Tuesday, August 23, 2011

Post 10K Update - 2

So much has happended since running my 10K in mid-July! 

My physique has changed; my feelings about running have changed; my feeling while I am running has changed, and my overall fitness has changed - ALL FOR THE BETTER!!

I'll address my physique today.  As you may remember, I mentioned in one of my July posts (as I was nearing the end of my 10K training) that my weight loss had stalled out.  I wasn't getting any leaner, but I was working mega hard!  I was also disappointed that I still had a soft mid-section (YEESH!) 

Well, I am happy to report that I am in the middle of a very exciting body transformation cycle that is extremely encouraging. Yes, I have lost a few more pounds (I am now down to 117 lbs, which is what I weighed on my wedding day over 12 years ago)!  But what is even more exciting than that is how lean, strong and fit I look and feel.  I really feel healthy and vital.  My mid-section has even lost its underlayer of flab!

Sure, it's taken 5 months to get to this place.  The work has been tough at times.  Thirty minutes of running seemed unattainable on March 14th.  A 10K seemed a little excessive on July 15th.  Now, I eat those races for breakfast!!! ;-) 

My current workout regimen is Interval Speed Training, where the warm-ups and cool-downs are 1 1/2 mile runs, with 400m and 600m sprints sandwiched in the middle.  It seems impossible, but it's not!  I don't have special powers, but I do have the drive!  Come on; put it in gear and join me!!!

Get your motor runnin'!
;-) Missi

Friday, August 19, 2011

Post 10K Update

Hi Friends,

Guess what!  I'm still alive and kicking.  Or, I guess I should say, alive and running! 

I inadvertently decided to take a month off, due to a very hectic schedule of birthday parties, a 25th high school reunion (Go Broken Arrow Tigers Class of 1986!), an extended vacation at my in-laws (which included painting their house for a very generous sum of money), several trips to the zoo, tons of swimming (thanks to our very sweet neighbors who let us use their pool A LOT) and many inside playdates to beat the heat! 

The blogging hiatus is over now, though.  School has started, and I now only have one child at home all day.  I should be able to find the time to write something down on a more regular basis!

So here's what's been going on concerning my running: 

At the end of my last post on July 11th., I mentioned that I would be running my 10k on Friday, July 15th. and that I would let you know how it went!

Well, it went GREAT - better than expected.  Or, rather, better than I expected.  Turns out, my hubby had no doubts that I was going to crush it!  And I did, posting a time of 56.35 (roughly 9-minute miles).  Now, I know that's not breaking any records, but it's pretty darn good for this 43-year-old gal, who has only been running for a few months!

I do have to interject right here and now, though, that I was reluctant to "bring it!"  In fact, the night before  "race day," my hubby gave me the pep talk that this was, indeed, going to be a "race," that I needed to treat it that way, that I needed to push myself, that I owed it to myself to "see what I could do."

So, I did!  I ran my little heart out.  It was exhilirating, challenging and fun.  I am now very confident about what lies ahead!  I'll keep you posted.

Happy trails,
Missi