A course is a course...of course of course

Wish Walk Run 5k
October 15, 2011

Yesterday was race 5 out of my 6 race goal.  This race had a major impact on me in several ways.  Just wait...of course I am going to tell you about it.  This race was held in conjunction with the What Women Want Expo held at the Shilo Inn.  In fact, that is where the race started...right in front of the Shilo Inn.   The money raised in this race is going to be used to grant the wishes of two darling little boys.  They were the ones who started the race and they were there at the finish line in their wheelchairs...wearing adorable blue shirts.  This was the first thing that impacted me.  Almost every race that I have run has been to benefit some charity or organization, but seeing them there brought tears to my eyes.  

This time for some strange reason I decided to stay more toward the front of the starting line.  Usually I head to the back of the pack.  I know that I started out a bit faster then I usually do as well.  Maybe it was all that confidence from running hard for a few months to get ready.  If you recall, I missed running a race in September so I had all this extra time to train.

The course was quite a confusing one at first.  It basically ran in a figure eight pattern.  Thanks goodness for the people showing me the way...oh yeah and the potatoes along the way that were wrapped in bright pink ribbon (hahaha...so Idaho).  The course went from paved sidewalk, to dirt road, to dirt path along the river, and back to paved sidewalk again.  I was NOT a fan of this course.  Maybe it is because I am still new to running (and something of a wuss), but I hate running on dirt roads and gravel.  I probably need to get over that.  That spot around the river...though beautiful..was a dirt path with tree roots pushing through.

I ended up right back where I started and gave high-fives to the two cute boys who were waiting for everyone at the finish line.  As I ran through I had a feeling that I had reached my goal of completing the race in 30-32 minutes.  I was told it was about 31 minutes (although I do not have official times yet).  Even so, that means I beat my last time of 35:42.  If I think back to my first race in May...this means that I have improved my 5k time by 9 minutes!!!  That may not sound amazing to some of you, to this chubby girl...it seems like Everest.  What an impact this has had on me.  I feel like I can do anything.

I am still awaiting my official time..so I will be sure to keep you updated...next race Thanksgiving Day...chubby girl out!

Countdown to next race...one week

So next Saturday is my race and I have been training hard.  My goal is to finish in 30-32 minutes.  I think I can do it!  I am really excited for it.  Even though we got snow this week, the forecast for Saturday is 68 and breezy.  I don't know about you, but sounds like good running weather to me.  Pictures and race results will be posted as soon as I am done.

So I thought I would ask a question of my reading and running public...music when running...yes or no?  I am one of those people who needs to have tunes when I hit the pavement or the treadmill.  It takes my mind off the task and sometimes the pain.  I love things that are fast and that I can even sing to..out loud (when no one is around anyway).

These are just a few of my favorite songs to run to right now:
Stereo Hearts by Gym Class Heroes
Raise Your Glass by Pink
Tonight Tonight by Hot Chelle Rae
Running by David Archuleta

I have four different running play lists on my iPod so I can choose depending on my mood.  Have suggestions???  Shoot me a comment...I am always looking for new music.

Until race time....I will be training chubby....chubby girl out.

A Few Little Things

So I would like to share a few insights I have gained over the last few weeks.  It has been a really hard week and running has definitely been something that has helped me cope.  Some of these insights are a little funny and some are frankly just sad.

1.  Running and singing out loud is very therapeutic but make sure you do it where there are not too many people.  Case and point I was running through the country and an older gentleman was out in his yard when I happened by singing the lyrics "You make me feel so la.la..la..la....la."  He gave me an interesting look.

2.  Running and crying is also very therapeutic however sweat and tears can cause vision problems which can put you in danger.

3.  Running and screaming is not at all recommended although it may be therapeutic you will find yourself running out of breath too soon.

4.  Do not text and run at the same time you may run into a farmer on the side of the road and he may look at you funny because he saw where you kept your phone...(((raised eyebrows)))

On a more serious note...

5.  Everyone needs someone in their life who makes them feel loved, beautiful, and wanted.  I don't care who you are.  So you should really tell and show your someone these things as much as possible.  Don't take them for granted.

My next race is coming up shortly..I am sure it will be an adventure...until then...chubby girl out :)