Four Years

Four years ago, on May 11, 2009 I completed the first run that I ever logged. It was 2.1 miles that I covered in 30 minutes thanks to Couch to 5k.

I remember going for a run with my boyfriend (now husband) and being out of breath just running around a block. It felt SO hard. Then I started Couch to 5k. Those runs were hard too. I never though I’d be able to run 5 minutes. or 10 minutes. or 20 minutes. or 30.

I felt so great when I finished that Couch to 5k. My dad even convinced me to run my first 5k. At the end of June 2009 I did it. It was hot, sunny, and hilly. It was so mentally difficult for me, but when I crossed the finish I felt so proud. But really, it was the hardest thing I had ever done.

After my first 5k

Though my first 5k was SUPER difficult, I signed up for a second one, then a third, and so on.

My second 5k

Four years later and I have logged 2,180 miles, in 492 hours (holy cow that’s a lot of time!), in 627 workouts. And I slowly got addicted to races.  22 5ks, 4 10ks, 9 half marathons and 1 marathon later, I can’t believe it has been four years.

Most recent Half Marathon on May 5

Though running has never come easy for me, it is worth it because of the sense of accomplishment I feel when I complete each run (or race) and for the head-clearing properties that it tends to have.

Here’s to many more years in my running shoes!

Here’s what’s up

Good morning! I hope your weekend was great and your weekend is off to a good start.

It’s been a lot of the same ol’ over here. I’ve been taking spinning classes and trying to be okay with not getting in major running mileage. I also went to a Zumbathon on Sunday evening. About two songs in I realized that I am not in Zumba shape anymore. haha. It was a good time anyhow (and yay for burning 870 calories). 

I am getting more and more comfortable with spinning. And have very little *ahem* crotch soreness anymore. Major plus. I am also seeing some slimming in my thighs which is reassuring. I’m hoping that once I start running more again I may still be able to spin once a week. It’s a nice change of pace.

It’s been pretty humid in central PA this week so not only has my hair doubled in size but the runs I’ve done have been slow. It’s like running through pea soup! I’m really hoping to squeeze in a long slow run this weekend, I really miss them and their head-clearing properties. I’m also probably going to be doing a memorial day race which will be number 11 of the year!

So that’s what’s been happening. Mostly I’m just psyched that its finally warm around here, even if we did sort of skip “spring.” I’m enjoying wearing flip flops, sun dresses and running in tank tops!

Friday Fitness Recap – May 17

I really tried to focus on my cross training this week. Spinning has been a nice change (while hopefully still keeping my legs in shape), and EA Active has helped me to work on my arms and core. Spinning this morning actually ended up being a spinning class for 30 minutes, and then 15 minutes of arms, core, stretching, etc.

Saturday – 6.2 miles on the treadmill (1:21:20)
Sunday –  EA Active (30 mins)
Monday – Rest
Tuesday – Spinning (45 mins), EA Active (30 mins)
Wednesday – EA Active (30 mins)
Thursday – 3 mile walk/run (49:00), EA Active (30 mins)
Friday – Spinning + Core (45 mins), EA Active (hopefully)

Total miles: 9.2 miles
Total time: 5.6 hrs

The plan for this weekend is to get in EA Active tonight or early tomorrow morning, and then do a mid-length run (8-10 miles or so) on Sunday. Hopefully the gorgeous weather we’ve been having will continue into this weekend. I’m hoping next week I can also squeeze in 2 weekday runs (plus one on the weekend). It was just tough this week for various reasons.

Have a great weekend!