It's getting easier

I started running in December 2011. I used the very popular Couch to 5K program that many people I know had used with great success. On this date a year ago, I ran 2.54 miles in 30 minutes. I probably struggled through it as the slightly faster than 12 minutes per mile pace. I was just getting into the groove of running and thought I was awesome when I could handle that amount of time running. I had agreed to be on the Ragnar team, but our team pace had to be faster than 11 minutes per mile. I was dreading putting in the work to get there.

Today, I did a tempo run. That's where you do a mile of warm-up and then a few miles at your 5K pace and then a mile cool-down. My warm-up and easy run pace is 10:54. My tempo pace is 9:40 minutes per mile... or at least it has been. I breezed through the 2 miles at the increased speed. I think maybe I should start slowing increasing my tempo pace, especially since I've been doing some 9 minute mile runs around the neighborhood.

For me, the distances and speeds are definitely getting easier. I am scheduled to run 6-7 miles tomorrow. I think I can handle that ;)

I'm crazy

For those of you who are my friends on Facebook or are on BaltimoreMommies, this is just me being redundant and crazy again...

I've been running for a few months now. I started with the Couch to 5K program and have moved onto the Bridge to 10K. I can easily run 40 minutes without stopping after 10 weeks or so. I'm going to do a 5K in April. I don't think it will be a problem.

My husband's cousin is a crazy triathlete. She does stuff all the time. She talked me into doing this 200-mile 12-person relay thing in the Fall called Ragnar. I told her I would. I think I'm nuts. Hold me accountable!

Couch 2 5K

So, I decided that I was going to run in a 5K this coming year. It's an early new year's resolution along with getting my fat, lazy butt into better shape. I've been going to a gym since October, but I hadn't gotten on the treadmill to run until a couple of weeks ago. I was pleasantly surprised that the introductory levels of the Couch 2 5K program felt way too easy. Yes, I know I'm running inside on a treadmill with zero incline, but my plan was to get the time and then add the speed and elevations.

Today, I did week 6 day 3. I was terrified. The training program for today was 5 minutes of walking, 25 minutes of running, then 5 minutes of walking. I don't think I have ever run 25 minutes straight in my entire life... at the very least, since I was on the track team in 8th grade. As the minutes ticked by, I plodded my way through and made it. I know it's not a big accomplishment for most people, but it is for me.

So, here is the 5K I plan on running: http://redshoeshuffle.org/ It's in April, so I have lots and lots of time. I'm sure I will get my butt kicked, but it is a goal and something to work toward. Besides, isn't the Baltimore Ronald McDonald house a great cause?