March 12, 2013

Fastest 5K time yet!

I changed up my breakfast a little this morning--after eating so much crap over the weekend, I just didn't want the usual oatmeal with caramel, peanut butter, chocolate chips, and coconut. Instead, I peeled and chopped an apple, sprinkled it with cinnamon, and microwaved it for a minute to get it soft. Then I topped it with Kashi GoLean Crispy! Cinnamon Crumble cereal and drizzled the whole thing with almond butter.
It was SO good, and only 6 PP for the whole thing. For some reason, I was in the mood for coffee this morning--I never drink coffee anymore, even decaf, because it makes me super jittery and I just feel sick. Even though I knew I would regret it, I made a couple of cups of decaf. It definitely upset my stomach, so I sat around for a while after the kids got on the bus, just not wanting to run.

I only had three miles on the schedule today, and I was going to do the treadmill, but I've been doing the treadmill a lot lately. I was a little worried that it was going to make me slower, so I figured I'd run outside today at a fast pace and see where my three-mile pace was at. It's been a while since I've just run three miles outside.

As soon as I started running, it almost felt like my feet were just springing up off the ground and I was running on really bouncy ground--hard to describe, but I felt like I was flying! So I just kept pushing the pace, and I saw that I might be able to run a sub-8:00 mile for my first mile.

When I heard my Garmin beep, I looked down to see I did the first mile in 7:55! I was getting really tired and I just wanted to stop running, but I thought, "Wouldn't it be cool to get TWO sub-8:00 miles?!" and I decided to go for it. I pushed hard, and that second mile felt like forever. When I heard the beep, I looked down to see 7:46!

Since I only had one more mile to go, I decided to just go all out and do my best to run a third mile under eight minutes. I knew I was running "race pace", because I had to keep clearing my throat--I always cough when my lungs are working that hard. I wanted to stop SO BADLY--it was really rough that third mile, but I was so close to my fastest three-mile time yet.

I took a short detour to add a little on to my distance. Naturally, I couldn't stop at 3 miles--I had to add that .11 to make it a 5K ;) When I finally stopped, I was gasping for breath, but I saw that I did it!!
All sub-8:00 miles, and negative splits (meaning each mile was faster than the previous). I couldn't believe it. When I first started running three years ago, I never imagined I would still be running in three years, let alone be running sub-8:00 miles! Great run today :)
The rest of the day, I had what I call my "runner's lungs"--I would cough a little whenever I took a deep breath. That always happens when I run exceptionally hard, and I like to imagine that it's my body adapting and getting stronger for next time ;)  When I first started running, my lungs felt like that all the time, but now it's only when I push really hard, like I did today.

I ate pretty well today, but I am so glad that tomorrow starts a new WW week. I feel like I ate crappy all week long, and now I'm sure it's going to show on the scale tomorrow. There were a lot of "a bite here" and "a bite there"'s that went unlogged, so I know that I went over my PointsPlus this week. Not by a LOT, but those little bites add up quickly!

My goal for next week is to log ALL of my food, no matter how insignificant it may be. I even spent about an hour today making a meal plan for the whole week. I don't really have anything going on this week, except for a race on Sunday. I totally forgot that I signed up for a 10K! My goals:
"A" goal (best case scenario)- sub-52 (8:22/mi)
"B"goal (most likely scenario)- sub-54 (8:42/mi)
"C" goal- a personal record of sub- 55:05 (8:50/mi)
"D" goal- to finish.

If any of you happen to see me at the ShamRock 'n' Roll 10K, and I look like death, I'm probably going for my A goal. In all honesty, though, I'll be perfectly happy with anything under 55 minutes. I've never done this race before, and I'm looking forward to it! I think this is the first race I've ever done by myself, and I think it will be nice :)  But if you see me, say hi!

