Sunday, June 26, 2011

Sweat Your Thorns Off race recap and other stuff

Yesterday I participated in The Boring Runner's  "Sweat Your Thorns Off" 2nd annual 5K.

It was really fun and while I didn't 'PR' I'm happy with my overall time which was 31:00 and a 10:02 pace. I consider that victorious as I was literally sweating my thorns off (whatever the heck that means) in the heat and humidity - and I had a few good hills to run up. Plus that's pretty speedy for me. I remember when I first started running I would pray for the day where I could hit a consistent 12 min. mile! Anything around 10 is pretty nice and it's satisfying to see steady progress in the right direction.

Oh and this is exciting news - I actually ran (felt like I blew right past, in fact!) someone today. I saw a runner up ahead and I just kept gaining on him. I wasn't necessarily trying to pass him but as I flew past him and then looked back - I felt like an athlete. I know it sounds silly but every time I run, I am usually the one eating other people's dust so it was nice to feel like the fast one out there today! I gave him the "good for you" nod that I usually get as I'm passed and smiled a little smugly to myself. HA.


I forgot to print up the bib so I took a picture with it afterward. Yes, I'm sweaty, messy dork.

It was also a running fashion milestone for me as I wore something sleeveless on top and a pair of shorts on the bottom.

As someone who's always battled weight if there were always two areas I've always focused on covering up it was my arms and my legs. Now while I still could tone both areas a little more, I didn't feel so insecure and I have to admit, I did feel way cooler in this outfit than the long pants and oversized tech tee I usually run around in. I'm not sure if it's because I'm feeling better about my body or if its as I get older I just don't care so much about what other people think anymore - either way, score one for appropriate summer running attire.

In other news, I've signed up for another "marathon" training program on my Nike+ - though I'm undecided whether I'll run the half or full in Atlantic City in October - I figure training programs keep me on track.  I wouldn't be facing down unreasonable long runs until late August and September so we'll just see how it goes, how busy I am and whatnot - for now I'm playing it totally by ear - I'll run something though.

The GREAT news is my hubby is really getting into running! He even ran for four miles straight yesterday (that's the furthest he's ever run and this is remarkable!) He even said he would sign up and run the 10K they have in AC that same day so it'll be his first 'bigger' race.  (Though, I'm trying to convince him he might as well go for the half - but I won't push him too much.)


XO
jen

5 comments:

financecupcake said...

Great race! It sounds like everything is going really well for you. I'd love to read a post about your weight maintenance.

Michael said...

I really love this post. Full of positive thoughts! Congrats on the speedy 5K. I still struggle to keep my miles under 12 minutes so I know what you are talking about. I long for the day where I could run a 5K at around a 10 min pace. Awesome you passed some, that's got to feel great, I never pass anyone!

Congrats to the hubs too. I say he should definitely sign up for the half!

Anonymous said...

You wore shorts!!!!!!!! I told ya, girl. ;-) I was the same way about shorts until last summer, but I just couldn't take the heat anymore and gave into the Nike Tempos. But until about 2 weeks ago, I didn't own a pair of shorts that I would wear in public while not running... finally I added in ONE pair of shorts. ;-)

Great time on the 5k and so freakin' happy for you about Marty. Fantastic!!!

The Boring Runner said...

So much good stuff in here:

First, nice work on the race!
Second, passing someone is SUCH a great feeling (even though it is horrible to say it out loud - that doesn't make it any less true)
Finally, that is awesome that your husband is getting into it. I'm jealous

Jason said...

Congrats to you on a number of things:

1- 10:00/mil pace
2- Passing runners....but no gloating in their face ok?
3- Hubby getting prepared to go longer

Just an awesome post to read and to know that I knew you when....keep it up buttercup!