Skinny Points 5K Races And Training

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Biting The Bullet

April 12th, 2012

savingmo

Source: Uploaded by user via Amber on Pinterest

I've been toying with the idea of training for a longer distance for awhile. After I finished my first 10K in November (Dag gone it, I still have to write that post!) - I thought the next natural step would be to train for a Half Marathon.

Instead I didn't run for about 5 weeks. Smart decision, huh?

I recently tried dabbling in speed rather than distance and found that it frustrated me more than motivating me. So - I'm going back to what I know.

Today, I am officially starting my Half Marathon Training!

You can follow along with my plan and progress on my Half Marathon Training Page - I'll probably update it with pretty colors once a workout is completed. I took a training plan I found on Shape and modified it a bit based on my style and also other races that I have coming up. There's a lot of running in this plan, but I think I can stick to it! I also added in Yoga once a week because I have heard that it is good for your muscles when you are running longer distances. Plus, I kinda like it!

I don't have a race picked out yet, mainly because I am not sure what state we'll be located in at the end of this training plan. I'm sure I'll be able to find something though!

In other exciting news - my breakfast rocked this morning. I tried Yoplait Greek yogurt again and I'm glad I did. It was pretty good. And eating it with an Orange Leaf spoon makes it even better because I can dream of froyo while I dine.....yes, I may have an obsession with the place. If you've not tried it - go do - and then you'll understand ;-)

It feels so good to be eating healthier foods again and tracking what's going into my yapper. I highly recommend it!

Speaking of which - it's time to make lunch! I'm having a massive salad because I found a HUGE tub of Mixed Baby Greens marked down to $0.75 at Kroger last night. Gotta fuel for my run later!

Posted in Skinny Points 5K Races and Training, Success, Working Out

Tags: Distance Running, Exercise, Half Marathon Training Plan, weight watchers

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I Need To Run

March 27th, 2012

savingmo

Source: 27.media.tumblr.com via Amber on Pinterest

While walking 13 miles this weekend was a lot of fun, it caused me some foot issues and my calves are still tight! I'm stretching them out today in hopes that I can hop back into my running program again today. I need to get back on the pavement!

I feel like when I am sticking to a running program it is easier for me to keep my diet in check. Anyone else recognize that in themselves?

It's been really difficult for me since Saturday. I don't know why....but I find myself eating things and not tracking them and taking way too many extra bites here and there. It's super frustrating!

I did reorganize the fridge last night, and that has helped me so far this morning. I had a lot of stuff in there, but it wasn't organized, and like I've said before - if it's not already prepped and sitting there right in my face, I'm less likely to eat it. Yes, because I am that lazy ;-)

So I am hoping and hoping that today I'll be able to run. At least if nothing else, I'm going to get a walk in. I need to run. Which is very cool that I miss it so much. What a difference a year can make!

Are you hitting the pavement today? It's absolutely gorgeous here today - I think Spring might be my fav season!

Posted in Skinny Points 5K Races and Training, Working Out

Tags: c25k, Couch To 5K, Running, weight watchers, Weight Watchers and Running

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2 Workouts In 2 Days

March 21st, 2012

savingmo

I've done pretty well at staying on a schedule of working out. Monday night was just beautiful and since I ran Sunday, I decided to take a walk. The picture above is of the sunset.....which I tried to get without trees and/or electrical wires in the way, but that's pretty difficult around here!

Those are my stats from my walk. It's good to know that a big square loop around makes that distance. Ya know, for if I ever get really serious and start plotting out different routes to run/walk on ;-)

Yesterday we went to the gym, but I didn't work out at the gym. After doing most of my original training last year for my 5K on a treadmill, I absolutely abhor running on one any more. I just feel stuck when doing it. So, hubby and the kids stayed at the gym while I went out running on Mall Road.

Those are my stats above. It's still not where I want my run pace to be, but I'll take 12 over 13 that I was at on Sunday! I'm going running today to my Weight Watchers Meeting as well, so maybe I'll keep the downward trend and hit 11 minutes today - *Fingers Crossed*

I really didn't like running on Mall road - mainly because there are a lot of side roads and cross walks to worry about. I don't like stopping to wait for a light to tell me to cross so I did a lot of jay walking.......running up 18 may be a better option for me. That's certainly something I'll have to consider because I will not get on that treadmill unless I have to!

