2011- The Year to Runner

It works out well that this coming year is the Year of the Rabbit, for the Japanese (I use Japanese because they use Jan. 1^st as the start of the year).

Almost all my Christmas gifts that I received were related to running. Besides the jacket and shoes that I bought myself, I got a few more running items. I pretty much asked for only running stuff. I wanted to make sure that I got enough things that I couldn't quit in 2 months because then everything I got would be wasted. I really don't think that would have happened, but I want to play it safe.

I did get a pair of the Yak-Tracks Pro- kinda like chains for your running shoes, and they work great. I only slipped on the thickest of compacted road snow. Ice wasn't even a problem. So far I give them a big thumbs-up.

My wife got me a Road ID- so that when I get hit by a car, someone can ID my body easy and give her a call. I think that this was more of a present for her then for me. I really need another arm to handle all my wrist items; Nike Sportsband, Road ID, and a heart rate monitor. The Sportsband might just have to go into a pocket.

What else for 2011? I'm going to run my first ½ marathon. I haven't registered for it, but it's the LaCrosse Fitness Festival and the race is on May 1^st, I believe. I'm taking all the trainers' advice and not running a full for at least a year. I am enjoying talking about which that will be my first (changes every time).

Christmas Running

OK, the title here is a little misleading. This Christmas I'm visiting my family in my hometown. It's been about 5 years since I've been here for the holiday and the first as a runner.
Today I went on a 5.5 mile run along the river. About half way I went through a neighborhood that I'd ride my bike around/through as a kid. It brought back a bunch of memories. I also notice a few houses that I had never seen before. Partly because of being a crazy 12 year old boy, but more so because of the 'slow mind' of the run. This 'slow-mind' is still going on as I type this at the local coffee shop. It just started snowing again. Coming down at a slight angle- a little wind. I imagine it hitting my face. Should I go for another run today?

Side note:Oh! My run the other day was on the river, well, along the river, if it were on it wouldn't be running but boating or skating, and in the river would be swimming. Anyway. I ran along the river and heard about 10 minutes of the bells from St. Mary's. Nice.

It's not all Christmas card today. I got yelled at from a car for the first time. Yes, I'm sure it's happened to everyone, but in my town, it's small enough and with a high percentage of runners, that it just never happened. I believe they said "You can do it". I guess I should that this as an encouraging remark (maybe from a fellow runner?), but more likely just some Yahoo needing to exercise his vocal cords. I guess it's better then being hit with trash.

Downtown Winter Running

I went out for a 5-mile. It felt like much more. For running in an urban area, I sure came across a wide variety of terrain. There was the rare dry concrete sidewalk. The usual icy walkway, the un-shoveled domed path and the slushy roads. There were also about 20 or so 3 foot piles of snow blocking the intersections that I had to leap over. Each variety requires its own running style. I find that ice takes a short stride with a flat foot. I like to sit down a bit when running across slush. “Leaping” snow banks requires trying to keep my head at the same level- this takes wear off the knees. Paths created by other walkers are bad. You can’t predict how your foot is going to land; walking is the best option here.
Some might say that a treadmill is the way to go- not me. I do find it a lot easier to get on a treadmill the to go run in the cold, but I find it much easier to stop running on a treadmill. Running out in the cold is like swimming across a lake. Once you start, you can’t really stop until you get back. My motivation to continue running is much higher. I should probably get off the computer and head out for my run.

Winter Racing

I ran another winter race this past weekend. It was the Rotary Lights 5K. The night before the race we had over 16 inches of snow fall. I heard at the beginning of the race that there were over 500 people that had signed up. The number that crossed the line was just under 190. Hey, just by finishing, I beat over 300 people!
The people that organized the event did a great job. The trail that we ran on was really good considering the snowfall. They had it plowed down to only a couple of inched of crushed snow. There was a lot of slippage and a few spots of ice, but that was expected.
I’m not sure how I did it, but I got a new PR 26’21. I knocked off another 47 seconds off my last time. I’m looking forward to the spring when I can run without slipping and will hopeful be in better shape and lighter. My ultimate goal of a sub 20 might actually be possible.
Back to the race. It was bordering on crazy to run. The race started at 4pm, so the sun was going down. The course was mostly along the Mississippi river and the wind was blowing in from that direction. I’m not sure how it was possible, but I swear that the wind was blowing in my face the entire time on the out-and-back course.
I iced my knee after and have been taking it easy the rest of the week- I’m only going out 3 times total, so I don’t overwork my knees. Running on ice is bad but street slush is even worse.

