This afternoon, I was helping provide water and Gatorade at the finish line of a race, so the husband and I decided to run it at the last minute.
I normally don't run shorter races...I like training for longer ones, but I thought I'd give a 5K a try since I hadn't done one in quite some time. I ran the same race two years ago (early in my running career) and finished in 30:23, which, until this weekend, was my PR for a 5K.
Anyway, we set up the water and Gatorade and headed to the start line. First of all, that jacket came off. It was warm. And second of all, I hate those shorts. I don't know if it's how I run or my thunder thighs, but I can't wear any kind of "normal" shorts (i.e. tempos, ones with slits on the sides, etc.). I have to have the really fitted Nike pro shorts that don't ride up (TMI?). As in the picture below.
Flattering? Not really. But they're comfortable.
Speaking of thighs, a lady said today that I had the "prettiest legs" she has ever seen. Umm... I don't know where that came from, but my 5'1 little legs will gladly take the compliment any day. I'm still smiling from ear to ear.
Anyway, I've been trying to do a little bit of speed work lately. Normally "speed work" for me is trying for negative splits on my runs, and running the first half of the last mile of my run as fast as I can, and then cooling down for the last 1/2 mile. So scientific, right? Nope. But I think it's working.
When I started running (correction, when I worked up to running a full mile without walking), I ran about 10:30-minute miles. My first half marathon, I somehow pulled out an average pace of 10:07 from my rear end. And my most recent half marathon (and PR) I averaged about a 9:36. So, I'm definitely getting faster the more I run.
Well, for this 5K, I pulled out some speed from somewhere. I ran the first mile in 8:48. The second in 9:06. And the last in 8:47. Where did this speed demon come from!? And honestly? I think I could have probably been even a little bit quicker, but the chafing on my legs was BURNING and irritating and annoying.
Don't have my official time yet, but the clock said 28:00 right as I crossed over (there wasn't chip timing...just cards). It would be really nice if I was recorded as 27:59, though. Regardless, in two years, I shaved off about 2:30. I'm having a glass of wine to celebrate :)
10 comments:
I went with my dad this weekend to his Gate River Run to pick up his packets and stuff etc before the race. I have decided to start running and join a few races. :)
xoxo
Samantha
Congrats!
awesome!
Way to go! What an inspiration you are! I just started running again and let me tell you something... it was rough. Thanks for inspiring!
Good for you, congrats!! Hard work does pay off.
Awesome job!!!
Awesome! I cant wait to get in the 9 minute range. I have improved to a 10 minute but thats really pushing it. I really look forward to the 9 minute range!!! Erica
Nice work! I can't wear those tempos either, they are so unflattering on me as well, and I never realized you are only 5'1! haha that was shocking to me for some reason. Sometimes it's fun to do a short race just to see where you are at, and you surprised yourself! :)
Congratulations on the PR!
My soccer shorts are awful at riding up when I'm just running. I never had that problem with running though. I was thinking I would just use my Under Armour pants until I realized that if I run outside like I want to, I'm going to get ridiculously overheated. I'll have to get a pair of compression shorts like you have!
I'm also 5'1". Is it sad that my calves are my pride and joy? As for my thighs - soccer giveth, and it taketh away, but mostly, it giveth. ;]
Hi, I appreciate your writing and also posting beautiful pictures. I live in Texas. The pleasure of jogging and running is rather like that of wearing a fur coat in Texas in August: the true joy comes in being able to take the damn thing off. thanks, @Anne from complete
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