What have you been doing the past few days to get your heart pumping? Is the weather absolutely gorgeous where you are as well? I'm loving Spring so far!

Posted in Skinny Points 5K Races and Training, Working Out

Tags: Couch To 5K Training, Running, Running When Overweight, Weight Watchers Exercise

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That Was Difficult For Me – W1D1 #c25k

March 18th, 2012

savingmo

So, I went out today (meant to go yesterday but life got in the way) to restart the Couch To 5K program to work on speed.

Or so I thought.

I finished my run and these are my stats:

I'm not very happy with the 13:05 average pace on my runs. I thought I was going faster than that - and truth is, I probably was in the first several runs as I could feel myself getting slower the more intervals I did. My old right ankle was giving me fits too. It's getting RICE right now - Daydream starts.......and now if only someone would Buy Me A Garmin and then I would know what my run splits were...... :-) My daydream is now over.

Anyway, I am glad it is done - that's me semi-smiling at the camera...I hate having my picture taken - so putting this here is a big step! I know now what a base I have to build on and just go up from there!

I got 3 activity points for this - so that's an added bonus!

Are you a runner? Walker? Do you follow a specific program or just wing it when you go out?

Disclaimer: This post contains a link to an affiliate. See my Disclaimer Policy for additional information.

Posted in Skinny Points 5K Races and Training, Working Out

Tags: Can You Run When You Are Overweight, Couch To 5K, Increasing Speed, Training For A 5k, weight watchers, Weight Watchers Activity Points

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Banish The Penguin

March 17th, 2012

savingmo

Last year I took up running. A year ago, I couldn't run a half mile....I couldn't even run an eighth of a mile. Last year I ended up running three 5Ks and in November I completed my first 10K Which I still need to post about on here! Mental note made...

While I am very happy with the distances that I've been able to cover, I'm not so happy with my speed. I average between a 12:30 and 13:30 mile, and I'd like to get that to a 10:00 mile. I debate with myself all the time on whether I should continue to focus on increasing distance or if I should increase speed. Not that there is anything wrong with running slower. It's just a personal issue I deal with.

I came to the conclusion that I need to focus on both.

Today I am restarting the Couch To 5K Program. For two reasons really. One to increase my distance back to the point where I feel comfortable running three miles at any point, and two to start from square one and increase speed. I'm heading out in a few here to see what my starting pace will be!

Have you ever had to start back at square one in an exercise program? Do you consider yourself a penguin?

Posted in Skinny Points 5K Races and Training, Working Out

Tags: Couch To 5K, Increasing Running Speed, Overweight Runner, Penguin Running, Weight Watchers Exercises

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What Are You Training For?

January 31st, 2012

savingmo

Something that I have realized in myself over the past year is that I tend to keep on task a lot better if I am training for something rather than just making it a point to exercise.

I've been in a rut on getting my exercise on a consistent basis and I think it is because I have been lacking direction!

I've been thinking a lot the past week or so about what races I want to tackle this year. Last year I ended up doing a few 5Ks and a 10K. I've been toying around with training for a half marathon, but I think I have lost so much of my mileage ability that I built up that it may be too much for me to get to that point this year by the time I would like to (which would be the Flying Pig, if anything).

So, with much introspect and wonderment, I think I am going to focus on two goals for this year, which will lead me to my next two races.

Flying Pig 10K - May 5, 2012

I'll still get all the experience of the weekend of the Flying Pig but at a distance I feel comfortable that I can get back up to. I want to increase my speed in this race as well. The last 10K I ran (my first 10K) was a "just finish" race. I've already started doing the Ease Into 10K training and I'm moving into week 2. It feels so good to be back on the road again!

Warrior Dash Pennsylvania - June 16, 2012

What is better than a 5K? A 5K with mud, fire, and walls. I'm really really excited to continue training for this because I feel like it is going to be so fun as well as a challenge for me. This is a little bit longer than a 5K - and it has a lot of other fun things thrown in as well!

