5K

Saturday was my first 5K!  I wasn't able to (nearly) complete the C25K program that I started, but I did do it!  It was definitely a chilly morning (around 40 degrees with a pretty good wind).  I was wearing my Nebraska hoodie and long-sleeve t-shirt (there weren't a lot of people in red, so I was sometimes easy to spot).

I ran into some people I knew there, who were actually one of the sponsors (The Community).  It was so great running into people I knew as they were able to motivate me and support me at the end!  (Plus, I had witnesses to my completion).  I also had a colleague (who is much more of a runner) do the 5K with me!

I do have to admit two things that I should have known/realized that I did not. 

1. A 5K is 3.1 miles (not just 3 miles).  I know 0.1 miles is not much more, but it was my nemesis!
2. There were going to be lots of hills.  (I'm used to running in a very non-hilly area or around a track so, this was a "surprise")

My goal was to run when I could and only walk when I needed to.  My time goal was definitely under 60 minutes, would like to be under 50 minutes.

I started out strong.  I got the first mile done in about 14 minutes (not too bad for me).  Then there was a long winding hill (small incline but for a long distance).  Got the second mile done at 31:20.  (Note that my awewsome colleague had already finished by this point)  I had a "kid" that I kept passing or being passed by.  I really wanted to make my goal of 50 minutes so I was running down every hill and walking up once the momentum passed.  My colleague showed up with about a half a mile to go as she said this was the point that she could have used a cheerleader (especially as we have another long small incline hill).  I was able to run about the last quarter mile and finished at:  50:03.

3 seconds!  Darn it! This is why that 0.1 mile was my nemesis.  If it had only been 3 miles I would have made my goal.  But it is ok - I was definitely close!

Hoping to try again the spring with a goal of breaking 43 minutes! 

I was definitely very sore the next day and Monday.  My sides hurt, the backs of my calves hurt.  But I DID IT!!!

C25K Update

The day is upon us...Saturday.  Am I ready?  I am ready to be there and try my best.  Will I be running the entire thing - no.

Unfortunately this has been a rough semester and although I hate making excuses, my family comes before my running.  My health comes before my running.  So I WILL be there will bells on this Saturday and I WILL complete the entire "race" but for me the race I want to do is complete in under an hour.  That is a realistic goal.

To all of those out there who knew I would fail at completing this, you may have been right...for now.  I WILL try again and I WIll succeed.

(I will always be honest about it, but I will succeed one day!)

C25K Update

It has been a really rough week - not going to lie.  I finished week 4 about a week and a half ago,  However, I didn't feel ready to move on last Wednesday when I went running.  So I stayed on week 4.  I haven't gone since that day.  However, I'm not giving up - I'm just going to repeat week 4.  I may not get to run my entire 5K on November 19th, but I'm still going to go through the training and I can do another 5K later that I can run the entire thing.  So even if I have to walk for part of the 5K on November 19th - I'll be there!

MY GOAL: To complete the 5K on November 19th with minimal (1 minute at a time) walking.

How am I feeling?: Doing ok - little down on myself knowing that I won't get to run it all but know that I am going to continue!

Current outlook for goal: Since I've changed my goal now, good!

What is hardest?: Believing in myself right now - I don't remember the last time I ran a mile without walking some (maybe when I was 14?).

Recommendations to those wanting to start the program: I have to go with last week's still here - especially now that I have to do it myself - Mini-goals. Maybe the idea of running a full 5K seems way to "out there." So set a mini-goal(s) along the way. I'm already setting the mini goal of making it to the week where I run for 8 minutes straight. (For some this may seem like a "weenie" goal, but the goal should be based on you and your current situation).

Anyone else out there start it? How are you doing?

C25K Update

I have been told I need to make the time to do this. I try to do so and then other things come up with the hubby and kids. I'm still doing my best.   (C25K Program)

Since my last update, I have finished Week 3.  Then on Sunday, I started week 4.  Week 4 starts as:  5 minute warm up walk then do the following
Jog 3 minutes, Walk 90 seconds
Jog 5 minutes, Walk 2.5 minutes
Jog 3 minutes, Walk 90 seconds
Jog 5 minutes

And I did it!!!!

My hubby helped to give me a pep-talk before I left and I was determined to do it!


MY GOAL: To jog the entire 5K on November 19th!

How am I feeling?: Doing pretty well - not too sore yet.

Current outlook for goal: I have to take this one day at a time.  No matter what, I WILL be at the 5K!  My biggest fear about not meeting the goal is that the program takes me up to 30 minutes of jogging, and I think it will take me longer to do a 5K.

What is hardest?: Believing in myself right now - I don't remember the last time I ran a mile without walking some (maybe when I was 14?).

Recommendations to those wanting to start the program: I have to go with last week's still here - especially now that I have to do it myself - Mini-goals. Maybe the idea of running a full 5K seems way to "out there." So set a mini-goal(s) along the way. I'm already setting the mini goal of making it to the week where I run for 5 minutes straight. (For some this may seem like a "weenie" goal, but the goal should be based on you and your current situation).


