Dogwood Festival 5k Update/Results and the next race is set!

  So I am happy to say I did the Dogwood Classic 5k and achieved my first starter goal!
 
  The Dogwood Classic is a 5k supporting our local Dogwood Arts festival that happens each Spring. People are encouraged to drive around Knoxville on different loops and really enjoy the beautiful flowers and trees as they are coming back to life.

  When I signed up I told my gym buddy "I just want to finish under 40 minutes. I feel that's reasonable since I'll be walking and running. Then what I finish under can be my new finish goal." She agreed it was a good start as well.

  The hard part... knowing that you wouldn't even consider that an option a year or more ago. I am working very hard not to compare where I am now to where I was when I could finish a 5k close or less than 30 minutes in.  But, I know with practice and discipline, I can get there again, which is my summer goal.

  Back to the race - Joel and I signed up and agreed to meet on race day. We both parked about a half mile from the course so we'd be able to stretch our legs and also because they kept letting us know that if you parked near the course and didn't finish by 9:45am you were stuck there until noon due to another event happening. That... wasn't going to happen for me so I parked at the nearby church and just walked over.

  When I arrived I let Joel know I was going to run/walk. He said that was fine as he is a speed walker and would be going his own way anyway. I quickly learned that Joel is a faster speed walker than I am when I walk and it took a bit to keep up with him.

  I started the race using both my Nike+ training app and my C25K app.  With my C25K app I was on Week 4 Day 3 which meant I was running for 3-5-3-5 with walks in between. Overall running a little under 2 miles total in the 30 minutes they allot.  I then continued to run once the app ended my time because I wanted to finish as strong as possible.

  I'm happy to report the following (not bad for my 1st race... goal is to only get better):
Dogwood Classic 5k results:
Chip time 40:17 (we were closer to the back since we were walking first)
Race time: 39:22
Pace: 12:40 (not bad WITH walking!!)
Overall: 465/600
Female: 238/335 (want to do better and be more in the middle)
Age group: 33/47 (definitely want to do better and be more in the middle for that as well)

Here's our sexy model photo taken by Mary:

  I had some pain in my hip later in the day. When I googled it, I believe that the result was from pushing myself harder than I'm used to - which is fine. I know it's not a broken or fractured bone (it's already better) so I'll just need to keep upping my workouts.

  And Joel agreed today to run with me at the Scot Trot 5k which is super exciting - I just LOVE Scottish men (and I'm obsessed with reading Outlander currently) so this will be fun. We actually get a medal after completing this one - it will be my first 5k medal and Joel's first ever so he's pretty pumped. :)

  I am hoping to start Week 5 on my C25K app this weekend - I need to get a good run in but the weather has been so crappy along with my crazy work schedule this week so fingers crossed Saturday it can happen!

  Working on getting back on the grind again.  My morning walking partner had to take some time off due to allergies and work but we've been going steady the past 2 days which my fitbit just loves! I have hit my 12,500 step goal both days before 4pm which is wonderful for me. I worked very hard to get myself on track so the days he wasn't able to meet I would at the very least walk across campus to a local eatery and grab breakfast to go. That way I would get about a mile or so in to start my day.

  I also started working on my running both on the track and outside.  I am on week 4 of the C25K program. Day 1 was Saturday on the track and it wasn't super easy but wasn't super hard either.  Then Sunday arrived... I needed some air after our annual awards banquet so I took to the road... I turned on Day 2 and almost died.  I forgot just how hilly campus could be.  I had to take 2 small breaks during the 5 minute running parts but made up for them at the end.  Overall I ran almost 2.5 miles both times.  I want to get at least 1 more run in before my 5k this weekend.

  My goal to finish is going to be around 40 minutes.  Hopefully less but we will see. I am planning to use the C25K week 5 Day 1 during it and then running through the cool down section and will cool down after the race.

  I also need to get back to going beyond walking in the gym. Although I'm now down 6lbs I need to still get rid of at least 15 more to be near my "goal weight" and I also want to start toning so weights, Zumba and yoga are going to have to start being my friends at the gym again. Thankfully our work schedules are a little different in the summer so I can take some classes and make up time working evenings so I'm ready for that.

  Hope all is well with everyone reading! :)

  As of last Friday, I have officially registered for the Savannah half marathon in November.  As of earlier this week, Cat has as well.  This will be the first time we race together and the first time I run with a friend since I lived in Oklahoma! I've run my last 2 major races by myself so it will be a nice change of pace for me.

  And it's an excuse to get back to a city I absolutely love! Savannah has something about it that I've never gotten over - I like to go back and visit every few years. This will be my 5th visit in 10 years.

  I'm still working on my C25K app. I'm up to week 3, Day 1. Tonight or definitely tomorrow I will complete day 2.