Here's a peek at the course I'll be running on and the obstacles I'll be facing: Pennsylvania Warrior Dash Battle Field

I started training for this one yesterday and there are a lot of exercises that I am not attuned to doing. This is what my strength circuits looks like:

Right now I am doing these 2-3 times a week with 2 circuits a day. That's a lot of work!

On a side note - I have also discovered that I am horrible at push ups and burpees.

I feel better with having some direction under my belt. And tomorrow is February 1, so I'm going to take my measurements and weigh in (no matter how scary it may be!)

What are you training for?

Posted in Skinny Points 5K Races and Training, Working Out

Tags: Exercise, Training, Training For a 10K, Training For Warrior Dash, Working Out

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Bridge To 10K – W1D2 Workout

November 4th, 2011

savingmo

Tuesday I started the Bridge to 10K program. Day 1 was difficult due to not having the right clothing, and today became increasingly difficult because it was pouring down rain. I told myself that I was going to stick to my training schedule - no. matter. what. So, with a skeptic attitude, I headed out.

Yep, that's me looking scared because it was raining. Wait, what? You want me to run 3 whatever miles in the pouring rain? In November!!?? I honestly didn't think I would finish today. Before I even got through my walking warmup and to the end of the drive at the gym I wanted to come back. My feet were already soaked, the rain was pelting me in the face (because yes, I forgot a hat!), and my fingers were cold.

I told myself to just Shut Up and Run. I actually have a Bondi-Band that has that saying on it. It's one of my running mantras because I tend to whine a lot in my head when I'm running. So tonight, I just shut up and ran.

I found out that it is actually kind of fun to run in the rain. I don't know that I would prefer it everyday - but I felt like a kid out playing again. I ended up running 2.99 miles in 44 minutes. Not the best pace, but it was pouring!

I proved something to myself tonight by completing that run and I'm so excited to go out for W1D3 on Saturday!

Posted in Skinny Points 5K Races and Training, Working Out

Tags: 10K Training, Bridge To 10K, Running In Rain

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Cincinnati Run Like Hell 5K Recap

November 3rd, 2011

savingmo

I was so excited to get to do the Cincinnati Run Like Hell 5K to benefit Cystic Fibrosis! This would be my second 5K run and I felt more prepared than I did for any run so far.

Since this is a 5K that is right around Halloween, a costume is worn by most people. Let's just say - I'm not so much a costume person! I literally picked out my costume the day of the race! Here's what I went with:

Yep, I went as an 80's girl. Pretty easy to find items to go along and also easy to run in since most of the costume was just accessories! The kids also got a big kick out of the green and pink hairspray ;-)

I got ready to go and put on my number. I love the thrill of putting on a bib number for the first time. It reminds me of how far I've come in my running!

The race starts just off of Xavier University's campus. I realized after I parked that they've changed the campus a lot since I've been there. I was walking around and realized I was on the other side of campus from where I needed to be. So, I tried pulling up a map on my phone while walking. Big mistake...

I went flying thorugh the air and hit really, really hard. I honestly thought I was going to be seriously hurt when I first hit. Turned out I just scraped up my hand, bruised my leg, and my side. Nothing too terrible!

Finally it was time for the start of the race!

It was pretty crowded for probably the first half mile. Like, to the point that it was difficult to run. We started heading down the hill and then looped into the cemetary. Let me just say - running in a cemetery at night is a little creepy!

Right around 1.5 miles in I noticed that I could see the people up ahead - but they were above me. Hmmm, that's odd - right? Nope - there was a really big (well, big to me) hill right up ahead.

I didn't really train much with hills so this was tough for me. But I kept going!

We headed back out of the cemetery and back up the loop that we started out on. Remember that hill we went down. Yeah - we had to run back up it too. I believe my words at that point were Holy Freaking Hill!

After that point it was just getting it done. I saw the finish line and sprinted as fast as I could. I hadn't looked at my phone (I was running Run Keeper) so I wasn't sure exactly how I was doing. I ended up finishing in 43:10 - about a minute better than my last 5k run.

I'm totally cool with that! I'm still amazed that I can run more than a mile and any time I improve at all from a prior attempt it's just gravy. This course was a lot more difficult than my last 5k as well.

