In April 2012, I decided to sign up for a 5K race in which I planned to run/walk. Before that I had not been what anyone would call a runner. I walked. I worked on the elliptical machine. I occasionally did weights. But I did not run.
I saw 50 looming in my near future and wanted to become more fit and to challenge myself. After watching my husband get in Ironman shape, run marathons and half marathons and complete many triathlons, I wanted to be more than a spectator. With his support and guidance, I did the 5K at the Mini Marathon in Indy in May and signed up for the Rock 'N' Roll Half Marathon in St. Louis to be held October 2012.
Today I have completed 6 half marathons, a handful of 5Ks, a 6K, a 15K plus a couple other shorter runs. I will do my 7th half in April in Springfield, IL. And last weekend, with a little arm-twisting from my husband, I signed up for a full marathon. Me! The person who a few years ago asked why people PAY to run, is going to run 26.2 miles!
The journey will be challenging, will required commitment, will be painful at times, and will make me a stronger person. Advice? Tips? Training buddies? I need all that!
I will post my journey to the marathon...and see what happens.
Showing posts with label Fitness. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Fitness. Show all posts
Friday, March 13, 2015
Sunday, March 3, 2013
Back in Training!
Since my last blog (in May), I have completed two half marathons. The goal was to run my first half marathon in late October -- The St. Louis Rock N Roll event. I began running (more like walk/jog/walk/jog) in April 2012. A challenging experience for a 49-year-old who had not run more than a 5k since college. With my husband Steve's support and coaching (he is a triathlete and seasoned runner), I started the journey toward my first half marathon race. It was tough training during the hot summer (I have determined I am a fair weather runner), but I stuck to the training plan the best I could. I got up early most mornings and ran before I even had my coffee!
Steve convinced me to sign up for a half marathon "training" run (Hero Run for Wounded Warrior project in Mascoutah) which was held two weeks before the Rock N Roll event. Reluctantly, I agreed. There was a 5K along with the half, so when I took off, lots of runners passed me (but I told myself they are only doing the 5k) and tried to stay slow and steady. The course went out on a country road, so I could see how far I had to run (a little intimidating). At times the water stops were few and far between, but I persevered. I was not the last one to cross the finish line -- at least 8 or 10 people behind me. It turns out the course was a little long -- 13.4 miles instead of 13.1. I was tired, sore, but felt proud. However, I was also not wanting to repeat that distance in two weeks!
The Rock N Roll event day arrived. Up early to drive into the city. Participating in the half were Steve, his sisters Sharon and Sandy, their husbands (one was doing the full marathon), friends Daryl, Kelly, and Nan. My goal was to meet or beat my time from the Hero run (2 hours 46 minutes) and to finish upright! Everyone starts in an assigned corral (group) based on the time you estimate you will finish. No one else in our group was in my corral. I started and tried to stay focused, not going too fast too soon. The race support was very good, loved going by the cheering crowds and bands. I tried to enjoy the scenery and avoid thinking about how much farther I had to go! I ran except when I walked to get water/Gatorade or take a gel. And I had only one bathroom stop (I had to stop at least twice on the other run). A highlight was when I saw my sister-in-law Sharon (she had started a couple corrals ahead of me). I caught up to her, we ran together for a mile or so, then she had to walk. I continued on and finished in 2:39:26.
I ran very little over the next month, but Steve and I, along with some friends, signed up for the Frostbite Series (St. Louis Track Club races), five races during the winter. I braved the cold and sometimes icy roads to run enough to do these shorter races (1.8 miles, 2 miles, 5K, 4 miles, and 3 miles). I did all but the 4 miles race and had respectable times (for me).
Now I am finishing week 3 of my official training for my next half marathon -- in Champaign on April 27 -- part of the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon/half/10k/5k events. My goal is to improve my time (would love to go 2 hrs 30 min., but we will see). The cold weather and icy/snowy conditions have made some outside runs challenging. I have run once on the treadmill, but know I can run on that if needed. I prefer to run outdoors.
