B210K Day 1

Since I finished the C25K program I decided to move onto the bridge to 10k program. I cant imagine actually being able to run a 10k six weeks from now, but its worth a shot. Day 1 was 10 minutes of with a 1 minute running break. The 1 minute breaks went so fast! It was almost like not having a break at all...my legs felt like jello.

Apparently I am running another 5k on Saturday. I wonder if rest and food will make a difference in my time. I better get another t-shirt.

Next run tomorrow!

C25k graduate!!!!!!!

October 16, 2010

Oct 16 was my final day doing the couch to 5k program. I decided to graduate by running the 1st annual, Shape up AZ and Fit City Chandler 5k, in Chandler, AZ!

With Mallery by my side we took off at 8am. Mallery, being the amazing friend she is, decided to document the entire journey. While I was jogging ( and suffering, dieing, getting sun burned, etc. ) she jogged circles around me taking pictures from many angles. She also said motivational sayings such as "You're looking strong!" and "You can do it!" I would not have made it through the race with out her.

During the race, I wasn't feeling very strong. The entire time I was regretting my 12:30 bedtime and my speed hiking journey in Sedona the day before. Thoughts of never running again also popped into my head during my trek around the canal and park. But I kept running...

And with Mallery trailing behind I finished! My official time was 44 minutes and 38 seconds!

My next 5k is going to be on Thanksgiving morning! I am hoping Josh will run with me! My goal is to run it in under 40 minutes!

I have lots of pictures from the race thanks to Mallery and Josh! While I was crossing the finish line Mallery stayed behind me and took pictures and Josh from took pictures of me from the other side!

Ill post the pics Josh took in this post and we will all wait patiently for Mallery to send the pics she took...

I cant believe I did it!!!!!!

Weeks 8 and 9

Sadly weeks 8 and 9 were not as successful as the previous weeks in my training program. Each week I skipped an entire run! In my defense though, during week 9 Mallery and embarked on our great AZ friend-trip! We traveled and hiked all throughout the state! It was amazing!

Running through weeks 8 and 9 were challenging. I completed the times for the program, but I was not even close to the amount of miles I was supposed to be traveling. I knew that I would not run the 5k at a 10 minute pace, but I never knew how slowly you could run until now...

But I am doing it and lookin' strong!

W7 Day 2,3

For Day 2 I did make it out of bed on Thursday and started running - until the tragedy occurred. I found myself running farther and farther away from a toilet, but in desperate need of one. I tried to run home...but that wasn't going to happen... In a desperate attempt I began walking slowly toward my house while clenching my ass together as tight as possible. Then the tragedy happened. I just had to go...in an empty shopping complex. I tried to hide behind a pillar but I am convinced someone saw me. I walked home in shame. Confused on whether their was a runners code about going back and picking up ones droppings, I was too embarrassed to make my way back to check it out.

And then I procrastinated my 25 minute run until Sunday. Bad Beth! Very bad! I even procrastinated until Sunday evening, and I hate night running. I am so tired and blah. It is so much easier to run when I get up and just do it, however this is getting harder and harder to accomplish as I continue to pile on job after job... Back to running on Sunday - with the dark night masking my identity I thought it was a really good idea to see if the shopping complex had cleaned up my present or if it was being feasted on by bugs. So I trotted on down there ( very slowly, I don't trot fast by any means...) The only remenant left of my present was a small stain... Sorry maintenance guy! I promise I will now be running routes with bathrooms!

Since I procrastinated my full day 2 run, I had to run day 3 on Monday (no rest day). I actually got outta bed in time (shocking I know). I was pretty nervous about it, but pulled through somehow.

My new running motto: slow and steady wins the race.

W7 Day 1

So I was running the big block by my house. And apparently they are working on the sewer system... Ewwwwwwww... As I am breathing deeply from my "belly," i.e. diaphragm, I am not only choking back car exhaust and sewer. Like fresh, poop, sewer. Steaming piles of doo.. Yuck.

On another note, not only did I run 25 minutes again today, but I also got myself out of bed at 5.15 A.M. to do it. I have realized that early A.M. facebooking helps me wake up. An early dose of stalking, love it.

W6 Day 1,2,3

I finished week 6! I struggled through my first two runs, exhausted from working, stress, life in general... But then my friend posted a video called "My 120 Pound Journey" from youtube.com on her facebook. And I got inspired. My long run for the week, 25 minutes, wasnt a killer. Well let me clarify, it was a killer, but I felt like I could do it. If I want it, all I have to do is do it. I am running and completing the C25K. It is a slow run, but this is more running than I have ever done, and that I ever thought I would do.

Running is a gift. I often get so wrapped up in me...my running, my fatigue, my time, that forget about all the people who can't run.. I dedicate my slow jog to them. I can run, and I am running.

W5 D1,2,3

I made it through week 5! I am totally impressed with my progress!

Today I ran the dreaded 20 minutes. I think I only made it about a mile and a half, but I am still proud of myself. So far, I think that is the longest I have ever run straight through, time or distance. Clearly, I wont be winning any races, but for me this is a small accomplishment on my long journey to 26.2.

Now that I have been running around my neighborhood for some time now, I have noticed I am becoming accepted into the running club. Even though I am moving a pace that is at best, slightly faster than a crawl, all the other runners are waving, greeting me, and acknowledging their new found member into the club. I especially liked the member that passed me today, running very fast, with no shirt on. He smiled, waved, and asked how I was doing. It put a little extra spring in my step.

Now that I am done with the dreaded 20 minute run, I think it will be smooth sailing from here on out. I know that I can do it.