Just Breathe

I finally got out and ran again.  I realized that even though being lazy has it's perks (okay, it doesn't, but it's so much easier than the other option) I actually like running and I missed it.  I could list a bunch of different excuses as to why I haven't been running, but it comes down to shear laziness.

3.1 miles. time: 40:47, 13:09 pace, 414 calories burned

But I ran 3.1 miles today.  And it was GREAT.  I was sweating like a pig and didn't want to be out there at first.  I was only going to do a mile, maybe a mile and a half (no lie - I drank a beer before I decided to run, so I didn't figure I'd get much distance in).  Somehow, that mile and a half became 3.1 miles and it was a really good run.  I tried to ignore my pace and just concentrate on putting one foot in front of the other.  It helped push me forward.  :)

I think part of my problem lately has been the route I take.  I drove down it today and realized that it's really hilly.  It doesn't seem so bad when you're running it, but seeing the "waves" of the road while I was driving really got me to thinking about my training.  I know my first 5k (in less than two weeks - EEK!) is pretty flat, but I've been running on hills.  I know hills are supposed to be good for endurance, but I've been struggling so much that I decided to try a different route.  Now, I live in the middle of nowhere, so I don't have a lot of options for running on flat, concrete surfaces.  I have the main highway (which is pretty busy - but nice and flat) or the lesser used, but still traveled "old" highway (which is the hilly road I usually run).  Or, I have a bunch of dirt roads to choose from, which offer a lot of resistance, but are really well traveled by harvest semis right now.

Anyway, I decided to try the main highway.  It wasn't as busy as I'd expected and people were super nice about moving into the other lane when they were driving by me.  I definitely noticed a difference in my endurance.  I didn't get tired or exhausted and even though I really wanted to take a walk break, I didn't.  I pushed forward and finished the whole run without stopping for a break.

I'd actually meant to take a few pictures of the scenery, but a cop was patrolling by my suburban and I kind of got flustered.  I didn't think I was doing anything wrong with parking where I parked, but I still got a little nervous.  He didn't stop though and when I ran past him, he just waved.  All was good, but it did make me forget what I'd planned on doing after my run.  LOL

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My first 5k is in less than two weeks.  I talked to a friend of mine that just finished her second marathon a few weeks ago and she has offered to run with me to help pace me.  My goal is a sub-39 5k.  I know that I really don't need to have a goal for this 5k because it's my first and no matter what, my time will be a race PR.  But I need a goal to help me through it.  I'm seriously getting nervous about it.  I'm not sure why, except that it's something I've never done before and I really don't know what to expect.  I've never even watched a race, so I have no idea what's going to happen.

Just breathe...  ;)