i like that that taking charge...."embrace the good days when i feel confident sexy and skinney"........today is one of those days!!!! I need to appreciate them when they happen, and dont let the fat days get to me! i LOVE IT. Thank you Taking Charge!! Already the good days outweigh the bad ones, but why is it that the bad ones are the ones we let get to it, while the good ones go unremembered?
you know what i realized after i wrote that darn postr about puking?? I had forgotten to take off my previous days nicotine patch before i ran!! "they" say exercising with a nic patch on can cause higher amounts of nicotine to be released due to sweat and heat, etc..... i wonder if thats why i puked! Doesnt really matter.

Sharon--- i read your other post asking for 5k advice---find a porta-potty as SOON AS you get to the race! :) This is the advice i give everyone...GO getin in line IMMEDIATELY!! YOu might have to wait a LONG time!!!! If the race officials dont officially seed the runners at the start, try and stick yourself with people you either percieve to be of similar ability and speed, or just walk up to someone and ask, "hey, how fast do you run?" if they run faster, then go farther back. It can be very annoying at the beginning of the race to either get trampled by faster runners, or to have to dodge and run around slower runners. Plus if you seed yourself appropriately youwont be as tempted to go out so fast. DONT get caught up in the excitement and go out too fast..that will make for a crappy and dissapointing race day experience!

Yep, yep, yep, know exactly how you feel!! Today went and tried on clothes, a lady was helping me and I kept pulling out large tops, and she kept saying, :nono: :nono: and pulled mediums and smalls and they fit depending on the style and all the large were too small... I even fit in a size 6 jeans!! I didn't buy that particular style, I bought the size 8s in a different style... I don't feel like I'm a size 8, even less a 6, I feel more like a 12 or 14...

I don't really know when I brain catches up :shrug:

Hello ladies, you are so chatty... I'm trying to keep up! :lol:

mk thanks for the pep talk. I have mostly been able to put it behind me but the running this week has been frustrating. My ITBS has really flared up since the race and it's making runs difficult. I'm doing some cross training today instead of my scheduled run in hopes to give my knee a good break before I attempted my long run on Saturday. Usually I can run through the pain (I know, not smart) but yesterday it just wasn't happening. However I have managed a 10:50mm on my last two runs so I'm quite happy about that.

Pardon me as I whine/vent for a few...

I hate not being able to run! I wish I could run every single day but my knee just won't let me. I figured out (pre-race) that if I cut back to running every other day, it keeps the pain at bay. But I hate, hate, hate not being able to run and I get bored and antsy on my off days. I know the answer is to pick up something on my off days but I would so much rather just run. I get bored at the gym - I would much rather be outside. I don't know. I should probably get a bike or something and just do that, at least it would be easy on my knee and I could still feel like I'm doing something. Argh!! :tantrum:

/end whine

Cake - congrats on a sub-11mm!! That's awesome!! Glad you're back :D

mk- you know what? no judgment from me on the smoking, either. In fact I'm even more in awe that you were a smoker and could still run as much as you could...that's impressive! Just think of how much money you will save ;) and how much your running will improve! I think you're on the right track. :D How are you feeling today?

TC- too bad the running group didn't pan out... I've thought about doing one here but I have yet to work up the courage to run with others. At least you still got in a run!

fat pants--- I WILL RUN WITH YOU!!! Seriously, really, i would LOVE to have someone to run with, even if only once every couple weeks!! I have NO problem runnign WHATEVER pace/distance is comfortable for you!!! I trained my boyfriend for the BolderBoulder this spring, and we ran at HIS pace always (slower than a 10-11 min miles) and sometime we only ran like 2 miles, sometime 4 or 5!!! I think itd be fun to have someone to chat with!! I would TOTALLY do your long runs with you....... I hear ya on not being able to run everyday...whenever i have an injury i feel like im gonna jump OUTTA MY SKIN!! Cross training just doesnt quite do the trick when you have an itch only running can scratch!!!!!

Update
 

As of 3:25 am this morning i have COMPLETEY lost my ability to cope with ANYTHING.

