5k Race Day!

A picture of my boy and I before the race. He makes me want to run, to be healthy, to be a role model for healthy habits. I love him.

Saturday was race day. I was definitely worried the day before. My son was very sick (fever and vomiting), my husband was out of town and I really didn't know if I would sleep the night before the race. I also consummed lots of sugar. I know, awful! I took a Valium and that got me to sleep the night before. We got up before 6am and my sister-in-law (a talented runner) came with me to cheer me on and watch Marino during the race.

We were fortunate that race day was gorgeous. In Metro DC, we tend to have HUMIDITY from June - August but Saturday morning it was sunny and in the low 70s with no humidity. I got hot while running, but the lack of humidity definitely helped.

Here I am towards the beginning of the race (number 78 - blue shirt, big smile). I was feeling great at this point.

Normally, I run an 11:30 - 12 minute mile. Almost the entire race I was running faster than an 11:30 and I really just burned myself out. I had to walk for about 30 seconds in the last quarter mile of the race - I was just exhausted (I did finish it running). I finished in 36:06. My goal was 35 minutes or under. Maybe next time!

Do I look tired?!

Here I am with my boy right after the race (I didn't collapse...I'm taking my chip off my laces).

Our running group had snacks and little gifts for us after the race. We plan to stick together and move into the 10k training program next. I really love running with these ladies!

Week 11 Runs - Last Runs Before My 1st 5k!

Monday: 15 minutes, 1.3 miles around lake by my house.
Time of day: 6:30AM
Weather: humid, sunny, not yet hot
Issues: Just fatigue, but felt good after 1/4 mile.

Taking it easy this week for the race on Saturday, but just felt like I needed to run.


Tuesday: 20 minutes at Lake Needwood.
Time of day: 6:30PM
Weather: HUMID!!! It rained the entire day, so it must have been near 100% humidity.
Issues: Oh, the humidity was a killer. The end of our run was a big hill and I had to walk for a minute...it felt like I was breathing in steam. I have never sweat that much in my life. My hair was soaked - after a 20 minute run!

Here we are practicing getting water during the race!

Thursday: 15 minute run at King Farm.
Time of day: 7PM
Weather: Cloudy but warm and mild (high 70s)
Issues: None

After our run, some of our pace group met for dinner and drinks to celebrate. The next time we see each other will be at the race! I really enjoy running with these ladies (and Bob!)

Week 10 Runs

Monday: 1.3 miles around lake by my house...leisurely run with the dog...15 minutes

Time of day: 6:30PM
Weather: Perfect! 70s, sunny, with a breeze
Issues: None

Tuesday: track at MCC. 35 minutes - speed work.

Time of day: 6:30PM
Weather: Sunny and cool.
Issues: UGH! I stopped eating sugar and caffeine on Saturday and I have really had trouble adjusting. I could barely run - I just have no energy!


Taking the rest of the week off to let my body adjust to getting energy from food other than sugar!

Hindsight

I'm cracking up reading my first post where I said I was hoping to run a 10 minute mile in a 5k!
My new (realistic) goal is to run an 11:30 mile on June 16th.

Week 9 Runs

Tuesday: 30 minutes of hills and track workout, interrupted by a storm.
Time of day: 6:30PM
Weather: HOT AND HUMID!
Issues: I hadn't ran in a week and my shins were bothering me. I iced them when I home and that helped.

Thursday: 30 minutes, 2.39 miles around King Farm.
Time of day: 6:30PM
Weather: Hot (80s) but not very humid
Issues: I'm definitely still adjusting to the heat, and had to stop for a short, minute long walk a couple of times, but I felt good at the end of my run. I had a little pain in my shins, but not as severe as Tuesday.

Saturday: 39 minutes, 3.1 miles - Wheaton Regional Park*
Time of Day: 7:30AM
Weather: Sunny & Cool (65ish)
Issues: It was a bit harder than I expected, just in terms of regulating my breathing. I also wore sunglasses, which ended up really annoying me, because they fogged up once I got hot!

*This was the course for the 5k race I'll be doing on June 16th.

Here's a couple pictures from Saturday. I'm in the blue tank with the black pants.

Finishing up a 5k!