Anyone else out there start it? How are you doing?

C25K Update

I have been told I need to make the time to do this.  I try to do so and then other things come up with the hubby and kids.  I'm still doing my best.  On Thursday, I accomplished Week 2, Day 2.  Sunday, I accomplished Week 2 Day 3.  Last night, I accomplished Week 3 Day 1.  I must admit even reading week 3 scared me.  I was only doing 90 seconds of running at a time and they believed I could double it - really?  I told Brandon when I left that if I wasn't back within 40 minutes to send out a search party!  Even when I was 10 seconds away from starting that first 3 minutes run (and even on the second one) I had to say to myself - Jackie you can do this.  You can.  Everyone may be expecting you to fail and give up on this (including yourself), but you CAN DO THIS. 


MY GOAL: To jog the entire 5K on November 19th!

How am I feeling?: So far, so good.  I was definitely a little more winded last night. 

Current outlook for goal: I am really going to start focusing on getting from one day to the next as the goal still feels so far away (and a bit out of reach) - doing my mini-goals. 

What is hardest?: Believing in myself right now - I don't remember the last time I ran a mile without walking some (maybe when I was 14?).
Recommendations to those wanting to start the program: I have to go with last week's still here - especially now that I have to do it myself - Mini-goals. Maybe the idea of running a full 5K seems way to "out there." So set a mini-goal(s) along the way. I'm already setting the mini goal of making it to the week where I run for 5 minutes straight. (For some this may seem like a "weenie" goal, but the goal should be based on you and your current situation).


Anyone else out there start it? How are you doing?

C25K Update

Ok - honest start.  Man this has been a tough week between Owen's birthday (post to come), my Mom's surgery, it has been very hard to make the time.  On Sunday, September 11th I completed week 1 of the program (even in the rain!).  On Friday, September 16th, I started week 2 - Day 1.  Last night, I completed Week 2 Day 2.  So I might be a little behind the recommended scheduled, but I'm still going!  (If you're interested:  the program.)  I know a lot of people recommend morning runs, but with our family work schedule and the kiddos, this isn't doable for me :(

MY GOAL: To jog the entire 5K on November 19th!

How am I feeling?: Other than being a bit down on myself about finding the time, I'm doing good.  Physically, no issues.  Not really any type of soreness yet or feeling like I can't breathe!

Current outlook for goal:  So far, I'm still feeling ok for this.  Please note that I'm NOT setting a "time" goal of any type for this!

What is hardest?: Finding the time!  - wonder if this will change for me (will it always be hard to find the time or will something else get even harder?)

Recommendations to those wanting to start the program:  Mini-goals.  Maybe the idea of running a full 5K seems way to "out there."  So set a mini-goal(s) along the way.  I'm already setting the mini goal of making it to the week where I run for 2 minutes straight.  (For some this may seem like a "weenie" goal, but the goal should be based on you and your current situation).

Anyone else out there start it? How are you doing?

C25K Update

It has been a little while since I told the world that I was going to get back on the C25K wagon.  A lot of things have happened in the last couple of weeks that it took me about a week to finally have a night I started.  So on Monday (September 5th), I started Day 1 of the program.  Yesterday, I completed Day 2.

MY GOAL:  To jog the entire 5K on November 19th!

How am I feeling?:  So far, so good.  I haven't been very sore or anything after and I've been trying not to push myself too hard (heard that is one of the biggest reasons people quit). 

Current outlook for goal:  Staying positive and thinking I can do this!

What is hardest?:  Finding the time!

Recommendations to those wanting to start the program:  You can do this - I think doing it outside for me is going to be better as when I try a treadmill it is much easier for me to get bored and to push myself too hard. Plus, it helps to have a visualization of the distance that you've covered.  I'm going to run until I get to that mailbox. 


Anyone else out there start it?  How are you doing?

Back on the C25K wagon

C25K - Couch to 5K.  I had started this program back in May and had every intention of completing it.  Then something called summer classes started and I was a little busy (two 3-credit classes (one of which I was re-doing my entire notes for a book change) I was teaching, plus a 3-credit independent study and student research).  Ok, enough complaining.  I had gotten through only the first 3 weeks of the program (see here).

Now, I would like to get back to it.  I have found a 5K to register for (November 19th) to keep me motivated.  A friend is even willing to do it with me! Now that I have put it in writing that should give me more motivation. 

The program is literally designed to take you from the couch to running a 5K in 9 weeks (I have about 12 weeks to get ready!).  With as much as I want to do this to show everyone that I can do it, I really want to show myself that I can do it.  Running is one thing I just chalked myself up to not being good at and have continuously used it as an excuse.  So now, I hope to prove myself wrong and do it!  Please keep me honest and give me encouragement through the program.  I'll try to post about it once a week to see how it is going for me!


Oh, and in completely unrelated news, I got those shoes I wanted :)