40 comments:

  1. Wow! That is awesome! The fastest I've ever run a mile was just over 9 minutes and I felt like I would die. :) I also get that sort of cough for a few hours after I have a harder than usual run. I have been sick off and on lately and haven't run as much, so I can't wait to get back to normal. I have a 5k on Saturday and I want to do great. Your breakfast sounds yummy. I might have to try that. When you are running, especially in the cold, do you feel like your salivia gets sort of thick and you have to spit? This happens to me and sometimes I have to spit so I can breathe. I used to see runner's spit and think, "Eww." Now I totally get why. haha I've also had to pee outside in the woods because I knew I couldn't hold it until I got home. I was training for the half marathon and had a 9 mile run and was in mile 7 and I knew I would pee myself, so I ran into the woods nearby.

    ReplyDelete
  2. Awesome time!!! You are amazing :)

    I have done no exercise the past two days. I've been soooo sore from running 10k on Friday and then 2 huge walks this weekend. I never ever take 2 days off in a row but am really feeling I need it. The problem with taking days off is that I tend to eat more and recklessly. I need to start anew tomorrow morning as well. The numbers on the scale are scaring me! I do not want to lose my momentum--I feel like I am always just one day away from gaining all that I have lost back.

    Off to map up my route for tomorrow--I hope that Plan A is your reality on Sunday :) GOOD LUCK!!!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Dang, you nailed it! Congrats. I don't think I've ever got negative splits when running under 8/mile, mine always seem to head the other way. ;)

    You are getting really fast. I'd bet a lot on you getting your "A" goal this weekend! Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
  4. I'll be at ShamRock 10k. In fact I will be at all their races this year. You will love it. Great race.

    ReplyDelete
  5. Great job!!! Can't wait to hear how your 10k goes!!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. Have you ever tried Teeccino? I just got this sampler and I love it! It's a tea product that has a flavor reminiscent of coffee but without the caffeine and the acidity of coffee. You should try it! http://teeccino.com/product/812/Tee-Bag-Sampler.html

    ReplyDelete
  7. I have so many friends doing Shamrock! Have fun, I've heard it's a blast :)

    And just saying, I definitely think you could hit your A goal! It doesn't seem out of reach at all given your 5k time from today... and that wasn't even during a race! (Although, you did mention you want to enjoy the race, and running balls-to-the-walls all out isn't always the most pleasant thing to do.)

    I get the running lungs thing too, ALWAYS after track meets. I honestly think racing a half-marathon is easier than racing the mile. Definitely has to do with the intensity of the shorter distances.

    ReplyDelete
  8. Amazing time! Good luck getting to your A goal at the 10K!

    ReplyDelete
  9. I'll be at Shamrock & Roll!!
    There will be pacers at Shamrock & Roll. There will be 52 and 55 minute pacers. I will be pacing 65 minutes; you'll be on your way home by the time I bring my runners in!!
    I always cough after a run in the cold. The colder it is, the longer and harder I cough. Sometimes I think I sound like a smoker having a cough attack!! Thankfully, it only lasts from half to two hours!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I can't believe that they have pacers at a 10K! I've never heard of such a thing. I don't think I'll follow a pacer, since my goal isn't SUPER important me, but that's interesting to know. Have fun and maybe I'll see you there!

      Delete
    2. It's just for fun; we're not those professional pacers who travel around, just local running group people. From what I understand, this is a huge 10K and someone on the staff wanted to try having some pacers and people liked it. I'm terrible at judging how fast I'm running and have been trying to practice running 10:25/min consistently but I'm all over the place! I think I'm going to set my Garmin to give me a split every 1/4 mile. I'm sure that if I go too fast, my runners will let me know! I just want to do a good job because for my runners it will be a big deal to finish in 1:05.

      Delete
    3. oops, that should say 10:25/MILE!!

      Delete
  10. Katie,

    I will be the "55 minute pacer" at Shamrock N Roll, so just make sure you beat me and you'll be in great shape! I think you will beat 55 minutes based on your recent running posts. Good luck!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'll look for you (and try to stay ahead of you, haha)! Have fun!

      Delete
  11. I just started C25k this week and noticed I cough a lot afterwards. Glad to know it's not abnormal! =) Good luck on your race! I'm sure you'll do amazing.

    ReplyDelete
  12. How much water do you use to cook 30g of oatmeal?

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I'm actually not sure, because I don't measure... I've made it so often that I just add water until it "looks right". But it depends on how thick you like it, so I would just play around with it until you find the right amount for the consistency you like.

