Just keep running, just keep running....

(note: the title of this blog must be sung to the tune of "Just keep swimming" by Dory from "Finding Nemo")

Well, now that my 5K Challenge has passed, I need a new goal. So here it is: to run a 5K in 30:00 minutes or less. I would like to be able to do this by the Cheerios race, but I don't know. My knee and ankle have both started complaining. I thought it was just the cold snap the past couple of days, but that might be wishful thinking. So, I am going to really focus on strengthening the muscles around both my knee and ankle as well as some serious stretching so I can "just keep running. Just keep running. Just keep running, running, running. What do we do? We run, run, run." (did I get the song stuck in your head? hee. hee. hee. -- that's my evil chuckle)

I did run today. Since my 5K challenge is changing, I decided to focus on extending the length of time I can run at a faster pace instead of getting in my 3.1 miles in a shorter time. So I pushed past my comfort zone and ran a full 2 miles at 5.5 or 11:00/mile. This left me with 8mins in my 30:00 minute allowance at the Y. So after my heart rate came down and I no longer had a stitch in my side, I did a couple of "sprints" at 7.0 (about 9:00/mile I think). I was only able to go about a quarter of a mile each time, and I rested for about 2 minutes in between, but it felt really good. The fear of being propelled backwards off a treadmill can make anyone run faster!

5K Challenge -- Day 17

Today was the day. I made my time official for the Race to Nowhere.
And what was it you ask? Hmmmm....?
34:53!!!
I got it under 35:00. Yes!
So, now I am going to work on getting it to 30:00 or less by April 16th for the Cheerios Race. (not that I can actually run in it, because I have to work it, but that's my deadline.) An added bonus -- if no one else beats my time in my age group I win! I know, I have already won because I have come so far, and I met my first goal. But bragging rights don't hurt either!

5K Challenge - Day 16

Tuesdays are busy days at our house. Add to that it is the 1st and work compounds that. So.... I didn't get to actually run today. But, Russel and I did walk about 2 miles around the Outdoor Center during Julia's soccer practice. Better than nothing!