I wake up at 2 30 to do my 12 mile run, force myself to get ready, and as im standing at the front door (at 3:25) i find that i cannot even open the front door to take my first steps. Suddenly and without warning i become COMPLETEY overwhelmed by the thought of running 12 miles. I loose it and start balling uncontrolably (not sweet, demure silent little tears, but looud, snotty, snortry hiccupping wails). I did NOT run this am.... :( (went to the gym instead, easy cardio)
Fromo there everything has just gotten worse.... Faced with the daunting task of having to blow dry my hair and put on my makeup, i became so overwhelmed i started crying. I dropped and spilled my coffe and became so overwhlmed i started crying. Construction driving on the way to work...you can guess how being stuck in traffic without a cigarrette made me feel..... when i got up this morning, it marked 48 hours without a smoke. the exciting, just quit smoking honeymoon phase is over, and i just am not handling it well. I am going to take half of a mental health day off at work today.....

Hello ladies!

MK~ aww hun, I've totally been where you are and it's no fun at all--if it helps even a little bit, it does get better I promise! Your body is going through a big change and it's protesting. Hang in there and take that half day and take a nice long bath and maybe a nap afterwards. :hug:

TakingCharge~ Thanks for the advice! My knee is always something I'm worried about so I'm hyper sensitive to it and my hips are wonky and I need to pop them a few times a day (all comes from having flexible or 'double jointed' joints I'm sure) so I'll be sure to keep a close eye out for any increased pain. :) As far as the interval training--sorry, I don't have any good advice for you--I've only done walking/running intervals so far.

Cake~ bravo for getting that run in after your nap and for speeding up your time too! :carrot:

Sharon~ WTG! My first 5K is in 2 weeks! I look forward to seeing your post telling us how you liked your first 5K! :)


Well, I did it! I ran a full 3 miles today! It took me 34 mins and 14 seconds, but I did it! :carrot: I felt pretty great throughout the whole run, never got out of breath (which amazed me) and even had to outrun a dog (backwards no less! :lol:) for a second or two--good thing he was small, but it sure got my heart racing to having a yapping fur ball with teeth chasing after me! ;). When I stopped and started my cool down my knees and hips did chew me out for a minute or two but they quit after a couple of minutes. They have been grumbling a bit off and on all day, but in a 'I got in a good workout today' kind of way vs. a 'Ow, ow, owie, OUCH!' kind of way kwim?

Anyway, I think it's Official--I think I'm ready to call myself a Runner!! :D

Hope everyone is having a great day!

MK -- You can do this :hug: :hug: .... It does get easier with time, these are all withdrawal signs... I remember when I quit years ago I slept for about 2 weeks, sleeping was my retreat, when I slept I hand no withdrawals symptoms and didn't think of cigarettes... This too shall pass, promise... :hug:

iDream -- A dog running after me is my biggest fear when running, I get shivers just thinking about it..

Sharon -- good advice from MK about starting the race slow and going with people that run at your similar pace. Some races even have pace bunnies and at the beginning of the race you just go to the bunny that has your pace on his sign and run with that group... Also, yes, yes, go pee before starting :lol: ... I go about 10 times before leaving the house and then again at the race start... But then again I can be a bit anal :lol: I pee at almost every toilet when we're traveling, just in case I don't see one for a while and I am stuck...

FatPants -- Take up biking on your off days for sure, running every day really isn't good for your knees... When I first started running I took Glucosamine for joint knee pain and it totally helped. I don't seem to need it anymore. Also weight training your quads in particular, and just strengthening your legs helps a lot for knee pain....

As for myself I will run tonight from 6 to 7pm then go to the gym from 7pm to 8pm... nothing special...

Mk - I've never smoked so I can't even imagine how miserable you must be feeling right now, but from everything I've heard, it's completely normal, so don't think you're going crazy! Honestly, you've put your body through WAY harder things (though it may not seem like it right now). I mean your crazy long distances, the lactate thresholds, waking up in the middle of the night...you are a genuine trooper and I have absolutely no doubt in my mind that you will do this. Just think of this as yet another challenge and use all that dedication and drive you have to succeed! Things will get better soon!

Idream - Congrats on the new distance! That's a huge milestone!

FatPants - Sorry about your injury and not being able to run. So annoying! But I think it's a great opportunity to add a different kind of workout to your routine. I've found that doing other things on my days off from running (spinning, yoga, weights) have helped my strength and endurance and actually improved my running. Also, your body gets used to running so you may not be burning as many calories as you were at the beginning, so it's good to mix things up. Good luck!

