My First 5K!

I finally did it.  After 3 months of the Couch to 5K program and running 2-3 times at dawn every week.  My intention was to run the San Francisco Bridge to Bridge last Sunday.  When I started the training program I registered.  It's a 7K race but there's a huge hill right in the middle, so I planned to walk that.  Well as luck would have it my son landed in the hostpital the Thursday before the race.  He had a major asthma attack.  He was there until Sunday morning. We tried to arrange care and schedules so I could still complete the race, but it wasnt' meant to be.  I wanted to be with my son and the logistics were too intense to figure out. 

I hurried up and signed up for another race this weekend.  It was called the Quadtoberfest.  ANd again it almost didn't happen.  After sleeping in the hospital for a couple nights, my back was out of whack.  It was sore the beginning of the week and then on Wednesday I woke and almost couldn't move.  Up until last night I was iffy if I should still run today.  But, I had to. If I pushed it again I'd have anbother conflict and another.  If I was going to do this, really be a runner, I had to do it. 

I woke at 6:00am for the 7:30am race.  Got dressed, ate a bagel, drank a little sports drink, water and popped some Advil.

I got to the course at 7:00am.  No one was there.  About 7:10 another runner showed.  Still no site of the organizers.  And no bathroom!  Finally around 7:15 the organizers showed.  This was definaitely a more casual race.  About 3 others showed for the 5K.  A handful for the half and marathon.  In my group was another first timer, a younger girl, two children and their dad.  It actually felt nice to have a small group and no pressure. 

Off we went.  Being the newbie I am, I had my car key in one hand, my iPhone in the other.   The first mile was pretty good and my Nike + app said I was clocking an 8:57 mile.  Which is the best I've ever ran.  Mile 2 seemed more difficult as some was uphill.  I had to slow to a walk for about 15-30 secs to catch my breath.  I rounded the bend and was set on mile 3.  Again, one more pause for about 15 secs walking.  Then on to the finish.  My time came in at 28:09.  Not bad!!

It felt great to finish.  And wasn't as horrible as I thought it would be. I felt amazing after and am excited to sign-up for my next one!  I did it!

Slick Fit: New Shoes

Typically this post would be about some killer heels or sweet sandals.  Not this time.  With my new running kick, it's about running shoes.  I went on Sunday and got a pair of Mizunos. They're slick.  I got up at 6am on Monday and did day 2 of my training program.  I'm on my way.  Tomorrow is day 3!

Slick Fit: Run Jane Run

I've always been a casual exerciser.  I've been a member to several gyms.  Own a bike.  Some hand weights.  A sports bra.  But I never really got into one sport.  Not to the point of really getting fit.  After two kids and a sore neck and back, I feel it's time.  Time.  That's my issue.  I just don't have time.  I'll say that I'll go to the gym, but that never seems to happen.  How, when you work full time and have two kids 5 and under, do you fit it in?  A yoga studio opened recently in my building.  I started going here and there at lunch.  But that still takes a good 1hr and a half.  And sometimes I just can't take that much time out of my work day.  So, the next best time is mornings.  Before the rest of the house gets up.

Now don't get me wrong.  I love to sleep.  I mean really love to sleep.  But if I was going to get serious, I had to make some sacrifices.  Ok, that was the first step.  The next was finding something that I could do in the mornings.  A DVD?  Fit TV?  Just not motivating enough for me.  So, I looked to running.  This thing I've tried numerous times to do in the past, but just never got past the first block or two.  I decided I had to give it another try.  For several reasons:
1. It's an individual sport.  I don't need anyone else to do it with me.
2. It's cheap.  Just a good pair of shoes and I'm set.
3. You get a really good work out. 
4. You can do it anywhere. 

Done.  I'm sold.  

Next step was to have a goal.  I signed up for a 5K in my hood.  It's in two months.  Lastly, I bought the Couch to 5K app for my phone, joined the forums and I'm on my way.   New shoes and all!  I plan to track my progress here.  Wish me luck!

Slick Ad: +50 models

American Apparel has a new model.  And she's not a slinky teen.  Thoughts? Photo courtesy of Refinery29