Corporate Challenge 5K

On Saturday morning, our 2012 Corporate Challenge kicked off with a 5K hosted by my company. The first 5K I ever ran was in October. I had one goal and one goal only that time: finish. I did with a time of 40:50! This time I wanted to finish in under less than 36 minutes (12:00 pace). The course was around our work, which is fairly hilly, and I wasn't sure how treacherous the course would be. I didn't want to make any commitments I couldn't keep! I thought as sub-36 5K was very reasonable for me. Also, it was about 5 minutes faster than my first 5K time.

The weather was iffy, but the rain did hold off and the clouds kept it pretty cool. The temperature was perfect for the run (50-ish degrees). My only complaint was the evil hill sometime during mile 2. We had to run down the hill, knowing that shortly we would have to run back up it. That was killer a bit of a challenge, but I ran the entire time! And... I know you are all wondering how I did...

Evil hill. 

Well, I did it! I finished in 34:14 (chip time) with an average pace of 11:01. I was really excited and proud of myself. That is 7 (SEVEN!) minutes off of my first 5K time. As soon as I finished, I headed home for a really fun surprise!

This was before I ran. Sharpie represent! Side note: so brave. No makeup on. 

My newest goal is to be able to run a 5K at a 10 minute mile pace. I don't have any 5K's right now on the radar, but I am sure I will find one in Charlotte or Raleigh in the next few months and hopefully meet that goal! Anyone in the area know of a good race and want to join me?!

A Confidence 5K

So, I have a 5K on Saturday (that may or may not be cancelled due to AM thunderstorms, but we will cross that bridge when we come to it). I made my little weekly training plan and told myself I would do it!

Monday: Eliptical (lunch) + pilates (after work) <- didn't happen
Tuesday: 2.5 mile run <- major struggle with cramping
Wednesday: Eliptical (lunch)
Thursday: 3 mile run <- turned in to a 5K run + 5K walk
Friday: Pilates (after work) + maybe walking
Saturday: 5K (?)

So far, so good. I will consider myself on track. 

Today was the most gorgeous day in Charlotte: 78 degrees and sunny. It was hard to believe that spring is not quite here yet! And I had a 3 mile run on the training plan (groan). This week I have really lost running confidence in myself. I took a break from running and just lost my mojo. I am not a natural runner, but I have come a long way since I started running in August (reminder to self!). Even so, I have been doubting my abilities. However, I signed up (and paid for) a race on Saturday, and I want to give it my all. If there is one thing I am, it is stubborn; so, 3 miles would indeed be run today. I had no excuses: no headache, hydrated, perfect weather. 

I set out on my run, and decided to take it pretty easy today. I wanted to successfully finish 3 miles, and not struggle too badly. My apartment complex is essentially located at the top of a slightly graded hill. When I go out, I am mostly going down hill. When I come back, I am mostly going (slightly) uphill. I always love tolerate the first half of my run, but coming back just kind of sucks. I decided to run a 'confidence' 5K today. 

What the heck is a 'confidence' 5K? I don't even know. I made it up somewhere around mile 1 while I was talking myself in to actually running 3 miles. I took it easy speed and hill-wise, but decided to run the first part of my long route (not my usual 3-ish mile route): mostly graded downhill, but with a few good uphills (enough to give me an excellent workout, without wearing me out or giving me bad cramps). I completed running (!) the 5K in 36 minutes. That made me feel great! Strong and powerful. And tired. 

But, I had to get back to my apartment. After the first 'cool down' quarter mile or so, I got my second wind. So, I decided to wind through the neighborhoods surrounding my apartment and finish the second half of my workout by walking a 5K. The walking leg took me about 46 minutes. 

I finished the workout in just over 1 hour and 22 minutes! Not a bad 10K time if I do say so myself... I am proud that I pushed myself today Not to toot my own horn, but I really wanted to write this post so that when I am feeling unmotivated or unable, I can look back and be reminded of today! 

P.S. sorry for the lack of cutesy workout pictures. I am not a fan post-workout pictures in other people's blogs. Pet peeve, but to each their own! I know that I look like a red-faced, sweaty, train wreck when I am done with my workout. And I have no need to put that all over the internet. Maybe one day.... but most likely not. Phew, glad I got that out there. 

5K Day

Me and 17,000 people ran/walked the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure today. Check this video out... pretty cool. They raised $1 million dollars through this Charlotte race alone (thanks, Mom for your donation!). It felt good to be running for such an important cause.



Between all the people, survivors, and supporters, and me realizing 'whoa, I am actually going to run a 5K,' I got emotional before the race.. I held back tears but I could hardly control them! It was pretty crazy - I have done a few 5K's before, but for some reason this one really just hit me.

On a less serious note, let's back up to earlier this morning. Of course, I did a pre-race photo shoot (please excuse the crazed look in my eyes - it was 7 AM), and ate a piece of peanut butter and banana toast for fuel!

Today was the day that I have been 'training' for for two months. My own personal couch to 5K program, and I am very proud to say that I did it. I finished the race in 40:50... my goal was to finish in 40 minutes or less and to walk as little as possible, so I got pretty close. I made it about 2.5 miles before I had to take a 1/2 song walk break. This was right at the very end after going up a killer hill. I got a cramp. But I saw that 3 mile flag and finished the race strong. I sprinted to the finish line so I could finish under 41 minutes. Not too bad for a first time 5K run.

I still can't believe I did it - I never thought in a million years that I would be able to run a 5K. Feels so good to have accomplished something I have worked so hard for.