Ilene - 2 hour workout? Way to go!!

MK - SO SORRY for your rough morning. You know we're all rooting for you! You're tough and brave and awesome and even if each minute feels awful, this is something you CAN do...just grit it out until the next minute. And remember, you CAN do this, even if it doesn't feel like you can. You can! You can!

iDream - woot! I can't wait for my first ever time across a finish line! 3 miles is AWESOME! That's what I have planned for tomorrow morning...my last chance to hit it before the race!

Ilene - "pace bunnies" - lol! I will be looking for the pace turtles :D I am also a nervous pee-er. I will have phantom urges when I'm really just apprehensive or too scared-excited (like little high-strung dogs that pee on the floor whenever the doorbell rings...I can control it, is all. But I know how they feel!)

I know Sharon, it's hilarious :lol: here's an article.

Alright--76 hrs w/o smoke and counting..feel *better* today.....ran this am...went pretty well...was supposed to do 12, but only ended up doing 9.5. It wasnt that it was hard, or i was tired or ran outta time or anything, i just lost PATIENCE....not frustrated, rather bored.... :) anyway, 9.5 mi 1 hr 12 min (pretty good time actually)! no idea what my splits were, but was running alternating loosley between 10K pace and marathon pace for approx every mile, sometimes 2 miles...run lacked structure, but thats ok!! my trainer is gonna be PISSED at me :) he can eat s**t and die for all i care (that was a joke, and no, im not very funny) hope everyone else has PRODUCTIVE runs this am, or last night...

ANYONE RACING THIS WEEKEND????

Hey guys! It's Friiiiday, it's Friiiiday! :carrot: broc:

Mk - aw, I would LOVE to run with you too! You're in Denver, right? I am in the Springs, but I think it'd be fun to meet up like once a month or something and just do some runs! And we could get dancerindenver in on it, too. ;) Maybe after your marathon in October? So glad you are feeling a bit better today... you are SO strong for doing this!!! I bet the run helped work off some of the emotional stress, too. Hang in there.. we are all rooting for you!! :hug:

Sharon - yes, yes, yes I second not starting out fast. I just had my first race last weekend and I started out WAY too fast, petered out about a 1-1.5 miles in and had to run/walk the rest of the way when I had been running 3+ miles WELL before the race. So frustrating!! I guess part of my problem was I felt like everybody was passing me (there were no pace groups since it was just a fun run) and so I swore I would finish last... I was FAR from last but don't get caught up in feeling like you have to keep up with everyone! You will do GREAT!! :D

TC- thanks for the alternate exercise suggestions. I really just need to shake things up. I kind of had a mini-moment of fear yesterday thinking about what if I never got to do my HM/marathon because of my stupid knee. It doesn't help to read the "ITBS Support Thread" at RW - people talking about being out of commission for years. I KNOW what I need to do in order to let it heal (rest) it's just hard to sit out. I need something to keep me occupied in the meantime! Dh and I are going to go look at bikes for me tonight just to get something low impact and different on my rest days.

Ilene - Yeah I have heard of glucosamine before, unfortunately it's not so much a joint problem as it is a "tendon rubbing against my bone" on the outside of my knee problem. It gets inflamed and I have several remedies for it, I just need to DO them, ya know? Sometimes I can be so lazy! :lol: We are going to go look at bikes tonight so hopefully we find something good.

Well - true to my stubborn nature, I went running yesterday. Made it about 1.5 miles before my knee started to yell at me so I ran/walked the rest of the 2.5 miles. I was discussing needing to have a rest day in between runs with my husband last night and it dawned on me that - for my 5k in October - it's not like I can't already run the 3 miles. Heck it's not like I can't already run at least 5 miles if I really had to (with a good knee). So I don't know what I'm pushing myself so hard for. We all have speed goals but maybe right now is not the time to be focusing on them, and instead just slowly increasing mileage (GEE isn't that what you guys have been telling me on here all along?? I went to college, I promise!!) :lol:

My run 8 miler was awesome yesterday. FInished in 1:31. YAY! I am taking it easy today and do a quick run. THere is a race this weekend but I am not sure if I am doing it now

MK~ I am soooo glad you feel better. I read your post and just wanted to give you :hug: Woohoo for 72 hours!!!