Overtraining

My first 5k time was around 29 minutes and then about 2 months later it dropped my over 2 minutes. Some of this time is from getting into shape, but I think that it is mostly due to taking some time off before the race. My MCL strain made me back off my training. I think that I must have been over training. I have a hard time not doing things ‘all the way’. I think that when it comes to long distance running, you CAN give more then 100%. Although anything over that (or at 100%), is not good when it comes to training.
I was trying to load on the mileage without letting my newly used muscles a chance to repair. 3 days off? That’s 3 days of running. Most long-time runners do not have a problem running 6-7 days a week. They probably have learned to listen to their bodies, but I’m still trying to figure out what is a good pain and what is bad.
I also chose mileage over cross training. I think that that I have built up my leg muscles disproportionately. Mostly Quads and Hamstring. I have also have not done much in stretching. Causing my joints to take more impact then is necessary. My doctor says that I’m as inflexible in my legs as a person that sits behind a desk all day, or a truck driver (I have a VERY active job).
So even though this post is entitled ‘Overtraining’, I’m going to sub class it as a ‘Pre-New Year’s Resolution’. And those are: Run less. Stretch. Cross train more. Do not be a slave to the running journal nor my Nike+ mileage.

The Times

I’ve never really wrote about my times. Why? Why do you think. I was quite embarrassed about my lack of speed. But now I don’t really care. I’m not racing against anybody else. In actual races goal number one is to finish and number two is to give it my all. If I do those two things, I’ll be satisfied. (Sure, to win would be great, but that isn’t going to happen for awhile.)
The first time I “ran” the 3.1 mile distance, it was in about 39 minutes. This was right around the time that my cousin’s son, who is about 6, ran in a 5k in 44’. Only 5 minutes behind me. Sure I’m new to running, but I’m still very competitive, it’s in my blood. So for my first 5K I wanted to run a sub 33’. I ended up with a sub 30’. As stated before, I wanted a sub 35’ in the last race because of the weather. As for the rest of the winter races (3 more that I have planned). As long as I can look back and say that I gave my best, I’ll be happy.
Eventually, I want to run a 5K in sub 20’. But I also plan on running a ½ marathon this spring, so training will have to change for that, but I don’t have a time limit on the sub-20. Once I have my numbers in front of me. I’ll post a few more stats.

The Race (Jingle Bell Run)

We ended up getting about 6” of snow the night before the run. It turned out that since the race was nor run on main streets, that the plows did not have a chance to clear the streets, so we got to run in the simi-compacted snow/ice streets. The 5K race had 216 finishers. There was about another 110 people that either did not finish, or more likely, just didn’t show up for the race.
The starting buzzer went off and when I looked at my pedometer, it showed that I was running about an 8’30 (fast for me). I thought about slowing down, but everything felt right. Heart rate, breathing, knee- all good. So I decided not to slow it down.
A lot of the race reminded me of watching cross-country races on television. We were all in single file, running on the tracks left by the cars that went through. Passing was a bear. Changing stride, jumping out of the rut and slipping past the runner in front. You could feel the extra energy left behind in the slushy ice (slice?).
I crossed the finish line- dry heaved and took a look at my time. Hey a PR! 27’07. I finished in about 46^th place. I’m quite happy with that finish. I was hoping to finish in about 35’ because of the weather, so 8 min faster is great. With the weather and coming off an injury, it was a great run. I can’t wait until next year. Oh wait, there’s another 5K next Sunday.

Doctor's Appointment

Last Friday I had an appointment with my doctor to check out my knee. It was/is an injury to my MCL. I’ve taken the week off, so it doesn’t hurt much at all now.
He asked if I was still planning on running- which I replied “Ya”. “Okay, so here is what you’ll need to do”
Buy an ACE compression brace and wear it on the run. Before the race, do some non-load bearing stretching and massage to warm up the knee. After the race, ice and elevate.
Worked great. (I won’t get into the race to much here, but icing with snow after the finish line helped a lot.)

Still Down

My knee is still bothering me. I went to the Dr. on Monday. He said that it looked like a sprained ligament and set me up with a physical therapist in the Sports Med. dept. I have an appointment this next Monday. He also prescribes an anti-inflammatory.
So the knee is still sore, but is feeling better. I think that I could run a bit on it, but am resting up because I have a 5k this Saturday. I was going to run the Rotary Lites 5k on the 12th but have decided that it's probably better to only do one of them, and since I've already paid for this one...
So, I'll keep in touch.