My reward? A (free) pumpkin coffee from Dunkin' Donuts (I found a coupon) and a 4 hour drive to Atlanta... the 4 hour drive isn't so much a reward as it is a way to get to the reward! I get to spend the weekend with great friends (and Taylor Swift, NBD).

Speaking of, I better get moving or else I won't ever get on the road! I have a big day of shopping and eating ahead of me once I arrive.

TV Time and Taylor

Fall 2011 TV is in full swing, and Mr. TiVo is completely overwhelmed. Luckily I have had this week "off" of school, and have had some good TV watching time. I am very much looking forward to tomorrow night - a black bean burger from Tavern on the Tracks, TV time, and not working or thinking about work for at least 48 hours.

The rest of my weekend is far more exciting. 5K on Saturday Morning. I am challenging myself to how far I can run - yesterday I did 1.5 miles (with a few good uphills that I NEVER thought I would be able to run), with a 1 mile walk break, and finished the last half mile with a jog. I stopped the first leg of running because I got stopped at a light, and couldn't get up the momentum when I was able to go again. I am hoping with a 5K course and not having to stop, I will be able to make it further. We shall see.

Then off to Atlanta for an afternoon of shopping with Betsy and Sehar. Then dinner by Chef Matt (yay!) Particularly excited about his creme brulee. Matt, I know you're reading... Sunday is girl day! We are making my favorite breakfast recipe - sausage pinwheels (see below), catching up on shows, and then getting ready for the Taylor Swift concert. We are hoping to get her to meet us at Taco Mac before the show - it's worth a shot right?? Twitter is awesome. Then a few days of training for work, and back to Charlotte. I am looking forward to spending some quality time with some good friends.

Sausage pinwheels are way too easy.

1 roll reduced fat sausage
1/4 bag reduced fat sharp cheddar cheese (optional - adjust amounts to your taste)
2 cans reduced fat crescent rolls

1 - Remove the crescent roll dough from the cans, but do not separate rolls. On top of a piece of plastic wrap or aluminum foil, pinch the triangles together and form a long rectangle, gently pulling dough as needed.
2 - Spread the sausage in an thin layer over the dough. Sprinkle some cheese on top.
3 - Roll the dough lengthwise to form a long roll.
4 - Using a serrated knife, cut dough into 1/2 inch thick slices. You can freeze roll for 10 - 15 minutes beforehand to make slicing easier. Place on baking sheet.
5 - Bake according to directions on crescent roll package, or until the sausage is cooked through and then enjoy! These keep well in the fridge and can be reheated in the toaster oven or microwave.

Back to fall TV. Some of my old favorites are back: Grey's, Private Practice, Desperate Housewives (how sad is it that this is the last season?!), The Middle, Modern Family, Sister Wives, Glee, Gossip Girl... the list could go on and on...

And it does, with new shows. I am trying to determine if they are worth watching. I watched the first episode of Suburgatory tonight - it reminds me of Mean Girls, but the TV version. I will keep watching! Still undecided on Two Broke Girls, and the endearing-ness of Zooey Deschanel is keeping me engaged in New Girl. Up All Night with Christina Applegate is super cute - I feel like if I ever have kids, that will be my life.

Has anyone seen the show Revenge? I have heard good things from other bloggers. I have the first two episodes taped and it looks really good. I like Emily VanCamp from her Everwood days. Remember the WB?!

What are you all doing this weekend?? Who is so glad that tomorrow is Friday?!

These girls are. Just hangin' out with Taylor. See ya again on Sunday!!!

My first real 5K - Race for the Cure

Alright, so I signed up for the non-competitive portion, but we all have to start somewhere, right? I have done two other 5K's in the past, but never had the intention of trying to run one.

In my last post, I made a verbal commitment to a new life goal. I received an email today through work that they are organizing a team to participate in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K. So I signed up! I was not going to set a goal to raise money, but I really do believe in this cause and decided to set a very small goal of raising $50.00 to go towards breast cancer awareness. Since I have this very public forum of a blog, I figure I might as well put the request out there. I frequently hear from a few loyal readers (thank you!), but I know there are more out there - so I am not sure how much of an impact I could even make. This is a great cause. One in eight women will be diagnosed with breast cancer in their lifetime. This is a reminder of how important it is for us women to make a commitment to health; getting regular checkups and performing self exams. Even if we aren't old enough to get mammograms... It is our job to remind our mothers, grandmothers, and other women in our lives over age 40. Prevention is part of the cure! Being aware of our own bodies is so important in keeping ourselves healthy. Speaking of, I have a dermatologist appointment tomorrow to get my skin checked out by a professional... Don't forget the importance of these doctor's appointments, please!!!

Back to Race for the Cure: from my page, you can donate via credit card. Any small amount would help me get to my goal! If you are in the Charlotte area, from this page you can also join my team for the race! You will get a shirt and some other goodies provided by my company. While I don't necessarily anticipate being able to run the entire race (I just started running in the beginning of August in case you are a new visitor), I am surely going to train in preparation (and hope for minimal hills).

Speaking of getting involved, I am thinking about joining the Young Affiliates of the Mint - basically a social club here in Charlotte. You basically are a "donor" to this museum and then become a part of this group! I think it will be a good way to meet people and get involved in the community while having fun. To anyone that is reading, what do you think of this organization? Have you ever been to any of their social events?

Ok, time to get on with my evening. Making a pasta primavera with veggies that really need to get eaten and I have my first group meeting of the semester at 9 PM. I hope it goes well - I have a good group, and we are all graduating in December so we have the same level of motivation... well, I surely hope they are all motivated more than me! But we are all in the final push to meet our end goal.