Sharon~ Thats funny! I will be looking for the pacers at my 1/2 HM as well

iDream sorry you had to run froma dog. I am always so scared of that. I am already tired, but I guess that would be good motivation.

TC~ :wave:

ilene~ how was your workout

FatPants~ I am glad you are going to take it easy and rest that knee. But I do know how hard it is to do. ANd 3 miles is nothing to you! You're a PRO

EVERYONE!!!

OMG i'm so excited today!! I ran 3 miles this morning - I had to walk half a lap before the final last mile because I had an awful stitch...but I ran 3 miles!!! I'm SO READY for my race on Sunday! (ok, I guess it's more of a funrun...but I like calling it a race :d)

AND I weighed-in today and I lost 4.4 pounds this week, which puts me pretty much right at HALFWAY TO GOAL!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Yesterday a "friend" of mine who used to run xcountry in high school was so discouraging about my race on Sunday - she was giving me the most patronizing advice and kept saying, "you should do this and that so you have a chance at finishing. You shouldn't have high expectations since you haven't been running long and don't know what you're doing. You should be ready to walk a lot so they don't have to put you in the medical tent." I felt so hurt and defeated....not anymore! I can do this!!!!

Sharon : :woohoo: I knew you could do it...

FatPants : :lol: your post made me laugh... We are all so hard on ourselves...

Ashlan : Thanks for asking my workout was awesome, ran 5.25k in 45 mins, good pace for moi! Then I did legs at the gym for 30 mins, they were mush though, it wasn't that great a workout, but wow could I feel the muscles in my legs... I did lots of abs too...

Your friend sucks. If you can run 3 miles, trust me, as long as you pace yourself and don't start fast, you'll do absolutely fine. And the adrenaline will certainly carry you through. Even though I bombed my first race (started too fast so I got hit with a SEVERE stitch), I still finished in 34 minutes which was a personal best for me. So poo to your friend! YOU CAN DO IT! :carrot:

I'm with Fat Pants on this one, Sharon, that friend said nothing useful or helpful. I would say she's either jealous or (to give her a break) had a really horrible race experience once in which all of those things she was advising against happened to her. Either way, you sound like you'll be just fine.

Congrats on deciding to do it.

I'm considering a 5K that's scheduled for about a month from now. I've really only been running for about three weeks (well I did run on the treadmill at the gym fairly regularly for a couple of years) and I just figured out that I can run for 5km so I'm not sure if I'm ready for such a thing but if I don't do this one, I'd probably have to wait till spring and I'm afraid that I'll lose the running motivation between now and then.

I can't say I'm all that excited by the idea of running on snowy/icy sidewalks as it is.

Oh.. and MK: Congratulations on quitting smoking. I'm not a smoker myself but I'm married to one and I can tell from watching him try that the quitting process is incredibly hard. You can do it though. I mean if you can get up in the middle of the night and run half a marathon before breakfast, you can absolutely give up cigarettes.

Mk - You've got this in the bag! I'm so proud of you!!!

Cake - Great 8 mile run! That's awesome!

Fatpants - How did bike shopping go? It'll be so good for you to add that to your routine. Are you doing any pt?

Sharon - I'm sorry you had to hear those negative comments. Seems like a clear cut case of putting someone else down to make herself feel better. Go prove her wrong!! And don't forget to have fun!

Sylvied - Definitely sign up! It's great motivation and it's nit like you HAVE to run the whole thing. You can just see how you feel when race day comes around. Welcome to running!

Today I did a 4 mile tempo run in 37:50, which I'm pretty happy about! It was my 3rd day running this week and then I'll do my long run on Sunday. We'll see if I can eek out another 6 miler outside (keeping my fingers crossed!)

It went well... I think I found an aluminum one that I really like. Don't want to spend a whole lot of money since I don't plan on going down any mountains like my husband does with his! I just wonder about how many calories it will burn.... seeing as how I'm still trying to lose those last darn 25 lbs I want the best bang for my buck. I guess i see it this way... when I run down hills I still have to move my legs to get down them.... on a bike i can just coast down :lol:

I have a choice, I can spend $200 on a bike or join my college alumni gym for $200/year. They have an inside track, pool, wide variety of cardio, classes, etc. - more than my bare bones gym offers now.

Actually if i'm being honest, I want to do both LOL

Nice job on the 4 miles, by the way! You are so going to kick butt at your 10k! how many weeks away is it now?