Steve convinced me to sign up for a half marathon "training" run (Hero Run for Wounded Warrior project in Mascoutah) which was held two weeks before the Rock N Roll event. Reluctantly, I agreed. There was a 5K along with the half, so when I took off, lots of runners passed me (but I told myself they are only doing the 5k) and tried to stay slow and steady. The course went out on a country road, so I could see how far I had to run (a little intimidating). At times the water stops were few and far between, but I persevered. I was not the last one to cross the finish line -- at least 8 or 10 people behind me. It turns out the course was a little long -- 13.4 miles instead of 13.1. I was tired, sore, but felt proud. However, I was also not wanting to repeat that distance in two weeks!
The Rock N Roll event day arrived. Up early to drive into the city. Participating in the half were Steve, his sisters Sharon and Sandy, their husbands (one was doing the full marathon), friends Daryl, Kelly, and Nan. My goal was to meet or beat my time from the Hero run (2 hours 46 minutes) and to finish upright! Everyone starts in an assigned corral (group) based on the time you estimate you will finish. No one else in our group was in my corral. I started and tried to stay focused, not going too fast too soon. The race support was very good, loved going by the cheering crowds and bands. I tried to enjoy the scenery and avoid thinking about how much farther I had to go! I ran except when I walked to get water/Gatorade or take a gel. And I had only one bathroom stop (I had to stop at least twice on the other run). A highlight was when I saw my sister-in-law Sharon (she had started a couple corrals ahead of me). I caught up to her, we ran together for a mile or so, then she had to walk. I continued on and finished in 2:39:26.
I ran very little over the next month, but Steve and I, along with some friends, signed up for the Frostbite Series (St. Louis Track Club races), five races during the winter. I braved the cold and sometimes icy roads to run enough to do these shorter races (1.8 miles, 2 miles, 5K, 4 miles, and 3 miles). I did all but the 4 miles race and had respectable times (for me).
Now I am finishing week 3 of my official training for my next half marathon -- in Champaign on April 27 -- part of the Christie Clinic Illinois Marathon/half/10k/5k events. My goal is to improve my time (would love to go 2 hrs 30 min., but we will see). The cold weather and icy/snowy conditions have made some outside runs challenging. I have run once on the treadmill, but know I can run on that if needed. I prefer to run outdoors.
Tuesday, May 8, 2012
Dream Believe Achieve
Over the weekend I was in Indianapolis for the 500 Festival Mini Marathon and Finish Line 5K. I did the 5K along with my sister-in-law Sandy. Doing the Mini (it's a 1/2 marathon or 13.1 mile race) was my husband Steve, our friend Daryl, my sister-in-law Sharon (her first 1/2 marathon), her husband Jeff, and Sandy's husband Ruben.
We had so much fun trying new restaurants, competing in the events, and just spending time together. Steve and I had a suite in the downtown Hilton--he received an upgrade because he is "gold card" member. What fun--15 floors with a great view, large living/dining area, 2 bathrooms and a bedroom.
I bought a shirt that has "Dream Believe Achieve" on it. It's inspiring me along my journey training for a half marathon in October (the Rock 'N' Roll St. Louis). I finished the 5K in a little over 42 minutes. Not bad, but I know I can achieve more. Since I am approaching a milestone birthday in November, I feel compelled to challenge myself more and live life more fully.
Everyone--you too can Dream, Believe, and Achieve!!
We had so much fun trying new restaurants, competing in the events, and just spending time together. Steve and I had a suite in the downtown Hilton--he received an upgrade because he is "gold card" member. What fun--15 floors with a great view, large living/dining area, 2 bathrooms and a bedroom.
I bought a shirt that has "Dream Believe Achieve" on it. It's inspiring me along my journey training for a half marathon in October (the Rock 'N' Roll St. Louis). I finished the 5K in a little over 42 minutes. Not bad, but I know I can achieve more. Since I am approaching a milestone birthday in November, I feel compelled to challenge myself more and live life more fully.
Everyone--you too can Dream, Believe, and Achieve!!
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