Week 7
ummmm....I can't even remember what I did this week. So let's just pretend that I did a ton of running and it went totally smooth with no hissy fits, pouting, bargaining, falling or cussing.
Week 8: Smile Center Memorial Day 10k - Orem, UT
This was my first 10k. Now you might be thinking, "Wait a minute, you did a 12k last month. How hard could a 10k be for you?" Well my friends, let me tell you something that I've learned throughout this little quest of mine. Altitude totally counts! Seriously.
There was no Devil Hill during this 10k but we were back in Utah altitude.It was raining (of course) and a little cold and at one point we were running on the side of the road with lots of nasty exhaust. Once we got through that, we took a trek through Orem suburbia which was actually quite pleasant. Until we passed a sign around 3 miles which lovingly said: "If you would have run the 5k, you'd be done by now."
Thanks, Sign. You're a jerk.
Around 3.5 miles, I really started to struggle. I wanted to walk soooo bad. My calves were tight and I was hoping that my panting wasn't too obvious to Coach Jim because I didn't want him to know that I was having a rough time. I mean, we're only half way through. So I decided to just suck it up and keep going although my pace seriously slowed.
All of a sudden, the Running Gods looked upon my poor desperate ass and said, "Maybe we should help a sister out." Thank you! I needed that.
Mile 4-5 was freaking awesome! I picked up pace and felt amazing! I felt like I was just out for a stroll. Unfortunately it only lasted that one mile because 5-6 was rough. Not as rough as someone else who ran it before me, however, because they actually puked all over the sidewalk.
And they had oatmeal for breakfast. Did you get that visual? Good. And you're welcome.
Check out my stats. And a picture. Because that's what we do.
Week 9: Pride Day 5k - Memory Grove Park - Salt Lake City, UT
Talk about a fun race! It was the next closest thing to the Bay to Breakers. Except there were no Nakeds.
I loved the overall attitude of this race. Everyone was there to have a great time and share an overall message of love and diversity. Plus it was a SUPER gorgeous day outside which made for a very nice run through Memory Grove by the capital building.
But alas....I can't have too nice of a run. That just wouldn't be right. So of course there was a massive hill. Again....ugh.
I've decided that when you walk up a hill but make the arm motion like you're running, it totally counts. So if anyone ever tells you that you're not actually running, tell them they're stupid and keep on truckin' up that mountain!
I ran this race separate from Jim because I could tell that he was really jonesing to run really fast. Plus, he just got a wicked tattoo to honor his awesome marathon achievements so I think that might have added to his desire to kick some 5k ass. Check it out
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| Jim's bitchin tattoo |
This 5k was really cool and I feel like I had a good run. My official time was 33:10 so my average pace was about 10:40/mile.
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| Before race |
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| After. PS...no one wanted a hug :( |
Week 10
So, no running this week. Just imagine week 7 but with the hissy fits and cussing. That's all I'm going to say about that.
Week 11
No race this week, just training runs. So we actually went back to the same location at the capital building but instead of running 3 miles, we did 7. I had to run that stupid hill again but I'm told that hills are actually really good for you when training. So up we go. Again....ugh.
Those of you that live in Utah know that the area around the capital is anything but flat.So its no surprise that if you travel along that area in the early morning hours during the summer, you are sure to find lots of runners and bikers out there getting in their cardio burn. It was kind of nice to pass by people and say hello and get a smile and nod from the other runners who are sharing my pain. Even that lady with fantastic legs who isn't even breaking a sweat. She's suffering. I just know it. She just has to be! Either way, it feels like a little community and I'm kind of glad I get to experience that every once in a while.
This was also my first run that I've ever used an energy aid other than Gatorade during a run. If any of you out there are running long distances and not using something like GU or Shot Blocks, STOP DOING THAT! Seriously, you're body is stressed the hell out when you put it through that many miles and it needs fuel. I felt awesome during my run but I know I couldn't have done it without a little pick me up. I definitely recommend trying these little miracles on your next run. You won't regret it.
The next few weeks will be serious training because I'm running my first Half Marathon (ahhhhh!!) on July 15th. Wow....that's only a few weeks away.
I'm a little bit sick to my stomach just thinking about it.
Whew..holy long blog, Batman!!
Sorry 'bout that. I promise to keep in touch more, OK? Don't leave angry mob posts on my Facebook page anymore. Mom, I'm looking at you. You totally started it.
:)