      Delete
  13. My goodness, awesome run! I have been so frustrated with improving my speed, but you keep encouraging me ;)Have a blast at your 10k!

    ReplyDelete
  14. That is a STELLAR 5k run!!! I am running a Half Mary on St. Patty's day... and now you're making me think about MY goals. Also, WHAT AM I GOING TO WEAR!!! Plenty of green, that's for sure :)

    Also, I LOVE the new Kashi Go lean Crumble... sometimes I mix it with my oatmeal just to KICK IT up!

    Keep up the great work :)

    ReplyDelete
  15. Glad that cough isn't just me :). Great run!!!

    ReplyDelete
  16. Great Job!!! Your breakfast looked yummy :)

    ReplyDelete
  17. I am new to following your updates and am encouraged.
    I want to start running (I just had my 4th baby 6 months ago) so I think it is time to start.
    Could you share what apps you use for your ru s and your diet?
    I am doing this alone so a good app could really help me.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. I just use the Weight Watchers app to log my food, and I don't use an app for running. I use the Garmin Connect website for that, because it uploads my runs from my watch.

      Delete
  18. I'll be at Shamrocks! Maybe not running, depending on my knee. They put on a great race though... you'll like it!

    ReplyDelete
  19. congrats Katie and best wishes for the 10k :)

    ReplyDelete
  20. Great 5K time! You are as fast as the wind!!! I wonder if you have exercise-induced asthma. I always thought I did, course back when I was heavy, just walking across the room would make my lungs feel heavy and get me coughing. It's great that it takes much more strenuous exercise today to cause it (for both of us). Shows that you are really in good shape. Shows that I'm at least in better shape than I used to be!

    ReplyDelete
  21. Can't wait to hear how it goes on Sunday!

    ReplyDelete
  22. Wow! Nice run! And here I was, happy that yesterday on the TM I managed to do my speed workout with bursts at 8:34... and that was for a minute at a time! LOL

    ReplyDelete
  23. I'm doing the C25K, and I started round 4 this morning - HOLY CRAP! That was hard! It's got 2 rotations of running for 5 minutes, and I felt like my legs were going to come off of me - I can't wait to get to the point of running the whole time without it killing me! I feel like it will never come, BUT 5 weeks ago I could barely run for 60 seconds...gotta keep that perspective. And thanks for your motivation!

    ReplyDelete
  24. Wow that is awesome!!! Great job!!!

    ReplyDelete
  25. Katie I love how you take a picture of yourself after running and post it. It shows your big smile and it always makes me smile too! I haven't started my journey yet - Im about where you were when you first started- but I read your post everyday and Im getting more motivated to make a change. Just not sure what to do first but I need to do something. Thanks for sharing your story.

    ReplyDelete
  26. I read your blog everyday. It is so motivational to see how you stay in shape, and I love that you can stay in shape even if you eat a little bit more here and there, it gives me hope. Thank you for taking the time to share with us.

    ReplyDelete
  27. Wohoo for your awesome run!! I love your after-run pics, too! You look so genuinely happy :D Have a fun race this weekend!!

    ReplyDelete
  28. Whoa!!! That is so fast! You are going to crush your goals at the 10k!!

    ReplyDelete
  29. Great job Katie!! You are a fast runner!

    ReplyDelete
  30. Excellent job, I look forward to hearing about the results of the 10K!

    ReplyDelete
  31. Awesome time, well done. Hope you kick that 10k's butt! :)

    ReplyDelete
  32. That is such a smart breakfast idea! Awesome!

    Sarah
    www.thinfluenced.com

    ReplyDelete
  33. My husband has been having a hard time with his breathing (he just finished couch to 5k) and I think it's because he's not pacing himself well. I cough when I run hard too! Glad to know it's common.

    ReplyDelete

I used to publish ALL comments (even the mean ones) but I recently chose not to publish those. I always welcome constructive comments/criticism, but there is no need for unnecessary rudeness/hate. But please--I love reading what you have to say! (This comment form is super finicky, so I apologize if you're unable to comment)

Featured Posts

Blog Archive