So, I am officially registered for a 5k. A few weeks ago I was jogging on the treadmill, having a jolly good time watching American Idol and sprinting during the commercials. When I was done, I looked at my time and I had run 4 miles in about 30 minutes....and I thought, hey, that's a pretty good time. Did I really just run a 7:30 mile for 4 miles? Is that right? I couldn't really believe it. (It turns out, it was probably more of an 8:00 minute mile) I knew I was getting in good shape, but that was definitely a PR for me, as far a pace is concerned. So, driving home I was thinking, hey, I should get in a race. I had always thought about it, but I decided to commit to it. So, I talked to my sister and my boss (both runners) and got a little guidance. (This was about 3 weeks ago)
So my race is June 7th. Finishing the race is not an issue, I go that distance or farther every time I go running. The issue is speed, I want to be speedy. My goal is to run a 7:00 minute mile. 3 weeks ago I was at a about a 7:30, then 1 1/2 weeks ago I was at 7:20 and last Thursday I was at about a 7:15. I have run in the past, but I never really tracked my progress. I would just run to get exercise and burn off some of the junk food I may have eaten. Now my motivation is completely different. I am running harder and more consistently because I want to get faster. It's cool that it's good for me too, but it's really just this competitive spirit in me saying, you must kick booty, train harder.....lol. But let me tell ya, in the running world of Eugene, I'm a TURTLE! I went to a running group called the FastRunnerz last week, cuz I wanted a challenge. These people are crazy. They are so speedy! They were disappointed that they were only running a 6:00 pace. Another guy was saying he needed to get back in shape cuz he ran a marathon at a 7:30 pace. Needless to say, I had to keep reminding myself that I can't compare myself to seasoned veterans. So, it was my first time ever going to a running group, and I chose one of the more difficult. Naturally, I was feeling a little out of my league, but I held my own pretty well. Just when I was getting confident this lady shows up. She looks like a stinkin' model......tall, long legs, big bosoms, beautiful, toned, a golden tan (not orange)....wearing this cute sports bra and shorts. I'm thinking.....DANGIT.....at least I was one of the cute ones before.....now this chick has to come along and take away the one thing I have going for me. I mean, if I wasn't super fast, at least I could be among the cutest females. Then I'm blown out of the water by Heidi Klum....lol. Ol' well. It really wasn't that big of a deal. It was just another instance where I had to tell myself, Jess, you're doing your best, and you're not ugly, so be happy with whatcha got.
Even if I do run at my goal pace on race day, I will probably be the 40th female to cross the finish line. (it's true, I looked at past race results) But, it's the challenge to run faster than I ever have that excites me. I admit, many times when I'm running for speed, I think......gol, this is TORTURE, I want to stop, I'm never going to try to run at this pace again.....but then when I finish and my breathing is back to normal, I look at my watch and say, wow, that was pretty dog gone fast. I feel a sense of accomplishment, and then I think, I bet I can run faster next time. I'm still debating whether to go to that fastrunnerz group again, but I think I will. A tough workout only makes you stronger.....it's just getting through it that's the hard part. But really, what's 40 minutes of pushing your physical limits? Half the battle is fighting against your brain's dialogue of, "I can't go any faster/longer." I really believe that training for a race helps you face other challenges, because you become accustomed to telling yourself, "I can do it," when you really question if you can.
I am so excited for my race. It will be my first one EVER! We'll see how it goes. For those who may not know, a 5k is 3.1 miles. A marathon is 26.2 miles. I will run a marathon one day. I simply must. Though, I'm not too anxious to tackle it quite yet. YIKES!
12 comments:
OH MY GOSH. You are amazing. Wow, I haven't ran since.... freshman or sophmore year when I thought I was going to attempt track...ha. Man Jessica- you are so determined and strong! And fast holy cow! OK- you aren't getting it: if you ran with the fastest people around town, and they are saying "I need to get in shape because I'm at 7:00-- or whatever" Jessica- that is amazing... you are at teh same point as the best runners, and tehy've been training, and you haven't been. Think where you'll be when you've trained for awhile. Yowsa, Jessica that is so amazing! About the slip covers, piping is really easy, so if it's hard for you, then you must be doing it wrong- it's annoying- but not hard. I hate doing piping becaues it takes forever- but it's really easy. I'd love to show you how, if you'd like. But if you didn't, then you coudl google it I'm sure and get directions for it. You're supposed to cut the strips of fabric on the bias (don't knwo how to spell it) becaues usually piping goes around something that is rounded, so it needs to bend. Thankyou for your compliments! Let me know if you want to learn, maybe we coudl make a pillow or something. love oyu.
Good for you Jessica! Dave started out just like you and is now about to run his 5th marathon. It used to bother him finishing after so many people and now he's just proud he finishes. Let me know when you work up to a marathon. You and Dave can do the Newport and we can come visit you guys. I am so not a runner. I swear the only way I'm running is if I'm getting chased or it's the day after thanksgiving sales. LOL And as far as the looks. I think you already look like a model. I bet Chad does too. I can't wait to see a photo of you at the finish line. You'll do great!
I was just looking at Amy's comments. She mentioned piping. It really is easy. Have you tried using your zipper foot? I made the mistake of not using it when I first started doing piping and hated it. Make sure you post your newest creation. I love seeing what your up to.
way to go Jessica, you are so fast! good luck with your race, I'm sure you'll do awesome. you should definately do a marathon. the training is kind of a drag and a huge time commitment but the marathon is totally worth it and so much fun!
ps: which race are you doing?
Wow- you inspire me. You are awesome! Good luck:)
hi! I`m Yamila from Argentina! I`m Chad`s friend!...I need to talk with him....my e-mail is carlosybelen@gmail.com...I`m glad to find him....i wanna know about his life...and yours too...of course....
thank you....
I have created a blog add me to be your friend, because I don`t know how to do it....
Way to go! I love racing and hope you enjoy the energy and fun of your first race. Just have fun and push yourself but if you don't make your record time, it's okay! But I'm sure you will. You're at a really good pace and have a good competitive attitude. I too have a race this weekend (june 7th) but I'm almost 4 months prego so will be walk/jogging it. I'll think of you, running your butt off! Good luck!!!
So... how did the race go???
Ok, so I totally thought that I had already commented on your post. Something to the effects of how amazing and fast you are, but apparently I didn't! Sorry!! Anyway, I'm with Karen - how did the race go?!??
Hey guys I have a blog now!
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