  I treated myself to a new sports bra and 2 new pairs of socks at Fleet Feet last weekend. In July, for my birthday, I plan to update my shoes. I've had the current pair for over a year and although I haven't hit the 500 miles mark on them, I know they need to be switched out because of age. I also need to figure out what ones I want - I love Asics but I know there are only certain ones I like so I will have to do some research.
  Any suggestions are greatly appreciated so feel free to leave a comment!

Life has been a crazy mess but I'm making it through!

Tomorrow is our Fainting Goat 5k (2nd Annual) so that's exciting and busy since this weekend is also the Knoxville Marathon. One of my staff is actually running the marathon so I have to find time to make him a sign as well. So excited for him - he's been working so hard on this!

Speaking of marathons... I officially signed up for the Savannah Rock and Roll Half Marathon in November since the Disney Wine and Dine yet again sold out very quickly. My friend Cat thought Savannah would be best for us to run our first half together (her first, my 4th).  I'm super excited about this - as I mentioned before, I'm starting from scratch again - I'm on week 2, day 3 of the C25K program and once that is complete, I plan to advance to their 10k program followed by their half marathon program. I'm really looking forward to running 3+ miles every other day again. I miss that feeling so much (and miss being that skinny!) so it's a wonderful goal to set for myself.

This week I wasn't able to keep my date with the gym as I'd have liked to so I've downloaded the squat and push up challenge apps from the C25K company and plan to start adding those to my workouts.  I also have a wonderful co-worker who asked me to start walking with him in the mornings so I'm going to try to incorporate that into my schedule at least 2-3 times a week to start the good changes.  I'm still managing to keep over 12,500 steps every day and getting my 5 miles in but some days are easier than others.

Fingers crossed all continues to go well. Next goal is doing the Savannah Women's Half Marathon in 2017. It's actually happening this weekend - my hope is to register early (then it's only around $30!!) and since I'll know how Savannah is running-wise, and this time of year usually isn't too hectic, I'll be set!

Sadly, today I'm not out there with my gym buddy as she is currently hiking the hill in heels! I wanted to very badly this year but once again my schedule did not allow it. Oh well...

  Life is good. It's nice to be able to say that again - especially with everything going on right now!  We have a beautiful 80 degree day, my allergies aren't killing me yet, and I'm packing for an upcoming move! How exciting is life right now?!
  I haven't been able to hit the gym this week as I am on duty - my position requires that we hold 1-2 weeks a semester on duty and available to answer any calls that may come up. Because of this, I can't take the phone with me to the gym.  And of course the weather has been beautiful but things keep coming up at night so I haven't been able to run either.
  But alas, I'm still getting there.
  I had my yearly physical earlier this week and found out I lost 4lbs! This may not sound like a huge thing but when you've been gaining weight and no matter what you do you can't seem to lose it... so 4lbs is awesome. Realistically, it should have been 6lbs but I gained 2 over the weekend due to eating rather than thinking about a good friend who passed away.
  My BFF's bff passed away unexpectedly and I've been at a loss. I spent a good 10+ years with her in my life through our shared godmothering and knew of issues but didn't expect it would be like this. So sudden and so final.  And I didn't expect my body to react like it did - I was in pain, actual physical pain, all weekend since I heard the news. I haven't sleep a full night either. It's weird how our bodies can react to things.
 And it's not that she's the first person close to me that I've lost. My father passed away when I was very young, followed by his parents a few years later.  I've also lost my mother's parents and a few uncles along the way. It's just a very different feeling.  And the helplessness that comes with not knowing what to say to the person impacted the most - I have no idea how to help my best friend. We've been through so many things over the past 18 years but I feel at a complete loss.
  So I've been spending a great deal of time, especially since I can't hit the gym, walking and thinking. Trying to figure out things in my head, figure out my feelings and also learn from her and make sure I have plans set in case something would happen to me.
  Saturday is Spring Break - and perfect timing - I'll be travelling home to spend time with my BFF and attend the memorial. I'll also be going home to check on my dad and make sure his grave and my grandparents are cleaned and filled with new flowers.  I'll be using this break as a time to check in with those I care about and remind them why I am glad they are in my life.
  And I'm planning to pack the running gear so I can keep up with my runs. I have the Fainting Goat 5k coming up shortly after we return and I want to make sure I am at my best to run it. :)
  Have a blessed rest of the week and hug those you love a little tighter tonight.