Injuries

Well, I think that I have my first running injury. The other week my ankle was a little sore, but I'm not counting that as a running injury. It was just a little sore from my lack of flexibility so I'll just count that as growing pains.

The other day, a day after a run, my left knee was pretty sore, so I took the day off. I was not really sure if I was taking the day off because of the pain and concern for my health, or that it was the first day that the temps were in the teens. I truly believe that it was my knee. Well yesterday I went out after work- I really thought I was going to take another day of rest, but the sirens of running were calling.

About 2.5 miles into my run the sidewalks were starting to get icy and that's when my knee really started to hurt. I think that I twisted it a bit and strained the MCL. I think that I would have been better off if the sidewalks were totally frozen over and not the sometimes-slippery, that they were.

I came home and iced it and today am going to get a brace for it. I plan on not going out today or tomorrow, but Saturday is another story. I'll see how it goes.

Oh, I do need to take it easy. I think my next 5K is in 9 days- December 4^th (and another one on the 12^th). I will compete (participate) in them, even if I have to walk.

Pre-Dawn Running, yuck!

My cousin is a predawn runner. He uses some program where it posts to Facebook after every run. Usually an observation about the sun rising, or the stillness of the morning. Now I’m not complaining about getting his posts, nor about his experiences. I actually enjoy reading them and he is the only other runner I really know, so he keeps me motivated. But I just can not get out and run in the mornings. I have ran in the AM but not predawn. I usually wake up before sunrise, but I have to get a couple of cups of coffee in me and slowly start the day. I also think my body has to acclimate to the ’out of bed experience’. So I end up running around 11 AM if I have the day off or somewhere between 6-9 PM if it’s a work day.
The other night I took off around 6:30, already dark out, and with a slight mist. I headed my way downtown and through the park. The city is setting up for the holiday season with about 2.6 million lights in the park. I don’t know how many were on, but a lot. Because they have not had the official opening, it felt like I had the entire park to myself. It was beautiful. I stopped and took a few pictures from my celphone, but I know they will be horrible and not capture the feeling.
On the way back home I also noticed the sound of the few cars that were out. With the wet pavement, I heard the sound of the water off the tires in stead of the motors. For some reason, I find this much more pleasing. I guess I’m running off on a tangent on why I like running in the rain and not in the PM.
Anyway, I don’t stretch and think that my just moving around throughout the day prepares me of my daily run. Plus, I’m just not into the run in the AM. I’d rather have my coffee.

Running with my Cat

I keep telling my wife that I need to stop running with my cat Clifford. See, Clifford is a nutty cat that has some mental issues. One of those issues is with food, which makes him a hefty 17 pounds (last time I weighed him). He's been on a diet for a few months now, but I don't see an improvement.
I'm a slow runner. A 10 minute mile is comfortable for me. I can and have gone faster, but a tempo run of 10 mm I can do for a long time. I have already set my 2011 goals and one is to run a 5k in under 23 minutes. I really want to go sub 20, but I thought 23 is much more realistic. I've only been running since...August 22 (I just looked it up) and have moved my 5k time from about 39minutes (my first time running the distance) to 28'06. Huge chunks of time were cut off at times- one time I beat my PR by 5 minutes.
Anyway, I need to cut off another 5+ minutes. How can I do that? I know I need to improve my efficiency, but that will come with the miles. another part of the plan is to stop running with my cat. I'm probably an average American weight, so that means about 15-20 lbs overweight, about the weight of Clifford. So if I can lose the cat on my runs that should drop another minute or two. I started out running at 178 and am now down to 166. I think 145-150 is a good weight to try for. Hopefully I can hit my target by about March/April.

Just a few words before going to bed.

About 3 months ago when I decided to take up running, I spent the first few weeks running on the treadmill. Then one day it got a little cold and I knew that the gym would be busy. Living in Wisconsin, I knew that the gym would only get more crowded as the temperature dropped. So I hit the road.
Since that day, I have only been on a treadmill 2 other times. Once when I was out of town for a conference and I didn't have a lot of time, and the other day when I wanted to re-calibrate my Nike+. It was boring!. I should have brought my Ipod, but I've been running the last 2 months without music, I just did not think about it.
Music. Don't like listening to it when running. For one thing it's much safer when running downtown. And if I'm off on the trails, the scenery is enough to capture my attention- so no music- and we don't even have to mention, no phone.
Today 4.5 miles. 37'F Beautiful night
Now off to bed.

