I went running today with my roommate and friend.  It had been a few days since my last run due to finals and having zero time, so I was worried that I would have to start from scratch seeing as I am generally in very.bad.shape.  My roommate is a good runner (at least in my book!) and she promised to go at my pace.  I think she pushed us a little bit, but that was a good thing.  I secretly wanted to do four miles, but I didn't say anything until I knew I could do it... which was at about 2.9 miles.  We ran the entire thing! Woo. So proud of myself.  I know there will be bad days again, but at least running is starting to "click" a little more. 

I wore my new Ivivva tank that I bought after my last 5k.  I loved it! Here is a general layout of what I wore today. I will do a review on that shirt in the next few days.  But for now, back to studying!!

On the bright side...

Complainer Alert (If you don't want to see me complaining, skip down to paragraph 2) Went out for a run this morning and I was just not feeling it. I was so wiped out. I started walking after six minutes, and then did a walk/run for the rest of it.  I probably ran 2/3 of the total distance.  My legs felt like lead, and breathing was difficult.  The weather has been great here the past few days, but I guess I forgot that means I don't have to wear long-sleeves and two layers.  So all in all I felt like crap and wanted to end my run about 5 minutes in. 

On the bright side, I continued the run and sucked it up.  I pushed through the crappy feeling and told myself that I would just walk when I needed to.  This led to me going my farthest distance "running" yet (3.26 mi).  I don't feel totally smug about that considering how much I walked, but still, its nice to see an increase in the numbers.  Especially with my goal of running farther this month. 

I guess the motto"fake it 'til you make it" really applies to me. I am going to have to push through it and walk/run a bit as I get myself in shape to be a better runner!  How do you push through the hard days? Any tips?

Polar Paws 5k Complete

I ran a 5k on Saturday (December 1) called the Polar Paws 5k/10k.  The "race" was a fun run put on by the local park district, and dogs were encouraged to run with their owners.  Because my own dog Gracie is apparently afraid of running on a leash, I brought my roommate's dog, Finley.

 (Penguin outfits all ready for the run)

(Pre-race penguins)

The run was not timed, but there were awards for 1st and 2nd place as well as awards for best dressed pair, best costume, most festive, etc.  If you should know one thing about me it is that I NEVER pass up the chance to dress up in a costume, so naturally, Finley and I dressed up like penguins.  My roommate, who is much faster than I, was doing the 10k, but she was nice enough to run with Finley and me for the first 2 miles.  I intended to keep an 11 minute mile pace, but she kind of upped the ante for me ;)

 (First mile.  Finley runs with his gentle leader because he can be quite spastic otherwise)

(Best costume champions!)

I used my Nike+ because there were no timers, but unfortunately I for some reason had it set on treadmill so it was not entirely accurate.  After talking with some people, I am pretty sure that the course was a full 3.1 miles. I ran the race in approximately 30'41," so that got me to a 9:53/mi average pace. I couldn't believe it! Definitely a PR!  Now I am paying for it....I'm SO TIREDDDD!!

As a present for finishing my 5k at a PR pace, I bought myself this gem from Ivivva (the little sister brand of Lululemon).  I have no idea if it will fit, but I bought the size 12 because it apparently translates to the size 4 from lululemon, which is my go-to size there.  It was only $26, compared to the $42 cool racerback from lululemon.  I will give a review of it when it comes in!

(Shown: Keep Ur Cool Racerback from Ivivva, here ($26))

Run any races this weekend?

November Running in Review

Looking at the screenshot review for my first month of consistent running...ever... makes me feel pretty proud that I got out there and stuck with it. I also know there is a lot of room for improvement, which is both encouraging AND disheartening  for me (I'm such a perfectionist, why am I not already the best runner in the world?? WHY??!!).  The fact of the matter is that I am actually pretty slow when it comes to long distance running and still out of shape.  I read somewhere recently that you are still a beginner runner until you have been running consistently for at least 6 months, sometimes over a year. Then you are considered "intermediate." I will have to reassess my situation when I get to that 6 month mark. 

