Halloween Run for Justice 5K

This past Saturday was my second 5K.  The race started at the Galleria in Cleveland.  The race went pretty smoothly, they have held this race several times before and Hermes Sports does a good job with the details.  The only hiccup was that we paid $3 to park in the Galleria's garage, but then our tickets wouldn't open the gate.  We had to wait for the security guy to come and open it so we could get out after the race was over.

I managed to shave almost four minutes off my time - new PR of 32:41!  10:32 pace, which feels pretty good.  I'm still recovering from this sinus infection, so my lungs were hurting a bit.  Maybe it was aggravated by the cold weather.  It was about 35 degrees during the race.  My CW-X tights are great, and they kept me warm.  I do need a different shirt and/or jacket and maybe another pair of gloves or some mittens.  My fingers were cold till about halfway through the race.

I felt like I was going to die during the first mile, then realized I was going too fast.  My first mile was under 10:00!  I haven't run that fast ever.  There was no time caller at the second mile, so I'm not sure how much I slowed down, but I know I did.  It was an out and back course, and the way back had some hills.  It was challenging. 

The race wiped me out.  I rested for most of the day on Saturday, but on Sunday I really needed to get in another four miles to meet my 50 miles in October challenge.  I knew that I would not be able to get a run in on Monday, since I have class.  There is no way I could get up early enough on a Monday morning to run.  It felt great to complete the challenge!  However, I'm thinking I probably should've just let it go - I'm still feeling pretty crummy. 

My ENT appointment is on Friday.  I'm anxious to see if he thinks surgery is necessary, and if so, how long recovery will take.  It's hard to imagine just sitting at home doing nothing for a few days (maybe up to a week) - eek!  I might have to put this off until Spring, when I am off from work anyway to study for the bar exam.  Plus, I don't feel ready to go for an entire week with no running at all. 

Plodding along...

I’ve been a lazy blogger.  I figured it was time to post an entry so I’ve got a record of my progress when I look back at this.  Mainly, I think a blog is good to record how training/fitness is progressing.  It helps me reflect on how much running has changed for me over the past five months.

First, the weight loss report – I have lost 48 pounds so far!  It doesn’t seem like such a big deal unless I really stop to think about it.  Almost 50 pounds in about five months!  This isn’t some crazy diet, either.  I’ve made a lifestyle change.  The way that I think about food and exercise has completely evolved.

Second, the training.  I made it through B210K, though the last few workouts I skipped ahead to the end because I felt like I was ready.  Now, I’m up to running six miles straight!  It is unbelievable how fast my body has adapted to this.  I wouldn’t say that running is easy, but it’s gotten pretty comfortable.  I’m pushing my pace and/or distance to keep challenging myself.  I’m still throwing in slow runs after reading Jeff Galloway’s book, but I’ve improved a lot.  I have been able to run a mile at a 10:00 pace, something that would have seemed impossible this summer.  I can run five miles at an 11:00 pace.  I just realized I didn't blog at all about my 5 mile race!  I ran the Maple Highlands 5 mile race at the beginning of October.  It was a fantastic experience, though it was definitely chilly!  I knew a couple of runners there, but they were all way faster than me.  I was planning to run alone.  I ended up running the entire time with a woman who matched my pace.  We didn't talk much during the race, but somehow it was easier to run next to another person.  We got down to the finish line, and we sped up to finish strong.  It felt great!  Mark came to be there at the finish line, and I appreciated his support.  It was so nice to see his face as I reached the finish.  My time was 55 minutes, not sure how many seconds. 

The current goal is to reach the sub 30 minute 5K.  I’m not there yet, but I’m working on it!