Intervals and timing

Today I went to the Y and ran around the indoor track. I wanted to have a known distance where I could push hard for a lap and then walk for a 1/2. Did that for about a mile. Hopefully it will help my speed.
Before that I ran a mile on the treadmill. My Sportsband measured it as .92 miles, so I guess that I have been going about 10% faster then I thought. That's cool. I still need to average about a minute faster then my PR mile to hit my goal in the 5k. (I'm not giving numbers yet)
Since I was at the gym. I did some cross training- arms are sore
I think that I'm going to have to go out for a run tonight. The 2 miles just doesn't feel like a full running day- maybe I can get in another 3 miles, that would be good.

Problems with Nike Plus

I have a few issues as a new runner using the Nike Plus. The unit is not the problem so much as the website. I could complain about how slow it is and that it does not have a lot of features, but there are much worse problems.
Every time I log on, there is a little section that tells me that I ran 'X' days this week and why not try for 'X+1'? Well, maybe I know myself better then Nike because I usually run about 5 times per week and take the other two off- I might walk or crosstrain. By pushing me to run more, it is setting me up for injury. I guess the site is also made to push mileage and time.
Maybe they just need to have a section on runner education. That you don't have to run 100 miles per week, running all 7 days and faster each day. But nothing like that.

Another issue (but not Nike's fault)
Now that I've been running for a couple of months, I think that I have changed my stride. I think that I should probably recalibrate my unit. I took a run today that measured 4.01 miles on the Sportsband but when I used the site's mapping program, it came to 4.22 miles. Usually is is much more accurate. I'm really good at mapping close to my exact route. Even when I ran the 13+ miles, I was less then 1/4 mile off.
Maybe the Nike website should prompt runners to recalibrate every 100 miles for the first 500 or so miles. Just an idea.
I hope that it is off, because then that means that my times are much better!

First 1/2 Marathon Distance Run

To celebrate the NY Marathon, I ran just over 13.1 miles today. I started out with a tough 3 miles. the first mile had a 550 ft. ascent. The 2nd mile was off trail, being more hiking then running. I was following a ridge above the city and got on the wrong side of it, but at least I got some great pictures.
Ok, I really did not set off in running a 1/2, but once I got close to my house I was at 10.5, so I might as well tough it out and go the rest.
It felt great. Both physically and mentally. Now I know that I can run a half. I think that I'll enter the one we have around here in May (forget what it's called).

Podiatrist Appointment

I went to the podiatrist's office yesterday. Good news, nothing really wrong. I don't need orthotics, I 've got good wear on my soles, arches- good, and my shoes that have a lot of cushion (Nike Zoom Vomero+ 4)are the right choice for me. My trouble is that I have very little flexibility in my ankles and that I strained it, probably by running over some uneven surface. I was given instructions on a couple of strengthening/flexibility exercises to do two times a day and and good to go.
oh, I was also told (again) that I need to replace my shoes between 400-500 miles. I'm at 200 now, so maybe I should put another pair on my Christmas list.

Running Errands

Today is November 2nd- which means that after today, we won't have to see all those campaign advertisements on the television. Well, I decided to make my daily run go past my voting station and get that out of the way too.
I never got around to registering, but it was very quick to do it right there. The older women working there were giving me strange looks for voting whit my tights on (remember, WI ).There wasn't a long line so I was able to vote and get out of there before I cooled down too much.
Made it home with a slow 5K ran. I'll probably take tomorrow off.

Change in format

Well, I'm going to change things a bit. I've been writing about every run that I've been on. Since I don't really have an audience and that I already have 2 other daily running logs, I'm not going to just rehash those writings here. So I probably will not be adding to the blog every day- hopefully at least once a week.

After work

Oh, getting out tonight was tough. I just wanted to go to the couch, but I put on my running outfit and somehow was out the door. My joints were stiff and it was a bit cool for awhile. I had the wind in my face the first 3/4 of a mile. Headed toward downtown and then over to Riverside Park. Looks like they're setting up for Rotary Lights, the 2 drinking fountains in the park have been turned off. Soon they'll all be off for the season.
After the park, headed back to the house going through the Viterbo campus. About 3.6 miles.

Fall Morning Run

I didn't quite running, I just took 2 days off. Work was physically draining and my ankle has been sore (I have a doctor's appointment on Monday). Excuses, but I needed a rest- going at it a bit strong for a beginner.
Anyway, I was afraid of missing more then 2 days in a row. I did not want it to become a habit of not going out, so yesterday, Friday, morning, I put on the thermals, laced up the shoes, and headed out.
It was cold! Luckily, it didn't take long to warm up and there wasn't much wind. I ended up going about 3.3 miles and it was a great run around downtown La Crosse. 6am is defiantly the best time to see the town. When I got home I checked the temp: 28' F. I'm really glad I did not check before heading out, I might have just went back to bed.
Today I plan on running after work. I'm nice and warm now and I don't feel like getting cold- even for the short time it takes to warm up.