Sharon -- With "friends" like that who needs enemies :lol: ... Hit her in the head :frypan: and prove her wrong... take your time and you'll finish your race NP...

Fat Pants -- I'd want both too :lol: did you make a decision yet?

TC -- good luck on the 6 miler ....

Sylvied -- I see you're from Canada... I'm in Eastern Ontario an my most favourite time to run is in the winter, I love my winter runs... Give me -20C, sunshine and no wind and I'm in heaven... Most of my running friends feel the same too...

Today I had a 4.7k run at 12:35mm pace, slow, but it was awesome... gorgeous cool weather...

I ran a mile today, came close to beating my best time, but didn't quite do it.

I'm having shoe issues. Either a shoe is too small, and my stupid 2nd toe hits the end, or its too big and my heel slips. The people at the running store are not very helpful :( I'm going back Wednesday to see if there is someone there who can help me find a good shoe. I took one pair back already, and will probably do the same this week.

Its the only "running" store in town. I'll either have to go like 20 to 30 miles away to get to another one. :mad:

I recently started training for a half marathon, so I thought this might be a good thread to jump in to! I'll be running the Tucson Marathon in December (but only the half!) with a group from the Arizona Cancer Center.

I'm so glad to be running again, because it really makes me feel healthier and better about myself.

Anyway... hi everyone! =)

Good evening ladies!

Sharon~ :carrot: WTG on the 3 miles!!! That's fantastic! And about that 'friend' of yourself--don't listen to that garbage!! You know better! :)

Got my 3 miles in today, but it wasn't as good a run as Thursday. I'm not sure if I was just really depleted or what--I didn't run until 8:00am vs. my normal 5:30am and I run pre-breakfast--but I thought about stopping for most of the run. It was all mental, I wasn't hurting or anything, I just didn't feel fantastic like before. :( I'm interested to see how Tuesday's run goes when I'm back on my weekday schedule.

Hope you're all having a wonderful weekend!! :)

I've just started to get back into doing 'longer' runs after mainly just doing interval training over the winter here.
I ran 10.3km on Saturday, in one hour, which is a good time for me - that was on the treadmill.

And I ran 7km today outside, with lots and lots of hills, which is good.

I feel like I'm getting into that 'running zone' where I'm fit enough to actually enjoy it.

Hi Miss May :wave: and :welcome: back Iris ....

welcome miss may and iris!! Always glad to have fellow runners join the board!!

LIZZY G---- This is going to sound stupid, and i dont know how to describe fixing it, but i had the same problem with my heels always slipping out (REALLY ANNOYING). First of all, it could be the wrong shoe for you (Which youve already thought of and tried to rectify) 2nd of all, i fixed MY heel slippage problem by using a different LACING pattern on my shoes. The lady who did it for me worked at the local running store, and i told her my heel slipped and she laced it up differently, problem solved!! I cant DESCRIBE how they are laced..but maybe if you google lacing patterns running shoes, heel slipping, ets, you might be able to find the pattern and how to do it???

Good luck!!

well all...still smoke free....not having a great time of it :(
So my chin zits moved in a couple days ago, which means my period may be coming....so we go ahead and add PMS on top of the no cigarrette thing.......i have NOT been a happy camper!! The chin zits are the only way i know if im going to get my period..thats the only time i get them, and at this point ive lost all semblance of a normal, or regular period. Last month i got no period, this month its 3 weeks late (from when it USED to come when it was regular)....before that i had two periods in about 17 days... none of them normal FLOW WISE......i think 14% body Fat is my bodys personal lower limit for still getting periods.....hmmmm....... Sorry Yall, that was prob WAY TOO MUCH information!!!!!
SO, i have a scheduled 12 miler today (BOO.,....havent felt at ALL like running since i quit smoking, in fact, its felt like more of a chore) This needs to pass.......marathon is 4 weeks from TODAY......i caNOT lose motivation NOW!!! Maybe i shoulda quit smoking AFTER the marathon...
Oh, and ive been doing REALLY GOOD about not replacing the smokes with FOOD ( i DID however chomp down three packs of sugarfree gum yesterday) Until last night....i could NOT contain my desire to devour somethngSWEET..ANYTHING........i didnt go overboard, i NEVER go overboard, but still.......
alright
i neeed to suck it up and go for my 12 miler now..... what i REALLY need is an attitude adjustment!! :) YAY!!! 12 Miles!!! IM SO EXCITED (if i just say it, maybe i will BE IT!) :)

Oh yeah, I know what you mean! With the loops right? It helps, but not enough, I dont think. I cant wear them outside for a run, which would be so helpful to do! But if I do, I cant take them back. I just dont know how much my heel should slip, as stupid as that sounds. I know there needs to be some room there, but it would be nice if these stupid guys at the store would actually sit down and measure my foot, and help me.

