94 Degrees

I did not want to work out alone today, so I waited until my little sister was available.  My god brother needed to use my car and cut my grass, so he dropped us off at the Park and I told him to come back in an hour.  It was much hotter outside than either of us realized.  Initially I said I was only going to walk, however since I had Week 3 playing in my ear I decided to go ahead and run anyway.  My sister thought I was crazy.  I actually felt kind of crazy running in the extreme heat and humidity, but I was really sick of Week 3.  Today was going to be my last day of 90 second and 3 minute running intervals.  After each of my casual jogging intervals my sis would do a quick sprint to catch up with me.  Then I decided to just walk back to my parent’s house.  She thought I was even crazier at this point.  But, I could not motivate myself to walk in circles around the Park, it was so hot that I felt like I needed a destination.  Nyah was with us and she looked pretty hot and tired in her big black fur coat.  At one point on the walk home, we saw one of those digital signs that told us it was a scorching 94 degrees.  We walked and walked some more.  I called my brother and told him to meet us at mom’s house instead of the park.  My sister really gave me a good laugh when she told me that she was so hot and out of breath that she actually felt like she was getting fatter as we walked.  We got so warm that we started to get a little snippy with each other, and we couldn’t really complete sentences or think straight.  The sun was baking us.  She over hydrated and had a little bit of an upset stomach.  Luckily, I think while training for the half marathon I learned the delicate balance of hydrating enough not to pass out but not too hydrated to the point that you feel the water sloshing in your stomach.

   By the time we got to the front door the Nike tracker said we had completed just under three miles, but realistically it felt like six.  We got some cold ice water and cooled down.  My great aunt, my big little sister, my niece, and some of my cousins were there, and to my surprise they had read my post about fruit water.  They said that it looked so good and recommended that I make a business out of it.  I had to tell them that I was “a day late and a dollar short”, and explained that some lady already had the stroke of genius a couple years ago and got rich from bottling Hint natural fruit flavored water.  I decided not to take the fruit out after the first day, and it tastes even better.   Anyway, I have the joy of saying I’m finally finally finished with week 3 and can move on to Week 4.  I’m walking in the Komen Race for the Cure 5K on June 11 and attempting to run a 5K on June 25.  I really need to put forth more effort to stick to my training schedule, as I’m already about a week and a half behind.  Well, that’s about it!  I hope you have a good Memorial Day holiday weekend.

Funny Boot Camp Story

The Komen walk on Saturday made me wonder if I was actually going to be prepared to run the 5K  in heat of July.  Running outside in the sun, is definitely different than jogging in a cool breeze in April.  So, to counteract my fear, I signed up for boot camp class at 6 AM, three days a week!  The instructor is great, he pushes you to do better, but is still nice enough to make you want to come back.  Does this mean some days I’ll get in 2 workouts???? Mmmm….I’m going to let that thought marinate for a while…Oh yeah, funny story, I convinced my Mom to sign up the little sister for boot camp class too!  The little sister was soooo mad at me, I was dying laughing, when she answered the phone with an attitude and complained about how she would be “busy” at 6 AM, and needed her sleep.  Anyway, she forgave me and we went to the gym to get out of the rain.  Week 2 of training was hard.  I’m still trying to get used to my new faster pace, and I got a stomach cramp again and had to slow down.  However, I finished about 2 miles in 30 minutes.   Not too Shabby.

Komen Race for the Cure

This weekend was jam packed. We had lots of family in town for my Grandmother’s 75^th B-Day Party.  Everyone was hanging out the night before eating Chinese Food at 11 PM… I choose to eat grapes and drink diet coke.   I can’t say I was as disciplined at the actual party, but hey I walked 3 miles in the blazing heat Saturday morning…What started off as a means for me to exercise and stay fit, turned into a wonderful unforgettable experience.  This morning I got up at 6:30 AM and got ready for the Susan G. Komen breast cancer 5K walk.  I was a lot less anxious than I was for my 1^st 5K, since I was only walking, and not worried about my finish time.  As I waited for the Metro Link train to take me downtown, I began to see all the ladies in their pink survivor t-shirts.  I was a little emotional as one of my best friends lost his Mom to cancer earlier this year.  I walked today in memory of her and to help find a cure for all the women who have to fight this disease.  While we meandered through a sea of people, if you looked forward or behind, there were supporters as far as the eye could see…I was told there were 66,000 participants.  It was hot and humid, but ironic how no one seemed to mind.  We crossed the finish line in about 1hr and 20 minutes.  When I got home everyone was proud that I completed another 5K for such a good cause, and of course they teased me for my new chocolatey tan. 

Not Feeling My Run Today

Nada, Zilch, Zero…Nothing in me wanted to go running today.  I was supposed to start Week 2 of my 5K training podcast, and missed a training day on Monday.  It was so hot and humid outside, I figured the gym would be a better option.  Unfortunately, it was just as humid up on the gym track.  I did the best I could.  I got a bad cramp in my side about ½ way through and wanted to quit.  But, I knew that all of my loyal fans wouldn’t want to read about that… I’m supposed to inspire right? So I took it like a champ, held my side, wiped the sweat away from my eyes, and inhaled the stuffy air until the end.  Mission accomplished…I’m excited about the Komen Race for the Cure on Saturday.  I got my race number and T-Shirt today.  Were walking the 3 miles, which oddly enough, I’m confident enough to say, “I can do that in my sleep.”

My Big 5K Race Day! I MADE IT!!!!

Today was my Big Race Day.  I must admit I’m so proud to say, I Made It!  I jogged for 3.1 miles.  My 2 goals were to finish in under an hour, and not to come in last.  I met both of them!  While listening to the Rocky Theme song, I crossed the finish line in 54 minutes, came in  638^th Place, and ranked in the 89 %tile… and you know what, I’m PROUD about it!!!  Everyone asked, “So how does it feel?”  My initial response as I limped around was “I  hurt” …But in reality, 2 months ago when I started training; running for 60 seconds felt like cruel and unusual punishment.  Now, I’m planning my next 5K.  I’m extremely proud of my success and know that I can do anything I put my mind to.  I’m going to do the Susan G. Komen race for the cure in June.  I’d like to shave 15 minutes or more off my time while doing to for a good cause.  So, this time around, I’ll not only be “spamming” you as one of my best friends said, but also asking for donations… Thanks so much to my family and friends who came out so early on a damp morning,  and those who supported me with encouraging emails and phone calls…Check out my finish line pics!