I was Running, Jenny

O.K. I swear, I have been trying and trying and trying to post…

Right now I have my fingers crossed that I’m not typing this all just to perfect my mad skills… rather, I’m hoping that I’ll actually get a whole darn blog post out of it!

As promised, I wanted to share a little about my running (or jogging, but I feel better if I call it running… ). A couple months ago I started a program called Couch to 5k. Basically, it is a plan to take a couch potato (like myself) and get them in good enough shape to jog for 30 minutes straight or a 5k in theory. Now, maybe other beginning runners can run a 5k in 30 minutes, but I cannot. And I’m not sure I will ever be able to . But, I’m o.k. with that.

Anyhow, I started the program, but then I was really unfaithful to it. So, I kind of started skipping around. But, I kept the key concept of using intervals to build up. And I built up to the point that I can now jog over 30 minutes straight and in that time I make it about 2.75 miles (a 5k is 3.12 miles). Way back when I’d started couch to 5k, I’d had it in mind that I’d do a local run in April.

For the past 7 years, there’s been a 4.2 mile run held on and around ASU’s campus to support the Pat Tillman foundation. And that was the goal that I had in the back of my mind. But, I didn’t sign up right away… In fact, I waited until only a couple weeks before the run to sign up. But, I did it. And that’s the key for me. I actually went through and did it.

So on 4/16, I got up at the crack of dawn and Brian got the kids up at o’dark 30 as well and we were off. They dropped me off at 6:30, then headed to the Grandparent’s house where they left the little ones.. then the big boys and Brian headed back.

Being a beginning runner, I had made it a goal to finish the 4.2 miles in under an hour. So, out of 28 corrals, I was in corral 21. It was insane! The first runners left the gate at 7:00, my corral started right around 7:35 or so. Next year I *need* a buddy to do this run for me because an hour was a really long time to sit around and wait and wonder if I’d really make it! Anyhow… I started out at a jog and I made it a little over a mile before I walked.. And I was frustrated with myself. I know/knew that I should/could have run farther before stopping to walk. But, I never jog outside. All of my training had been on a treadmill at the gym. And I don’t know if I’ve ever seen that many people in one place, let alone jogged with that many people! It was sort of like doing a slalom course.. there were people all over the place who were walking or jogging at varrying paces and there were just so *many* people! Also, there was that whole hill factor. Ugh! Around mile 2 I was wondering what in the heck I was thinking.

I also was wondering about pace.

When we’d gone through the start, I hadn’t paid any attention, so I had no clue how long my first mile took. I was able to figure out the time on my second and third miles based on when I’d finished the first, but I was doubting myself the whole way. Even as I finished, I was beating myself up over the fact that I didn’t train enough before and I didn’t push msyelf hard enough that day.

But, needless to say, I did finish.

And, I beat my goal.

I finished in a little under 55 minutes.. that’s a 13 minute mile, or jogging right around 4.6 miles an hour.

That day I wasn’t happy with that time. But, then a couple days later I tried to replicate it on the treadmill and I couldn’t. So, now I’m pretty darn happy with that time. And I’m ready to take on the next challenge. I’ve started shopping for a half marathon or a 10k that sound like fun. I just wish I hadn’t started this all as we went into the beginning of summer as we’ll be in the 100’s here very shortly.

I will also add that my big boys came along that morning because they ran, too. There was a kids’ run that was .42 miles and ended the same place the adult event did–on the 42 yard like of Sun Devil Stadium. They did really well. And I was and am proud of them! We’ve been doing a weekly circuit class together since January and I love the fact that my boys are willing to go sweat with me!

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Well, it looks like this post might actually be a success–just like my run! Although, I don’t want to jinx myself…

Should this really be working, look for more blogging very soon! I have a girl friend who’s doing a give away on here very soon!

Oh, and in addition to those other things that I said I’d be blogging about, I’ll also be begging to you all soon too! In addition to all of the jogging, we’re getting ready for a 5k walk that will take place this Fall, but we’ve already started to raise funds. Our team has a goal of $2k & I hope that you’ll help us get there!

Happy Easter-Eve!