Thanks!

FatPants - I'm so glad you liked the bikes! I love finding a new exercise that can make me happy and burn some calories! Oh, and my 10K is in 3 weeks! I can't wait!

Ilene - Thanks! Any runs for you this weekend?

Lizzy - Good job on the mile! Maybe you can get a heel insert or a gel cushion or something to add some more padding to the shoe so your heel doesn't slip out.

Iris - Welcome! I'm planning to run a half also, but in February. Is this your first? What's your training schedule like?

Idream - Great job on 3 miles!! Not all runs will be good, and some will be down right crappy, but you're doing it and you're looking forward to your next run, which is so awesome! Anyway, off to study, but hope you all are having great runs/days!

Miss may - Welcome! It definitely seems like you're in the "zone" - enjoy it!

Mk - I'm just gonna go ahead and say it again - I'm so proud of you! Time and time again, you've shown us how strong you are and I'm thoroughly convinced that there's nothing you can't do! How'd the 12 miler go?

My long run turned into a slightly abridged, treadmill version and I managed 5 miles in 49min, but I ran 4 times this week, so overall I'm happy with my mileage. I have an excuse though for not getting my butt out of bed early enough to run outside...I went on a date last night and got home at 2! If only they had an emoticon for "swoon"...hehe. More details to come if it actually ends up going somewhere, but there's my excuse for switching to a shorter treadmill run.

Hi, I'm a new poster. I'm a student jogger (if you couldn't tell by the handle!). I'm doing my first 5K this week actually. Since most of you are much more serious runners than I, I'd love if you had some tips for it. It's my first race. Hoping to finish in 30 min flat!

I had the greatest 4 mile run EVER! That is all!

Congratulations to everyone on their runs.

MK- :hug:

iDream - The one thing I must always remember is...."every run is not gonna be a good run" remember this and keep running! You will be fine next go around

WELCOME - Mis May, Iris and Loquacious!!!!!!

well...12 miler today was a SUCKFEST...didnt even end up running 12 miles.... :( I seriously have not finished a run (per my training schedule) since i quit smoking on tues..... I got a couple miles in and started having SEVER pain in the back of my hip/butt....sever for me means severe enough to make me stop running...i went home at mile 7 and cried for about 20 minutes, stretched, drank some coffee and chomped down two pieces of nicotine gum, then FORCED myself to go out for 3 more miles......toal mileage 10.25...was SUPPOSED to do 12......... you guys i NEED more than just a good, solid run,.....i NEED A GREAT RUN. WHat was i thinking quitting smoking so close to my marathon?? Im terrified my motivation desire and love of running will never return. I dont feel like the overwhelming-ness i am feeling about everything is NORMAL...not after 6 days!!! oh and to top it all off, a cold front is moving in tonight (right now, really.....) its goign to snow in the mountians and be like 33 degrees for my run in the morning...time to bust out the running tights (so flattering) and gloves!! COld weather in the am...thatll really help my motivation!! :)

MK -- YOU can DO this :hug:...Hang in there hun!!

loquaciousjogger :welcome: good luck with your 5k!

No run for me today, I did a short one yesterday.

Any advice runners? -- So I'm doing the Coach to 5K program and just finished week 6. I'm planning to do a 5K Columbus Day weekend Oct 11th. BUT I just see that the 5K I'm planning to do is listed as a cross country 5K yikes! I specifically chose this race because before it was not listed as cross country previsously. What does this mean exactly --running up hills, running on grass? Now I'm intimidated but this is really the only race that seems to fit with my schedule. I guess I will have to try it and see what happens but any advice is appreciated!