Now I look forward to the future. I am starting the Bridge To 10K program, I have another 5k on November 12, and then I have a 10K scheduled on Thanksgiving morning. I'm excited to see how far I can take this!

Posted in Skinny Points 5K Races and Training, Working Out

Tags: beginning running, c25k, Cincinnati 5K, Cincinnati Run Like Hell, Running A 5K

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I’m A Couch To 5K Graduate

October 25th, 2011

savingmo

I am so excited that I am able to say I have completed the Couch To 5K program - again! I completed it originally back in May then ran a 5K at the end of the month - but who knew? If you don't keep running you lose your ability to run distances!

I became frustrated a few months ago because I had become stagnant in both my nutrition and my fitness. I decided to sign up for some races and get back to running, and I did. I love the Couch To 5K program because you really can start from the couch and move up to running.

Last night I ran 2.43 miles and felt fine. I probably could have gone farther but I didn't quite calculate my route correctly and it was starting to get dark. I was so stoked that I could do it.

When I started out in March doing the program, a quarter of a mile seemed like eternity. I dreaded the next run because I didn't think that I could do it. Now I know that I can do it and I'm challenging myself to do more!

I have the Cincinnati Run Like Hell 5K this Friday, another 5K in two weeks, and I'm signed up for a 10K on Thanksgiving Day! I will be starting the Bridge to 10K program 11/1 - so if any of ya'll are doing that as well I'd love to hear your progress and what you think!

Check back late Friday night or early Saturday and I'll have pics up from the Run Like Hell.....although I STILLdon't know what I'm going as. I should probably get that figured out!

What have your successes been as a runner? I'd love to hear how you progressed in your training!

Posted in Skinny Points 5K Races and Training, Working Out

Tags: 5K Training', Bridge To 10K, c25k, Cincinnati Run Like Hell 2011, Couch To 5K

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My First 5K

September 22nd, 2011

savingmo

On May 31, 2011 - I completed a task that I honestly did not think would ever happen - I completed my first running 5K. I participated in two walking 5Ks in the prior weeks and treated them as a warm up for the environment of running my first.

Running a 5K has always been a dream of mine to complete. Even as far back as the beginning of 2010 it was a public goal, but I never achieved it! I hid behind the facade that since I was a fattie I couldn't run. Ha!

After losing some weight, I decided to start the Couch To 5K program in March of 2011. I remember dreading week 5 - where I would be challenged to run 20 minutes continuously! It was difficult, but the program had completely prepared me to rise to the task.

Now, I do want to say - I am no means a speed runner. I generally averaged running 3.8 to 3.9 mph on my longer runs, but I'm okay with that. My goal was always just to simply be able to finish - to run the entire 3.1 miles.

I signed up for the Freestore Foodbank 5K in March, about a week into my training. I had always *said* I was going to run a 5K, but had never actually taken the step of registering for one. Having paid money to register gave me an incentive to complete the training and do the run (because, yes, I do like to save money!).

The day of the race was beautiful. I arrived early (as I like to do so I can have alone time and warm up) and took a few pictures. As time went on I realized just how big this race was going to be!

I lined up fairly close to the starting line, although not so close that I would be trampled by the *real* runners. I felt pretty good through the first mile and was really just in awe that I was actually running in a 5K race. The buildings of Cincinnati were also awesome to be running past.

Right around the 1.5 mile marker I started to struggle a bit. After seemingly running forever I couldn't fathom that I still had halfway to go! The sun was starting to get higher in the sky and it was getting hot. But I kept going...... I don't know if my rookieness was shining through or if I was wobbling in my running line, but a stranger patted me on the back as she ran by and said "Keep going - you're doing great!"

Well, to be honest, I didn't *feel* like I was doing great at the time, but that word of encouragement lifted me up to finish strong. I cranked up my music and finished out the race.

I remember turning the corner next to Lytle Place Apartments and then being able to see the finish line approaching. When I got close enough to see the actual crossing point and timer, I knew I wanted to finish strong. I ran literally as fast as I could to cross that line under 45 minutes. I ended up with a finishing time of 44:01 and came in 808 out of 3251 overall. Not bad for my first attempt!