  I haven't updated this thing in forever. I think about it all the time but just let it slip by. I'm not going to promise I'll be better - especially since I doubt anyone even reads this anymore - but if it helps me with my next half marathon training and holds me more accountable, I'll give it a shot.
  So a quick update - I moved to Tennessee in 2012 for a new job. I've been here since and sadly, I've let my running go down hill. I had an accident in the gym in November of 2012 so it put my running abilities on hold for a good 6 months.  I ran a few 5k's over the past year but now I'm back to getting serious!
  Since I moved here I've done the Disney Wine and Dine 2013, the Tower of Terror 2014 and as I mentioned before, a handful of local 5k races.  While talking to my friend Cat, we discussed doing our first race together. She was disappointed that she's the better runner of the two of us and has yet to run a half marathon or any race more than a 5k.  After going back and forth, we decided we were either going to run the Disney Wine and Dine or the Savannah Half since they are both on the same weekend. Right now we are both trying to get into the Disney one and if we can't, we will do Savannah as our back-up.
  I know November is a long way off but when you haven't been running consistently, you need all the practice you can get! I've been working back slowly - running on Saturday mornings in the gym (I hate tracks and treadmills even more but until it's warmer... it will have to do) and hope to keep adding miles each time.  For right now I'm adding .25 to .5 a week to my total. I've been working with the C25K app and when I finish that, I plan to bump to the 10K app they also have. I want to be as prepared as possible for this one. Last time I only ended up walking about 2-3 miles of the race but I want to do even better this year! Goal is under 2.5hrs (my current PR).
  I've also been desperately trying to lose the weight I gained from depression over the past year and a half.  I went from 145lbs when I moved here to 175.  I've already lost 5lbs thanks to an amazing co-worker who agreed to be my gym buddy this January.  She kicks my ass Monday through Friday and I don't believe there's been a day I haven't felt it. I know the pain will go away and I'll be happy when I'm back where I want to be but it's always hard to climb the mountain again when you've been comfortable at the bottom for so long.
  But, it's working. I stepped on the scale this morning and I'm down 5lbs. I've been working hard on eating healthier. Due to Lent I've cut out soda and candy bars and I'm upping my veggie intake. All in the hopes of seeing this come to a good end.
  And on top of all of this... I've started job searching again. Although I've loved my time in Tennessee, I know it's time to move on. I'd love to move to the Carolina's but if that's not in the cards, I'm willing to wait until it is. I've applied to a few jobs so far and had 1 interview. Patiently waiting for the perfect job to show itself and let me attain it. Fingers crossed!!

What training has taught me lately...

  So this post won't contain my usual photos and links as I'm using my work iPad and want to get this out of my head before I forget. :)
  As the few of you that read this know. I'm currently training for the Disney Wine and Dine half marathon in November. When I first signed up for the race I had big plans for my training. I was so sure of myself because seriously, I've run two before so I figured I could do it with no problem.
  Then I ran the RASA 5k and wanted to give up after the first hill.   As I ran I stated to curse myself for signing up for that race and also a half marathon. Who was I kidding? I could barely run a mile. I hated running at that moment and hated my body more.
  What I wasn't thinking about was the fact that I had to give myself time.  Like ,let of my friends who have recently transitioned to new jobs in new cities, I put running on the back burner when I moved here.  I gained weight and didn't hit the gym as hard as I had in Tulsa.  The. November hit and I pushed myself harder than ever in the gym one night... So hard that I screwed up a vertebrae in my back and ended up in severe pain.  What I thought was "just a pulled muscle" ended up being more serious - to the point that I could not walk more than a half mile without wanting to die from pain.  I didn't sleep for more than 3 hours most nights because the pain was so bad.  I realized I had hit rock bottom when it took me almost 15 minutes to walk the 10 isles to the Target pharmacy to get my first prescriptions to treat the pain.
  Thankfully I quickly discovered a wonderful chiropractor who fixed my pain after 3 sessions when the doctor I was seeing kept insisting I would never run again and wanted me to pay out of pocket for $2,000 worth of shots.  With the help of my chiropractor I was able to run the 5k in April and haven't stopped.
  Although I haven't been training as well as I had hoped to at this point, I'm getting there faster than I'd hoped.  This past sat I ran 4 miles on the track - a nonstop 5k at 30:30 followed by a 2 lap walk and finishing the last 6 laps without issue.  The week before I ran a 5k on the track with some struggle after 2 miles.
  What made me think of this post is due to a speaker we had during our training for our job.  She spoke about diversity and being abled bodied vs having a disability.  I realized that I have now been on both sides of the spectrum and it has given me a new perspective.  When Eryn and I ran together in Tulsa she would always tell me she ran for those who could not.  For the first time ever, her words rang true for me.  There may be a day - maybe sooner than I'd like to believe, when I can't run anymore. It's already happened once already and I want to enjoy my body and what it can do until then.  Although I promised my mother that this would be my last half marathon, I do plan to continue to run and make the most of the time I have in good health as I can.
  No, I am not dying or sick - but as I speak to my best friend who is in worse condition than I was just a short while ago, it makes me realize how lucky I am that I found a good doctor who was able to listen and fix the problem while others just gave me drugs and didn't listen to my concerns, fears and issues.  I am very blessed and I now know it.
  Through this experience I'm also working on making my body stronger. I'm now taking spin classes twice a week and going back to Zumba on top of training. I've also joined weight watchers and am using that to help get my diet back on track so I'm not eating junk all the time.
  I'm going to hopefully make the time to continue to post about my training and my race - especially since I've never been to Disney and have never run a half marathon without Eryn so I'm terrified - and I hope you'll confuse to follow along and support as you have in the past.