My First 5K Under My Belt

Well It's been a couple weeks since I finished my first 5K.  It was a pretty good time - 44:10.  I ran the whole way, sometimes it seemed like I was going in slow motion, but still going forward.  I'd like to continue improving my time.  My goal is closer to 30 minutes.

Stiff Knees

I'm rather new to running.  I started about two months ago and average about 10 miles a week.  I'm wondering about the stiffness in my knees.  Not pain, just tightness.  Soon I plan to bump my running up to 5 days a week and want to make sure I don't injure myself in the process.  Research needed.

Currently my running plan (provided through the Memphis Run Walk Training Program) is as follows:

Workout Plan

 

Weeks 1&2 at 17:00-18:35 minute/mile pace.

 Week 1: Run 1 min, walk 2 min for a total of 20 min.Week 2: Run 2 min, walk 3 min for a total of 25 min.

Weeks 3&4 at 16:30-18:05 minute/mile pace

 Week 3: Run 2 min, walk 3 min for a total of 30 min.Week 4: Run 3 min, walk 3 minute for a total of 30 min.

Weeks 5&6 at 16:00-17:35 minute/mile pace

 Week 5: Run 3 min, walk 2 min for a total of 35 minWeek 6: Run 3 min, walk 1 min for a total of 40 min

Week 7, 8 & 9 at 15:00-16:35 minute/mile pace

 Week 7: Run 4 min, walk 2 min for a total of 40 minWeek 8: Run 4 min, walk 1 min for a total of 45 min LABOR DAY WEEK

Week 9: Run 4 min, walk 1 min for a total of 50 min

 

Week 10:  Taper and Saturday is RACE DAY!!

Running for my Life

My impending divorce has left my spirit shriveled and I was sick of looking in the mirror.  A couple months ago I decided I wasn't going to lay down and die.  I had been losing weight for months and was hovering around the 40-45 lb mark.  That just wouldn't do.  My goal was 70 lbs and I had to prove to myself that I wasn't the "porker" that my husband thought I was.  It was time to get busy.

That's when I stumbled on a local 10 week training program offered through the Memphis Track Runner's Club.  I joined the Women Run Walk Memphis Program on July 11th and my graduation race is September 17th, a week from today.  I've been training hard and it's working.  I can run three miles and this is just the beginning.

Count Down to the Divorce

I have possibly days or a couple weeks until it is official - I will be a divorced single mom.  I try not to think about it, but when I do I feel an overwhelming sense of sadness.  This is not how I wanted my life to play out.  I have to imagine myself in a new life with new friends and hopefully a new love.  I am scared that my new life won't be as good as the one I have been forced to leave behind.  I just keep working to have the best relationship I can with my son.  He is so important to me.