Wind!

Yesterday my run was 4.75 miles. Again I got out a bit and then got really hungry. I have to remember to eat something before leaving. I'm still not used to eating breakfast. The wind was constant and there was a slight rain the entire time. Not bad, but  the wind did make me work a little harder.

Oh , I found a fat little dachshund on my run. I was able to pick her up and somehow find her home.

Yesterday's Run

I was pretty busy yesterday and I just forgot to write about my run.

A little back story.

I'm very goal orientated. Yes, it's true. So when I read about another runner doing it I had to try also. What is it? I bought a map of La Crosse and have been highlighting the streets that I have ran down. My goal is to run down every street in the city. I'm first just trying to get the South side (the true La Crosse in my opinion).

So I ran north to downtown and then over to Riverside park- on streets that I have not (mostly) been on, and then went down 3rd and decided to cross the river to Pettibone Park and back. A beautiful view of the river from the center of the bridge. I had to stop for a minute to take it in.

Oh, I also found a little fat dachshund without a collar, was able to pick her up and found a woman who knew where she lived- happy reunion.(5.5 miles ran)

Week Record

Well, I was going to take today off, but since I can't run tomorrow (or at least I'm not going to run), I didn't want to go 2 days in a row without running plus I was less then two miles from doing over 30 miles for the week. So the short story. I ran.

Did not feel like going out as usual, it was starting to get dark and the ground was pretty wet still from all the rain that came down today. With in the first mile I had the running groove on. I wasn't fast or anything, but I felt like I could just keep going.

I ran to Riverside park and went along the river in the opposite direction then I usually go. I had a great view of the train bridge to the north. It was getting pretty dark as I went though the marsh and had to slow down a bit when I realized that there were tons of frogs around. Cut through UW-L campus and headed home.

So my mileage for the week is 34.56 and I have a total of 155.75 miles since I started the last week of August. (Made it to Level Green on the Nike+ program- WooHoo!)

Another Slow Day

Ok, I'll admit it. I don't look forward to starting a run. I wish I did, but it's not there. Usually the enjoyment does not set in until after about 2 1/2 miles. Today that just didn't happen. I could never get into a good groove and about halfway through my 6.5 mile run, my energy was zapped and I was starving. It did not help that I went past the Sara Lee factory and was smelling some  type of bread. Slow outing- with a few walks in there and a nice long cool down walk. Still glad I went. I'm not sure if I'll be able to go tomorrow and on Sunday I work a 9-9 shift so there wont be a run then.

Note: If you're familiar with the Nike+ program- I'm just 5 miles from reaching Green! If you don't know about it, Green is when you complete 250 km or about 154 miles. My goal was be green by the new year and reach blue by 2012- I think that's something like 650 miles or so. I'll post it once I hit it.

Pushing it.

Well, I thought that I might put a little more sweat in my run. So today I figured that I'd run up and down the bluff that is near my house. Part of the road to the top has washed-out so it's closed, but runners, walkers and bicyclist now have free run of the road.

From the bottom blockade to the top is almost exactly 1.55 miles (round trip 5k) and to the lookout on the bluff, it's 2.5 miles- so 5 miles round trip.

So the 5 miler was my plan. Within the first tenth of a mile I was huffing. I've never done hills before. I think my largest elevation change before this has been about 30'. So maybe I took on more then I should have.

I'd like to say that I powered through to the top without walking, but that's just not true. I decided that I would not listed to the little aches and pains, but I would listed to my heart rate. So if it got to high, it was time for a little walk.

Once about 1/2 way up, I got into a good pace and did not have to walk for almost the rest of my run. I did walk a bit at the very to just so that I could take a moment and look over the city. I've been up here maybe a dozen times before- via car or my scooter, but somehow the city looked more crisp- the wind felt cleaner.

