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?