So today marks day 7 of Low Sugar Lent. And it honestly hasn't been too hard. The first few days were a little difficult in the evenings, but that passed. I had a mishap on Day 1 with an attempt to use bakers chocolate in my oatmeal as I had seen other bloggers do. It was so horrible I only ate about 1/3 of my breakfast that day. Brunch on Sunday wasn't too bad either. No Krispy Kremes for me though and lot of no sugar options.
Here's to week two which will bring a different challenge: baking.
Tuesday, March 15, 2011
Monday, March 14, 2011
Tom King 5k Recap
Saturday was the Tom King Classic 5k and Half Marathon. It marked the culmination of the East Nasty Couch to 5k program which I volunteered with. A few weeks ago the thought entered my mind that I might actually be able to get a PR (personal record) on this course since it was so flat. It wasn't until the end of last week that I actually decided I would "race". I spent 4 amazing days in New Orleans and had a grand time eating rich foods and no exercise. So I wasn't sure how I would be feeling leading up to Saturday.
By Friday I knew I was going to give it my all. My goal: run a 5k under 24 minutes. So 23:59 was my aim. Any time I run a 5k, my main goal is to run my best race. However, I do know that every course is different and there are a lot of different variables that go into optimal race conditions. I also decided that I would not where my ipod during this race. That was a first for me. To prepare, the night before I figured out the pace I would need to maintain. 7:53/mile.
The weather was pretty perfect Saturday. A slight chill, but not too cold. I warmed up with the Couch to 5k group and split off from them and made my way towards the front of the start area. I never start as close as I actually should and end up regretting it as I am passing people.
The first mile was around the Titan's Stadium. It wasn't bad at all and I actually started out a little bit too fast (A pipe dream of mine is to run ONE mile at 6:59, but that dream deserves it's own post). I had about 3/4 of a mile to go to get to the East Nasty water stop which was also the turn around point. I couldn't tell you who cheered for me at the water stop, but I know all of my friends were cheering me on. On my way back to the stadium I felt like my name was called every 20 seconds as I passed the newest East Nasties running the 5k, some for their first time, who knew I was running for a specific time. About 1/2 a mile from the finish I just wanted to quit. That was probably the hardest part. And then I saw Chuck. Chuck is such a great cheerleader and encourager of runners and I just remember him telling me I could do it and to start picking off other runners.
I did pass a few other runners and knew I still had to run up a slight ramp into the stadium. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the large downhill that led to the field. We did 3/4 of a lap on the field and finished at the 50 yard line. According to my watch my time was 23:54. I was excited, but of course it's not official, until I see the results.
23:53.
I think my next goal should be to actually smile at the camera.
I did it. And I have been completed overwhelmed with the congratulations I have received. Thank you all for all of the encouragement. I couldn't have done it without you.
By Friday I knew I was going to give it my all. My goal: run a 5k under 24 minutes. So 23:59 was my aim. Any time I run a 5k, my main goal is to run my best race. However, I do know that every course is different and there are a lot of different variables that go into optimal race conditions. I also decided that I would not where my ipod during this race. That was a first for me. To prepare, the night before I figured out the pace I would need to maintain. 7:53/mile.
The weather was pretty perfect Saturday. A slight chill, but not too cold. I warmed up with the Couch to 5k group and split off from them and made my way towards the front of the start area. I never start as close as I actually should and end up regretting it as I am passing people.
The first mile was around the Titan's Stadium. It wasn't bad at all and I actually started out a little bit too fast (A pipe dream of mine is to run ONE mile at 6:59, but that dream deserves it's own post). I had about 3/4 of a mile to go to get to the East Nasty water stop which was also the turn around point. I couldn't tell you who cheered for me at the water stop, but I know all of my friends were cheering me on. On my way back to the stadium I felt like my name was called every 20 seconds as I passed the newest East Nasties running the 5k, some for their first time, who knew I was running for a specific time. About 1/2 a mile from the finish I just wanted to quit. That was probably the hardest part. And then I saw Chuck. Chuck is such a great cheerleader and encourager of runners and I just remember him telling me I could do it and to start picking off other runners.
I did pass a few other runners and knew I still had to run up a slight ramp into the stadium. However, I was pleasantly surprised with the large downhill that led to the field. We did 3/4 of a lap on the field and finished at the 50 yard line. According to my watch my time was 23:54. I was excited, but of course it's not official, until I see the results.
23:53.
I think my next goal should be to actually smile at the camera.
I did it. And I have been completed overwhelmed with the congratulations I have received. Thank you all for all of the encouragement. I couldn't have done it without you.
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