laddysdream
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Complete 10 5K races during 2012
Star this Commitment
Week 42 of 42
laddysdream commits to:
I commit to register for and complete ten 5K races during the remainder of 2012, and to finish each subsequent race with a faster time than the previous race.
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No more reports due
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My Commitment Journal
 momoped
October 30, 2012, 6:59 AM
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| Hola Amiga! Wow I saw your pics on facebook of the Warrior Dash! It looked really fun :) I just registered for the it. It'll be in Hawaii in February. What's the next event you are training for? I'm so happy that you are enjoying participating in these events. :) | |
 laddysdream
June 23, 2012, 1:49 PM
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I decided to switch things up a bit. For my next race I decided to complete a 10K run! That is approximately 6.2 miles. The Magnolia Meltdown took place in Ridgeland, MS on May 26, 2012. I started building up my mileage about a week to a week and a half ahead of time, because I had only been doing about 4 miles consistently and had never done more than 5. I also had to prepare in slightly different ways. I knew that my pace had to be slower out of the gate so that I could sustain in through 6 miles. I actually took water on the course to rehydrate, and after doing a little bit of research, also found out that for runs an hour or longer, I should consume a simple carbohydrate that my body could rapidly burn- gummy bears! The 10K was probably one of my favorite races. The duration was harder because it was something I was not used to. However, I'm learning that I could possibly have some potential to be a longer distance runner. At times, it seems like the 4th and 5th mile are even easier than the 2nd and 3rd. My goal was to complete the race in 60 minutes, and I blew my goal out of the water at 53:11! It was hot, but much of the course was in the shade, and I had good music to push me through. Plus, at the end, I saw a couple friends from Fleet Feet, Kendra from Fit 4 Change, and I even saw Clark! I was so excited to see Clark because I had really enjoyed training under him and missed him. Plus, the environment was perfect. I was able to show him that I was still improving, still working hard, and achieving new goals. And, as an added bonus, even though I had no placement goals (because this was my first 10K, I just wanted to finish at a decent time), I finished 3rd in my age group! So, my dad got to see me get a medal. I'm now registered for the Watermelon Classic. It is on the 4th of July and is the biggest 5K race in the state. This is the race that I've been building up to as part of my Fleet Feet No Boundaries running training program. I've set a time goal of 22 minutes. I've learned along the way that that is an extremely ambitious goal, perhaps overly so. But even if I fall short, I still have high hopes for an improved time, and I'm getting anxious and excited! |
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laddysdream
June 2, 2012, 6:58 PM
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The next 5K I did was the Wild Walk and Run 5K hosted by and benefiting the Nature Conservancy on April 28, 2012. This was a much smaller run. It lacked the excitement and hype of a couple of the other races I have participated in, but it was also relaxing. The start/finish line was set up against a lake, and the weather was gorgeous! Not too hot, slight breeze, plenty of sunshine. The trail was paved, but it circled through the woods, which was much different than the other 5K, which have wound through city streets. Perhaps that is what made this run so relaxing it was more natural. I also spent the majority of the race by myself. The group in front of me pulled really far ahead, and the group behind lagged way back. But I continued to push myself and try to catch up with the lead pack. After all, I still have a goal of increasing my time with every 5K I run. My body did feel like it was dragging, somewhat. Maybe it was the lack of adrenaline that the larger races sparked, or maybe my body was just tired. I had to keep reminding myself that every run and every race can't be great. There are days when I don't feel like running, days when I don't feel the pick-up in my step. So far none of those days have been race days, but this was one. Despite all of that, I actually did meet my goal when I crossed the finish line. I raced a 24:41, my fastest time yet! I also came in 2nd place overall for the females! As I said, it was a much smaller race, with probably fewer than 60 people. Nonetheless, my little plaque brought a smile to my face. As did the gift certificates for RoadID and a local restaurant that I received! Since it was hosted by the Nature Conservancy, they had brought several animals to the race. They were mostly snakes, with a few turtles and a baby alligator. My favorite was a beautiful female Eastern Hognose. The Western Hognose at the zoo is my favorite snake, so it was interesting to play with a sister species. The snake in the picture is a pine snake. He was unbelievably strong! So far, each race has been very different, but that simply means that they're giving me different reasons to love them. It is enjoyable to have something on Saturdays to look forward to, and the morning activity is always a healthy, happy start to my day that leaves me feeling great. |
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laddysdream
June 2, 2012, 6:45 PM
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| You should definitely do those events! It's so much fun, and it feels good to be both physically active and in a social environment. My body always feels so good afterwards, and races and events always put me in good moods too! | |
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