My Last Few Runs

I have fallen behind. I realize that running and planning and going on vacation at the same time does not allow much time for WRITING. It's a shame! There's a lot to say!

Briefly, week 8 day 3 went off without a hitch. I don't remember much... Maybe my running partner can refresh my mind?

Week 9 day 1 was the last week of Couch to 5K, and I had my first day of running 30 minutes straight. The goal was to run 5K in 40 minutes or less. This day my running partner, KNBO'R was running a very cool 5K in Davis, CA, and as she did for me July 4th, I ran "alongside" her. My time for 5K was around 45 minutes. This was surprising for me because it was about the same time as my 5K July 4th, and I walked much less. hmmm... I knew the next day would be better.

Week 9 day 2 and 3 were on a treadmill on Level 3 of the Hyatt Regency in Anaheim! Day 2 was awesome, and the 30 minutes of running went so well, and "easy", and I felt I could run forever! There was a hot running thing on the treadmill in front of me, and I had to remind myself to not let it bother me because she's probably been running for years, right? RIGHT? I appreciate the air conditioned room, filtered water and cold, damp towels available. And I got a thank you from other gym patrons when I was the only person who wiped down the treadmill.

The completion of Couch to 5K went without fanfare, and almost... Well, I wasn't impressed. I was still not quite at 5K within 40 minutes. Feeling graduated because I WAS RUNNING the entire allotted time, I was genuinely okay with it all. However, for me, I felt like the program was to train me to run 5K under 40 minutes. Not 4.8K.

Saturday, after returning and healing from vacation, I ran a bonus run, using my plotted 5K, and running my heart out. Honestly, it was a TERRIBLE run. I didn't run the entire time. My head was messing with me. I felt AWFUL. I felt I couldn't do it. I was frustrated and forlorn. I felt like a failure. But I really wanted to do this! I ended up running through the 5 minute cool down in order to make up time. With that, I did 5K in a hair under 41 minutes. I am a runner.

Despite the odds, I finished. I did what I set out to do. This means that I will run a 10K in an hour. It means I will run a Half Marathon in 3:30 or less and not get swept. It means I will finish college. It means I will do great things in my life because I can accomplish small goals that lead into larger goals.

Monday I begin Bridge to 10K. Who wants to join me for my journey?