Thursday Morning Run

Last night I decided that I would get up early and run before work. And guess what?! I actually accomplished that goal! I started running about 5:40 a.m....a.m.!!! I decided to run 5 miles, since I wussed out on Tuesday and only accomplished 3 miles. I also decided to lock the door since my family was sleeping and run with a key and my phone...because I'm paranoid. And I didn't run with Matt's Ipod. Also a conscious decision and fortunately one I did not regret. It was relatively a quiet run. There were cars out of course but no where near the traffic I see when I run in the evenings. It was nice. I was passed by one woman running. That annoyed me but I guess that's bound to happen. I also passed by a man running and a woman walking. I like passing people who are also exercising. It's like an instant bond with them. And they're usually so friendly too. Although I do live in Mt. Prospect, "where friendliness is a way of life"...I kid you not...that's the town's motto. Anyhoo, I also passed two cops sitting on a crate and clocking cars. Good times, good times. All-in-all, running in the morning was a much better option for me. It was still 80% humidity (according to the morning news) but the temp was about 76F so much more enjoyable.

I finished 5 miles in 59:02

Hot and Muggy

Let's see...I've been running for, goodness, I think, 4 months now. It all began when Bethie invited me to participate in the Wondergirl 5K. I started with a program I adapted from the Internet called "From couch potato to 5K in 9 weeks". It was a great way to start because it mixed walking and jogging. It was easy to stick with and never more than three miles.
As I was up to running 3 miles without walking and near the end of the program, I was chatting with Bethie about where I would go from there. I told her how I was thinking of registering for some more 5K runs in the summer to keep up my motivation for running. I then said I was thinking about running the Chicago Distance Classic. "Okay," Bethie responded. "But it's a half marathon, not a 5K. But you can do it! And you have time to train!" I considered this. "Okay," I decided. "I will do this!"
So that's kind of where I'm at right now. I have done two 5K's, one at work (time 34-something minutes) and the Wondergirl 5K (untimed, about half walking with my Wondergirl!). The Chicago Distance Classic is August 10th...a week and a half away. And I'm worried. I'm worried because it's 13.1 miles. I'm worried because I had 13 days (13 days!) off due to preparing for and traveling on a mission trip (awesome!...by the way). I'm worried because since then I haven't run over 5 miles. And I'm worried because it's incredibly hot and muggy. Yesterday, when I started my 5 mile run, it was 90 degrees F! And I swear about 3,000,000% humidity! Basically, I think I got 3 miles in because I ran for 36 minutes. But it was killer. I'm going to try again for my 5 miles on Thursday but I'm going to aim to get up early and run before work. If I hear my alarm that is. I've been hydrating (sort of). I've been trying to be safe. I've been trying to listen to my body but I worry that really I'm just a wuss for wimping out because "it's hot!"...what a whiner I am! What happens the day of the race? It's going to be hot! What if I can't get past this mental block! I will be so mad at myself. I am trying to think positively but it is difficult.

Maybe if I focus on the positive things...

• Like my 3 miles on Monday. It went really well. I actually felt like a runner for the first time.
• I'm also loving my running shoes. I got them at Fleet Feet where they fit you for shoes. My shoes are awesome! They're so comfy and my knees haven't been hurting! Yay! Before I was running in ~6-year old cross training shoes that made my toes bleed. Not fun. My knee was bothering me too, which in retrospect was due to bad shoes.
• Matt's been super supportive and wants to get back into running too. So I'm going to take him to Fleet Feet to get him new shoes right away.
• And I'm going to try out G2 as an alternative to water during the day. Time to boost those electrolytes! That should help with the heat.
• Oh, another good thing....my calves. They are getting so toned. I have thick legs, which I don't like, but if they're going to be thick, it might as well be because of muscles! Yay muscles!
• Along those lines, I've been feeling strong in general. And my self image, although still not the greatest, is definitely improving. My confidence is up!
• Not related to running...I love bullet points! And any excuse to use them!

There! Now I'm feeling better! It's good to focus on the positive stuff! Oh, oh, oh!!! One more!!!

• I will run my first half marathon in a week and a half with my friend Bethie!!! Woohoo!!!!

...and I'm even beginning to train for a FULL marathon...shhh...don't say anything...I haven't told myself that yet... =p

Start of a running journal

Bethie has inspired me yet again. First it was to start running again. Now it's to blog about it. So here goes...

By the way, advice is welcome...

Cheerleading is encouraged! =)