Sunday, March 15, 2009

Mother's Day 5K

So due to the inspiration of my friend Emily (smallermeemily.blogspot.com) I am going to run my first 5K on Mother's Day this year. I am both excited and nervous. It is for runners/walkers of all ages, the only stipulation is that you must be female. There will also obviously be many different ability levels from walkers w/ strollers to experienced runners. Despite that I still have some anxiety about running in front of other people (other than those I run next to in the gym).

For the last week I have been "training". Essentially this consists of working up to running the three miles with minimal resting/walking. At this point in time I can run nearly a mile without stopping and my mile is between 13 and 14 minutes. I know that may not sound like much to a runner, but for me this is a big deal! I can speed walk with the best of them, but your body is so much more engaged when you are running. I can REALLY feel it when I get home from the gym.

So, we'll see how it goes. More than anything, I want to be able to say I did it. At that point I'll have been on this diet/exercise routine for 4 months, and I think that running a 5K will be a big milestone to hit.

I have begun to experience aches and pains in places I hadn't before. I have always struggled with a bum knee and my hips have been hurting. I know some of it is just my body getting used to the impact of running vs. speed walking. I did get new shoes. I was due and needed something that would provide more support. If necessary, I'll get a brace for my knee as well.

So there you have it, my NEW goal! It's kind of exciting to have a personal goal that doesn't involved a scale and numbers!

Speaking of numbers...

Weigh in 3/14/2009: 160.5
Total weight loss: 16.5

I am about 1 pound from losing 10% of my body weight! I have started trying on dresses for our date to see Phantom. I am typically a "pants and skirts" type of girl, but I am really liking what I see in the mirror so far. And guess what....the dress size I've been trying on and FITTING in to is.....drum roll please....

AN EIGHT!!!

I was in an 8 before getting pregnant with G...and a 6 about 3 months before that. I feel like I am slowly getting pieces of me back, a little at a time.

Ok, ladies. I'll keep you posted. I am still hoping to hit 158 before April 2nd when we go to Phantom. Love, love, love!

3 comments:

kimberly said...

being able to run that much IS a big deal--you're right! that's where I started two years ago, (about that same pace) and last fall I ran a half marathon. seriously, if I can learn how to run, anyone can. but you're encouraging to read, amber. I am not good about sticking to anything if I don't have some sort of plan/goal. so nice work, and have fun at phantom! (I'm going three weeks later).

Teniah Ashlyn said...

Hey, girl, you rock! I am so excited that you are starting to train for a 5K! Knowing that you are out there struggling to train makes my struggle a little easier! =) You know, just knowing that you aren't alone!!

Keep us posted on your progress. Runner's World.com has some awesome 5K training plans too.

Can't wait until it gets warm enough to run again - it's 40 below again today! yikes - Hey, make sure you do train outside quite a bit because going from a treadmill to the street can be really hard on your legs. =)

mindy said...

You are doing awesome girl! That is so exciting about running a 5K. I can't wait to hear how it goes! Post a picture if you get one! Rock on...er, should I say Run on! =)

PS - I also want to see a picture of the dress you pick for your date! =)