Claire, I didn't realize how brave you are!

I finally had the courage to register for the Jingle Bell Jog 5K and I have to say that until I did it, I didn't realize how brave you are, Claire!  I almost chickened out about 20 times during the registration process...it just made it so OFFICIAL!  But, register I did....and the good news is, the forecast looks better for Friday, so I may not only register, but actually show up! :-)

Around the park...

So it was two laps around the HM Park for me today, as Ed and Shelby played on the swings and slides. Not my fastest (I think it took me 20 minutes?), or my farthest, but the weather was great and it felt good to run outside.  So this week's plan is to run on Sunday, Monday and Wednesday....and skip Thursday in anticipation of the big 5K on Friday.  The plan after the 5K?  New shoes, I believe...

Turkey....Waddle?

Today I went for a quick morning run with my husband and daughter to burn some calories before our yummy dinner at Angela's. My run yesterday left me feeling sore and tired, so I knew today would be a challenge...and it was! I managed 20 minutes of running (less than 2 miles) and came home with a sore ankle. I was pretty disappointed with my bad showing, but I have to be realistic-it's going to take me a while to get back on track. But overall, it wasn't a total loss: the weather was beautiful, it was nice to be out running with my family, and it's wonderful to feel like a runner again!

Now I'm off to make my contributions for dinner: mashed potatoes and peanut butter cookies. Yum!

Our own Turkey Trot!

Just a quick post during a cooking break to say Ed and I left Shelby with Ed's brother Rick this morning to get in a quick run - the first time Ed's run with me (and the first time he's run in a long time, period!). We did two laps around the Hope Mills track, walking/running. It was not the most challenging run, but it was wonderful to be together.  A great start to our Thanksgiving for sure...now we eat! :-)

What A Relief

It's been a rough week. Something has felt off about my life. I've been feeling stressed and overwhelmed, sick and tired, and generally grouchy. But that all evaporated today when I went for my first run in 8 days. What a relief to be well enough to run again. What a blessing to have a husband who could see my desperate need to get out of the house and do something for myself. What a joy to run through my neighborhood and see my usual sights. I was even happy to gasp for breath and feel the burn in my thighs. That's just how happy I am to be running again.

I went out today with the goal to do one mile. I knew I had to meet that goal or I would feel like I was starting all over again. So I was pleasantly surprised to be able to do 2 miles fairly easily. It took me 23 minutes, not so bad for a girl who was just in the ER on Saturday! I don't think I could have run another mile, but walking would have been no problem. If I continue to feel this good (or better), I know I can complete the race next Friday. Hopefully I can get in a few more good runs before then!

Another treadmill run...

So my schedule put me back on the treadmill this morning (I'm hanging out at Shelby's school using the free wireless internet and working out, waiting to participate in her Thanksgiving Feast!)... I had a great run though!  

I decided to keep with the slow pace and focus on endurance today, so I walked for three minutes, ran at a pace of ten-minute miles, and then walked for another two minutes.  45 minutes total....4.32 miles....  Oh, and the treadmill says I burned about 450 calories, which means I can have a bigger piece of apple pie at the feast, right? :-)

I'm Back!!!!

So I finally am able to run again!  In fact, I ran my longest run yet - 4.27 miles!!!!  Since I've not had a really good run in a week, I took it slow - 10 minute miles, with just a few minutes running 9 minute miles - but it felt really, really good. I could have run farther, but didn't want to over do it on my first day "back." 

Oh, I suppose its worth mentioning that I ran on the treadmill today, after I said I was not going to until after the 5K.... I really needed a confidence booster though - I was starting to think I'd forgotten how to run...