Monday, August 15, 2011

Diary of an overweight runner - My First 5K

For the last 11 weeks I've been following the 5Kin100days training program. Although we still have 3 more weeks of the program, I did the Tomato 5K Saturday.

I went in with no expectations. I was simply going to run the intervals that I was scheduled to run for the program (four 8 minute running/1 minute walking).

Me and Miss Lynn at the start!

Overall, I kept a reasonable pace even though I have a competitive tenancy when faced with other racers around me. I started at the back of the pack and I definitely could have probably started up closer since I ended up passing quite a few people.

After my first two 8 minute intervals, I walked for about 4 minutes (up a hill) and continued with another 8 minute interval. The course miles weren't marked (I later found out the water stops served as mile markers), but I knew after my third interval, I had to be at least half way there.

After walking for several more minutes, I did my final 8 minute interval. I could feel my body tiring and with the sun bearing down, it was hot. I decided to walk until I knew the finish line was coming up. That only ended up being about 2 minutes and then I did the last .10 or so jogging.

I crossed the finish line at 44:29!


Although I had no expectations, of course in the back of my mind I had my "secret-never-to-be-said-out-loud-unless-accomplished" goal of doing the race in 45 minutes or less. Doesn't everyone make these unsaid goals? ;)

And I did!

This is only my second 5K ever. Technically it is a 14 minute PR; however, I wouldn't consider my first 5K as an accurate base for comparison because I walked it at someone else's pace. I am doing that race again in October so I'm really interested to see what I do it in.

I can't say enough good things about Brad Gansberg and 5Kin100days. The program gave me the ability to get over my mental fear of running caused by an earlier injury AND it gave me the physical base to continue training for my half marathon in January.

Honestly, crossing that finish line was nearly as satisfying as the half marathon I did in February. It was a new accomplishment. I am no longer walking races. I am running them!

7 comments:

Emmie said...

awesome!!! And yes, we all set those unspoken goals :) Kickass, my friend.

Denise said...

Congrats on the 5k. I am in week 6 of 5k in 100 days. I plan to a 5k in october. I am curious as to what my time will be. I too hope it is under 45 minutes.

Lydia said...

I am seriously considering the 5k in 100 days, based on what I've read about it from you here and on Twitter.

I'm currently working toward walking a half marathon, but I'm not sure I can meet their 16 minute mile minimum. I'm thinking maybe I should scrap that and switch over to training to run.

Jeremy Logsdon said...

That is awesome! Congrats on the time! :)

Elisha Dew said...

Yay! Congrats! I'm in the same 5kin100days group, but I got waylaid by a back injury and am a little behind. I'm planning to run my 5k at the end of September.

Brad's program kicks butt.

Good job!

marisol said...

Congratulations Emily. You kicked some serious booty.

Big Life, Little Blog said...

Wow thank you ALL for the cheering section!!

Post a Comment