Fit Talk

Today I ran my second 5K (I ran my first last month). It started at 8:30am and was at a beautiful park right next to the Mississippi River. The tall trees made a green canopy above but left enough space for the brilliant sun to seep through. The wind was blowing at the perfect speed and the temperature was very pleasant.

I did reach (and surpass my goals) of beating my time and having fun. At this race I got to see the results right there. I took 92nd place at a time of 29 min. 38 sec. and a pace of 9min 33sec. I ran the first mile in 9min. 15sec. I shaved 3 minutes and 4 seconds off my last 5K!! I’m gettin’ faster!

I left the race looking forward to the next.

Just wanted to write a quick note. Tomorrow I’m running my 2nd 5K! My goals are to: beat my 1st 5K time, run the whole race, and just have fun!!!

Yesterday the day began with a brilliant blue sky which soon became friends with fluffy white clouds. I took advantage of this beautiful weather and went for a run (a 4 mile one). I was glad I ran at the beginning of my day and not at the end. You see, in Minnesota weather changes in one minute. My friends and I had planned on going roller blading, but that idea was defeated by the dark angry clouds rolling in. One plus about all the rain is that all the trees are a bright green!

On June 21 I will be running in my second 5K!! I’m so excited and motivated to beat my PR (personal record). I’ve been training. Sunday I ran 4 miles outside and yesterday (Tuesday) I ran 4.5 miles on the treadmill at a pretty fast pace. My first 5K was just last month so maybe I’ll try and do one 5K every month this summer!!

The other day I was just clicking my way through my iPod and noticed that there is a very handy tool for exercisers (runners especially). A STOPWATCH!! Before I used the clock (which I had just recently figured out) and had to do a little math to figure out my times. Well, this wonderful tool not only keeps time during your route, it also figures out how long each lap was. It also tells your longest lap and your quickest lap. Your iPod saves all of this information so that you can go back and pat yourself on the back for faster times.

Have you ever been so tired that you didn’t really want to take responsibility for your unhealthy eating? I have… It seems that once I get tired, the monster of bad habits preys upon me and tells me to devour a second helping of dessert. I usually succumb and use the excuse “I’m tired; therefore, my body must need more energy” when I really just need some good ZZzzzs.

Well, I think the first step in defeating this bad habit (or any for that matter) is to recognize that I have developed this habit, resolve to break it, realize when I do it, and replace the bad habit with a healthy habit. And don’t forget repeat (and break your other habits)

Today is my birthday and it’s time to celebrate! This means only one thing: birthday cake (or some kind of chocolate dessert for me:) I’m the birthday girl so I can eat all that I want, right? After all, my birthday only comes once a year. But let’s think about this. I have a rather large family: my parents, five siblings, four sister-in-laws, two nephews, and three nieces. So that adds up to 16 different birthdays (17 including mine). When I use the excuse “well, this birthday only comes once a year” I’m really multiplying that “once a year” to seventeen times a year. When I put it that way… it kinda makes me think I don’t always have to splurge on every occasion.

Well, that’s my two cents worth.

Today was a perfect day for a run. Partly cloudy, breezy, and blue sky. I ran 4 consecutive miles near the Mississippi River. It was hard (especially against the wind) but the weather made up for the hard work. I’m thinking about signing up for another 5K in June. Who knows? Maybe I’ll beat my PR (personal record).

The day I ran my first 5K I came home not only with a sense of accomplishment but also with a $100 American Express certificate! At the end of the race, after all the kids ran their “kid’s lap”, we finally got to the prizes. I was hoping they’d call my name and they did! My prize was $100 in spending money! We also stuck around and got some free leftover food:) It was a great experience!

See! It truly pays to run!

On May 3 I ran my first 5K race! The weather was pretty nice considering that there was a possibility for snow. (Yes, in May! That’s crazy Minnesota weather for ya). The race started at 8:30 am at General Mills in Minneapolis. I came in at 260 place with a time of 32min:42sec. I didn’t think that was too bad for 3.1 miles! I’m pretty proud of myself and those that ran with me. The last mile was hard (especially hills) but I made it! Running sure teaches perseverance. My first 5K was a great experience!!