Ilene, thank you! Tonight wasn't the best of jogs, but... it takes time to get faster and build up endurance at that pace.

mkroyer, running in the snow I miss so much. I used it as an excuse, but it was so awesome just stopping every 20 minutes and realizing how actually cold it was outside.. and how warm I was still from jogging!

What the frick! They are saying we might get some snow this week! :tantrum: It's not even officially fall yet! Now I REALLY need to get my shopping butt in gear and find some winter running clothes. I'm not really concerned about pants, but what about jackets/shirts? What type of material should I look for? I don't want to get all sweaty in fleece...

Ilene - yes, I did decide! My husband's sister left her bike here when she moved 6 years ago... next time we are up at my in-law's, we're just going to grab that and use it, AND then I can also switch to the campus gym! :carrot: Yay for having your cake and eating it too! LOL

jayjay - TBH, I don't know what a cross country course entails. From a quick search on Google it looks like it might pertain to trails. You might want to double check with race sponsors if you aren't comfortable running on something other than asphalt. Good luck!

mkroyer - aww, hang in there. You can do this! It sounds to me like SO much of this is mental... you KNOW you can do the planned runs, it's just your head screwing with you!! You know what, I'm starting to believe that "great runs" are MADE, they don't just happen to us by chance or the stars aligning... a great run means even though it might not be your best ever, you GAVE it your best! You can totally do this... you have this in the bag!

Cake- congrats on the GREAT 4 miler!! You rock!

TC - :woohoo: on the date! you will have to let us know how it pans out...!! I think dates are good excuses for "modified" runs LOL

-------------------
ok I got in my 5 miles yesterday!! Albeit, not all at once. I went out for 2 miles, got cut short by a thunderstorm, went home and waited it out for about an hour and then headed back out for another 3. My knee held up pretty well until about mile 4, then it started to nag, and eventually really get pissed off at me. But over all, I finished in just over an hour (combined time) so I am pretty happy. If it wasn't for my danged knee I would have absolutely no problem running the 5 miles. I know the solution is to rest and I need to make that my priority, otherwise I am just going to keep inflaming the tendon and it'll never fully heal.

Fatpants--- HOORAY "for having your cake and eating it too!!"" :) That made me laugh!!!
Sorry ive been such a downer you guys! That past week ive just wanted to crawl into a hole and die...but today...thank god today, i had a FANTASTIC RUN!! I KNEW it was going to start off well when i acutally woke up 2 minutes before my alarm went off!
I ran a 6.25 mile tempo run, of the vairiety where i increasemy pace every mile.....my finishing time was fantastic! My best official 10K time is 48:15 seconds, and that was done on a flat/downhill FAST course...today i ran a 10k IN 49:10 seconds....now you may say "but Meghan, you silly, thats SLOWER" :) and youd be right, HOWEVER the first 2.5 miles of this particular run are very VERY uphill...so uphill that sometimes i walk up parts!! I was still maintaining 8 :30s up the hill, AND managed to make up SO MUCH time later in the run that i almost PRed my 10K!! I also ran a very first---my fastest mile EVER! a SUB 6!!!! of course, that was at the end of the run, on this very long downhill, but i dont care! I will take it!! PHEW, i tell you guys, i needed this SO BADLY....
on a more serious note, i believe i have bursitis in my hip ! :( will c the doctor tomorrow. This could be crippling/devatating...4 weeks till marathon..

Oh and that cold front hit here in denver....how is it possible to run INTO the wind the ENTIRE run, no matter what direction you are going?? :) it wasnt TOO godawful, but tomorow is supposed to be worse!!

XC running....dont know anything about it, but im fairly certain its on trails and such...... sorry im not more helpful!

Hey everyone,

I survived my first 5K!!! And LOVED it!!!!

Report and pictures on my blog

Thanks so much for all your encouragement, advice and support! I'm so excited to keep doing more events!!!

Sharon---just read your race report!! What a fantastic day you had!! Your enthusiam is so obvious and contagious......great finishing time!! Hills can be a bummer, but you plodded right through em!!

As far as thinking about running a 10K---once youve got the 5k under your belt, a 10K becomes NO problem. It is seriously not a very big jump up at all, now that you have running legs....The extra work and effort and training time to complete a 10K will feel like nothing compared to how much it took to train for a 5k....be careful though, once you realize how easy it was to jump up to 10K, youll be ready to tackle a hlaf, and then its never ending!! Congrats!