYBE one day I will break the tape before the clock strikes 30. Who's with me?
Phil said something the other day that made me go "Awwwww". The Ford commercial came on with Rachel Platten's "Fight Song" playing.
Phil said, This song makes me think of you. I have had some obstacles to overcome in my life…who hasn't? Phil explained that when he hears "Fight Song" he thinks about how I took charge of my life and learned to thrive. How flipping sweet is that?!
I had my bi-annual Dental check-up earlier this week. I am happy to report, no problems there!!
Oddly, now all I can think about is a caramel apple! What the…? I don't even really like caramel all that much. Why is it that now I feel like my life won't be complete if I don't chomp into a caramel apple and soon?!
What is your current goal(s)?
Caramel Apple, Yay or Nay?
Saturday started strong with a spin class at "Just Results". I hadn't planned on spinning this week but late Friday J-Dawg emailed to say "Let's go spinning tomorrow." So I went. I spun. Spinning is weird for me. I really LOVE the workout but because I don't hear well (one of my eardrums is backwards.) it is a real struggle for me to hear the instructor. At one point she was talking to me directly and I didn't even realize it. Ugh! One of the best parts about spinning is the awesome workout music played loud. Sadly I cannot hear two things at once and the music takes precedence. I don't always catch the timing for the jump sequences but I do ok…I think. I am not going to stop spinning, it's too much fun. In fact, I am considering investing in spinning shoes so that I can "clip in". Any recommendations?
Phil, Bonk and I watched "What If" on Saturday afternoon. It's an Indy film starring Danial Radcliffe (Harry Potter). We all liked it, there was enough humor to keep it moving.
Sunday was supposed to be a run day but my stupid neck was throbbing…sigh. When it gets that bad I really can't do anything physical without a lot of pain. I started the day grocery shopping and doing laundry, jealous? Then J-Dawg texted asking if I was free for lunch….um YES! We went to our favorite, the "Cruisin' Café" which is part of a local antiques store.
They serve the best food there, you can't go wrong. The antiques store always gets dressed up for the seasons and holidays.
Right now Autumn and Halloween are making an appearance.
Remember that pulled calf muscle from last week? Well I didn't! Not until I started running on it again. Monday's plan was just an easy 2 miler. At about ¼ mile that darn muscle started to knot up good! I pulled over and gave it some extra stretching but by then the damage was done. I kept on going telling myself that once I got fully warmed up it would loosen up again…never happened. Oh well, it's all part of being a runner, we learn from our injuries. I know that I need to rest my calf more so that it will mend completely. That said, I have decided to bail on the Apple Harvest 5K this coming weekend. This particular race is just not important enough to me to risk re-injuring myself. I am calling it a season. It was a tough one for me, mostly because I was only able to get in two races due to injury. At the same time, it was also a really great season for me! I ran my first 10K at a very respectable time and buoyed my desire to push myself even farther. My sights are now set on the "Surftown" half next Summer….doing it! Now I just need a training plan. I hope you will stick with me as I try to figure it all out .
Tuesday was National Coffee Drinkers day!
Just pour it in a cup.
I got myself back to Sue's boxing class on Tuesday evening.
I had not been since JUNE, Yikes! Needless to say, class won! J-Dawg met me there, it was her first time ever in this class and she can't wait to go back! You should come with us next time! Not only is it a fantastic workout but it's FUN! Sue and Lori keep us laughing while still providing tons of instruction and support. Plus, there is usually a super cute puppy wandering around…nothing wrong with that!
What the heck kind of yoga pose is that?