Wednesday, November 16, 2011

thank goodness for muscle memory

I don't know when it happened. I was a collegiate athlete who worked out like crazy, sometimes two times a day. Then I got married. When we lived in Thorndale, I went to the gym 3-4 days a week. When we moved to Morgantown, there was no gym to speak of, at least not close. We got Marley though and I spent lots of time walking and biking with him. Then we got Kai and I started walking the dogs every. single. day. I did pilates with my friend Ashleigh. Then, I got pregnant and had Everett... oh-there's the culprit - that adorable little boy of mine.  Since having him, I have barely worked out. I had an excuse for a while. I was working full time and running around like a chicken with my head cut off. But, as of June, that was no longer an excuse. I couldn't quite get myself motivated though. Fast forward to 5 weeks ago. Two friends posted a 5k race on facebook that was going on November 19th. I considered it, but didn't decide to do it until my friend Katie agreed to do it with me. I think it went something like "I'll do it if you do Katie". haha 

So, here we are 3 days before the race. I've spent the last 5 weeks running. It's been good to finally start working out again. I don't know why it took me so long. Nothing like signing up for a race to motivate you.

This is my second 5k. I ran one right before I got pregnant with Everett (read that funny story here). I learned a few things from that race that I'm glad I know for this one:

-Train. I only ran a few times before the last race. This time I knew I was going to need to train because I was just that out of shape. I used the couch to 5K app. It was pretty easy to follow and wasn't impossible to do. I felt like it eased me back into running. 

-Get a running partner. There were plenty of days in the last 5 weeks that I've been thankful to have Katie keeping me accountable. She'd send me a text and tell me she just finished her run. Most weekdays we would run on the treadmill during our kiddos naps and text our times and miles and how we felt. Weekends we usually tried to get in a run outside. It was just good to have someone to commiserate with, encourage, and be accountable to. 

-Good music. My last 5k I didn't listen to music. Stupid idea Kristen. This time I'm prepped and ready with a playlist. I just finished it today. I like to run to music that makes me want to dance and has a good beat. Enter Justin Timberlake, Rhianna, Pitbull, Usher, Florence and the Machines and Kesha among others. 

-Know the route. I didn't for the last race. The few times I ran, it was a flat route. Unfortunately, I realized while running that the first mile and a half was a gradual uphill run to the top of a hill. That stunk. This time- I made sure there were no surprises.

-Be prepared. Saturday my plan is to get to the race around 7:30 (it starts at 8). I've got my running gear all picked out. My mom gave me these awesome laces for my shoes that won't come untied while I run. I always chew gum when I run, so I'll bring that along too. 


So, here goes nothing. It's a little different this time. My last race I just kind of did. This race I really felt like I prepped for, so I'm a little more nervous for it. Lots of friends are running so it should be a good time. 

Wish me luck!

1 comment:

Katie @ Loves of Life said...

I'm so thankful to have had you to help encourage me along the way too ;) Go us!