I did it!

Well, I did it! I ran a 5k, the Race for Red. It was the first one I’ve run since 2007. I’m a little slower than I was, but I have no doubt that I’ll improve. My time in 2007 was 30:46, and today was 33:10, so I’m about 3 minutes slower. Not a big deal. I was in a lot better shape back then. I also ate too much for breakfast. I know, excuses, but I think that actually contributed. 🙂 Really!

I’m excited for my next race on June 25, the American Fork Canyon Half Marathon and 5k. My goal is 30 minutes. 🙂 However, before I run another race, I need some new shoes. You’ll probably hear that a lot from me before it happens, but it’s true. I found some good deals online. I don’t know if I’ll be able to get the blue and citron ones, but I think I’ll be okay with the black and pink. We’ll see. What do you think?

This week has been pretty good, running-wise. It’s my second week with over 10 miles. Not too shabby for me! I’m already seeing results. Maybe I’m hallucinating, but I think that my love handles are a little smaller. The Husband thinks so too. I’m excited that he actually notices something different! It’s a great feeling! I think I’ll stick with this running thing.

Anyway, I’ve been reading Kara Goucher’s Running for Women. It’s a really fast read with a lot of good information. I would recommend it for beginners, but it seems like a lot of it is common sense. It’s great to read about her personal struggles because she’s an amazing athlete but also very human. All in all, it’s worth a read.

Oh, we also tried a new restaurant in town. It’s called Roll-Up Crepes. It’s really good. I had a chicken bechamel crepe and The Husband had the pulled pork one. I didn’t think I would fill up, but I came close–there was room for some soft-serve ice cream. 🙂 Yeah, it’s really bad for me, but I’m doing better on the healthy eating.

Anyway, stats for the week are as follows:

Total distance: 10.44 miles
Shortest distance: 2.12 mile
Longest distance: 3.1 miles
Best pace: 10:41 min/mi

A day off . . .

You know how I said that I think I was increasing my mileage too quickly? Well, I don’t have what you would call “an injury,” but there’s a spot in my leg that’s bothering me a bit. I’ve decided to rest today and see how I feel tomorrow. I’m only running a 5k on Saturday, but there can’t be any “comeback” if I can’t run the race.

We’ll see how it goes.

Blue & Citron

Oh, I think I’ve decided which color of Saucony Mirages to get (when I actually get them). What do you think? It seems like a lot of the “cool colors” are reserved for men’s shoes, while the women get the pastels and whites. There’s nothing wrong with that of course, but I love this color combo more. Now to get more gear in these colors. 🙂 Anything to motivate me to run, eh? Just kidding. I love to run, but having cute gear helps on those days when I need an extra boost.

Anyway, I’ve added a few links to my gear wishlist at the top of the page. Check them out.

Good luck to everyone running races this weekend. I’ll finally be a part of the group again!

Feeling faster

I was running my “long run” today (~4 miles), and I was able to keep my pace for nearly the whole time. I’m feeling faster and more confident–always a good feeling. 🙂 I’m still slow, but it’s nice to feel like I’m improving. I was running faster than the other people on my route, though, for all I know, they were doing cool-downs or something. Oh well, I feel good, and that’s all that matters. Here are my stats for the week.

Total distance: 11.67 miles

Shortest distance: 1 mile

Longest distance: 3.94 miles

Best pace: 11:17 min/mi

I’m afraid I might be increasing my mileage too quickly, but I’ve kind of been going with what feels good to me. Today, for instance, I was a little tired for the first mile, but then I settled into a good pace and was comfortable for the rest of it. I didn’t try to overwork myself, but I felt like I needed to stay with about 4 miles for a little while.

Anyway, I’m also super excited about some sweet gear I found at a local thrift shop. I’m cheap like that. I found some race shirts, with lovely screen printing and everything, and a pair of shorts. $12 for the lot. Not too shabby, and they were all pretty new. I’m channeling the ability of the runners who owned the shirts before me. Too cheesy? Oh well. I also signed up for the Freedom 5k on July 4th. I’m really excited about it.

In other news I think I found some shoes I really like. I went to a local running store to get fitted today, and I found out that I’m actually an underpronator, which is really weird but cool to find out. I loved the Saucony Proglide Mirage and the Brooks Launch shoes. It seems like a lot of people like them, but at least that way I know they’re good shoes. I might have to invest in some new ones if I’m to run a half marathon at some point this year (or next). Maybe my parents will feel like spoiling me. We’ll see.