The trip down was nice and easy. Kept a fast, in control pace and enjoyed it immense

Well, I thought that I might put a little more sweat in my run. So today I figured that I'd run up and down the bluff that is near my house. Part of the road to the top has washed-out so it's closed, but runners, walkers and bicyclist now have free run of the road.
From the bottom blockade to the top is almost exactly 1.55 miles (round trip 5k) and to the lookout on the bluff, it's 2.5 miles- so 5 miles round trip.
So the 5 miler was my plan. Within the first tenth of a mile I was huffing. I've never done hills before. I think my largest elevation change before this has been about 30'. So maybe I took on more then I should have.
I'd like to say that I powered through to the top without walking, but that's just not true. I decided that I would not listed to the little aches and pains, but I would listed to my heart rate. So if it got to high, it was time for a little walk.
Once about 1/2 way up, I got into a good pace and did not have to walk for almost the rest of my run. I did walk a bit at the very to just so that I could take a moment and look over the city. I've been up here maybe a dozen times before- via car or my scooter, but somehow the city looked more crisp- the wind felt cleaner.
The trip down was nice and easy. Kept a fast, in control pace and enjoyed it immensely. Once back at my car, I thought about doing a second run up- maybe I should save that for later.

Made at MapMyRun.com

Wednesday- Day off

I had to work today and with the long run on Sunday and feeling sluggish the past 2 days, I thought that it would be a good idea to give my body a rest. So what do I do? Run? No, I read about running, of course.
Yesterday I bought 2 'runner's interest' books. First Marathons and Dean Karnazes' book Ultra Marathon Man- just finished it. Man that guy is nuts- Steve Austin has nothing on him. He got me pumped up to push a little harder. Although I'm NOT going to get hurt (mantra).

Motivation? Where?

I had to drop my car off at the shop this morning and instead of having my wife follow me and give me a lift home (I have the day off), I figured that I could just run it. Like I said yesterday, it is only about 2.5 miles away.
I never really got into it today. My legs felt as heavy as lead and I couldn't keep a good pace. I did manage to loop past my house and put in 3.56 miles.

-You will notice that I like to go at least 5K per run

Monday- day off?

After yesterday's 10-miler, I just had to get out and stretch the legs a bit. I decided to drive over to the park and have a run around there. The road within the park was closed- I presume due to previous flooding so I had a quiet car-less road to run. I followed the entire outer edge of the park and watched the water and leaves. I wish I could have settled down a bit, but I for some reason, I couldn't get "Pinball Wizard" out of my head. I looped around past the car a bit so I could finish my run at 3.1 miles.

Tomorrow I have to drop my car off at the shop and I plan on running home. I've mapped it at about 2.5 miles if I go direct. I wonder how long it will really be.

Warrior Waddle Results are in

Well, I hate to say it, but I was a little behind the winner. I finished the 5k in under 30m which put me in the top half of 578. I'm really happy with that. My goal was to finish my 1st race at sub 35' and finishing in the top half is a nice boost.

I'm signed up for a few more 5Ks that take place over the next few months and I expect my times to be much slower because of the snow/ice. I'm not planning on breaking a bone for a 5K.

Sunday the 17th (the day after the race)

Well, the race is over and the results have not been posted. I guess I'll just have to wait.
Today I figured that since I have today and the next couple of days off work that I'll try for a long run. So far my longest has bee about 6.5 miles. I started out around 10am and went north of town to the trails through the marsh and then headed west to the Mississippi. From there I followed the river south. I was about to head home but noticed that if I went straight there I'd be at about 9.25 miles. Well, being that close to 10, I just had to stretch it. My final distance was 10.23 miles- a new record.

After the run came sore legs and 2 hot baths. Maybe I should take tomorrow off.

My First 5K !

I slept better then I expected. I woke up a couple of times durring the night, but was able to go back to sleep without any trouble.
The alarm went off around 5:15 and we were out the door by 6:00. A stop for coffee and then the drive to Winona, MN for the 3rd annual Warrior Waddle. We arrived a few minutes before 7 and then got our race packs. At 8:00 the gun was fired. There seemed to be about 500 people in the race. I started about 3/4 the way back. Although I wish that they would have had a special lane for those with strollers.
I felt like I was going faster then usual, but I did not feel winded, our that I was trying to run someone elses race. A little before mile 1, the route went from road to paved trail, so it got a little tight. At mile one I crossed just shy of 10 minutes, shy of 20 min at Mile 2. There was a sign at 1/2 mile before the finish, and a cheering group at about 1/4 mile. From there I picked up the pace. It might have been a little early as my stomach did not like the idea- I thought about slowing down (maybe I did), but then I heard footsteps comming up from behind so I got a burst of energy and sprinted the last 50 feet to cross the line just before the owner of the feet behind me. My time: just shy of 30 minutes. Official time to come.