Navy Ball 5k

Smokin'!

With each success in the 5k, I wonder if I will be able to duplicate the time, nevermind improve it. Today was no exception. I had a fantastic 30:47 two weeks ago in the Semper Fi 5k. I did not think that I would do better.

But I did!

I completed the 3.04 mile course in 29:19!

My average pace was 9:38. Yippppeeeeee!! I can't believe that I held a sub-10 minute mile for more than three miles. In a row. I am speechless by this!

I clocked the first mile at 9:17, the second at 9:44, and the last 1.04 at 9:54. Even if you figure another 1/10th of a mile (to more accurately compare to the Semper Fi) at 1 minute (a 10 minute mile pace), that would bring the time to 30:19, still an improvement!

I can't believe me! I am nearly knocking myself unconscious by my very awesomeness!

I am really excited to challenge myself with the 60 minute run next week (Week 6) and the 10k races coming up. I don't know if it is the running I enjoy, the feeling I have afterward, or the feeling of achievement at meeting/beating goals I set for myself. Maybe it is some combination of the three. I just don't know how to say it other than WOW!

I am still going in to the 10ks with the following goals: 1) to finish and 2) to finish at 70 minutes. Yes, that is five minutes faster than I had said before, but I think if I can get 6 miles in 63 minutes, including a minute walk, 70 minutes for 6.2 miles is not unreasonable. And it will sound like I beat it by a lot.

I looked at the results for last year's 10k. The winner in my age group did it in 49:41. I am not there (yet) but it does give me an idea for the future. Last year's 5k winner in my age group was 29:09. Not bad. I might stand a chance. But I'm in the 10k. We'll see what happens!

So the bottom line is, I am amazed at my progress. I started the C25k program on 3/31. I found running for 60 seconds to be difficult. I ran with Bill a few times when I was in DC and I would be doing three minute runs or 5 minute runs. While he was nothing but supportive, I'm sure he found it to be agonizing. (Especially since he ran his 5k today in a little over 22. I love that he does the run "with" me. That is really awesome!). But his encouragement and desire to see me succeed has driven me. Now I am about to run for 60 minutes. What a difference perseverance, encouragement, and training make!

Some of my friends and customers have heard me talk about my success with running and the program, and they have started it. I have nothing but encouragement for them. I know how hard it is. I've been there! I know they can do it!

I still have my 5k goal of 28:00, which six months ago seemed so unattainable. Today it does not seem that far off. Who knows ... I just may make it this year!