November Stats:

Total Distance: 36.03 mi

Total Time: 6:40:22

Average Pace: 11'13"/mi

Total Calories: 2,764

My goal for December is 5% improvement in speed and a 10% improvement in distance. I am not a math person so I have no idea what this means or if those two goals cancel each other out in some way, but I'd like to run about 40 miles in December and run at an average of a 10:40 minute mile pace.  This is just a goal, I won't beat myself up over it, but I am hoping its achievable.  I'd love to hear your stories about running time and distance improvement!

Finals are cramping my style

Figuratively, not literally (at least I hope not.....!).   As law school finals are underway, I am trying to keep up with my running, but I probably won't get in as many during this time as I'd like. 

With that in mind, I have found some time to partake in my favorite activity: online window shopping.  I made a list of some exercise-related goodies that I like, some of which are already on my xmas list. 

(Shown: Lululemon Runder Under Long Sleeve, here ($88))

(Shown: Lululemon what the fluff ear warmer, here ($36))

(Shown: The North Face Kosmo Vest, here ($99))

(Shown: Gap, Gapfit motion long sleeve, here ($31))

(Shown: iLuv armband, great for skinny arms, here ($13))

What products are you loving? 

Running on: November 24, 2012

Just ran nonstop for 33 minutes (besides red light breaks). That is the longest nonstop run I have ever done in my life. Very happy!! I got a second wind at about 20 minutes, but of course at 22 minutes there was a red light so I had to stop for that.  It was absolutely freezing outside (29 degrees). I can't imagine running in any colder weather. Yikes!

Wore my new Asics Gel Nimbus running shoes that I picked up last week at a local running store. They felt great.  I'm a supinator, or underpronator, so I needed some shoes with extra cushioning because I run on the outside of my feet.  It is kind of unusual I guess and affects mostly people with high arches.  It has also been causing me some knee pain, so I am going to have to keep an eye on that. 

I've worn the same pair of running pants the past three times I've run because they are my only ankle-length pants and they are also really comfortable.  They're a pair of Nike running tights (similar pair here). I got them at the Nike outlet store last month. I'm going to have to get another pair!!

I attached the breakdown of my run from Nike+. (btw I LOVE THE NIKE GPS RUNNING APP).  Looks like I got faster every mile! Okay, time to shower and study..........

First 5k finished!

I am so happy that I got out there and did the Turkey Trot 5k. I really could not have picked a better first "race" to do.  My little brother (12) and I did the race together, and we made a plan that when someone needed to walk, we would both stop and walk for 1-2 minutes and then start running again. 

As it turned out, there were 800+ participants and it was a trail run, with some trails allowing only 1-2 people through at a time.  So we spent a good deal of time stopped, walking, and/or waiting to get through.  The rest of the time, we jogged the entire thing!  I looked at my Nike+ play by play and we ran about an 11 minute mile during the race except when we were stopped.  In the end, it took us 36 minutes to complete the 2.61 mile course because of all the stopping.

Again, I know it was nothing and it wasn't even a 3-miler, but I am just so proud of myself for getting out there and doing it!  6 weeks ago, I couldn't even imagine myself doing a 5k! I am also signed up for a race next weekend called "Polar Paws" where you get to run with your dog. I'll be running with my roommate's dog, Finley.  I am looking forward to that big time.  

First 5k tomorrow!

I signed up for my first 5K yesterday! I am running the Turkey Trot in my hometown and will be running with my 12-year-old brother (yes, he is 13 years younger than me).  I actually plan to jog/walk seeing as I cannot yet run 3 straight miles, but I am excited to get out there and do it.

I will try to give an update on how it has gone.  I am a bit worried about my knee, I am having runner's knee issues, but I got some new shoes and have been running a bit less so hopefully I can keep from injuring it. Wish me luck :)

What I wore: November 20, 2012

WHAT I WORE RUNNING, NOV. 20 2012