5k #1

Well... technically #2 b/c we did the Susan G Komen back in April? I don’t know... but this is the first one of the several I’m hoping to do before the year is up and even some into next year. I figured to track a few different measurements of improvement I’d track my distance (which will pretty much be the same for all the races but I might up the ante a little later), my time and my weight. The race was fun, but as soon as we got there and picked up our registration packets it started to pouring... torrential rain. But the race still went on and we sloshed through 2 feet of running water while walking up hills at some points. I hoping that b/c we were at a disadvantage this time, my stats will improve some next time.

Rahr Oktoberfest 5k, benefiting Habitat for Humanity, 9/25/10:

Distance: 3.1 Miles

Time: 53:57

Rank: 694 out of 745.

Weight: 248

Happy Monday!

It feels amazing outside so even though I’m super excited and happy about that it brings me down some to know I have to spend the majority of the day inside at work. To recap the weekend, on Friday Amanda and I planned on going to the State Fair; and we got there… eventually. At first, we decided to go to McDonalds (even though we hate there food) b/c we though the tray liners were for $4 tickets, not $4 off the ticket. So then we decided that b/c we were probably going to go several times, at least 3, we might as well get seasons passes b/c they are only $30 total and you get a free Movie Pass. J So we went to Kroger to get that… then we headed towards 635. When we got there it was a total standstill for as far as the eye could see in both directions. So we figured we’d go a little further then take a larger “city street” over to 75. Well when we turned on the city street, it was super congested too. Mind you this is noon on a Friday so a little lunch traffic is to be expected but not bumper to bumper traffic on the highway AND city streets. So we putt, putted along and ended up in the right hand lane behind a Semi. Apparently this Semi was a little too tall and clipped a low hanging branch that fell in front of/on my car hood. It didn’t break entirely from the tree so that was our only saving grace b/c it just dangled didn’t free fall from 12 feet up. Well the Semi just trucked on and no one, not even one person pretended to care or offer to help just huffed and puffed like it was our fault that we were road blocked. Eventually after not being able to move the branch we had to back up and go around and another Semi in the middle lane allowed us through. We decided that if one more thing went wrong we were going to turn around and go home but fortunately it did not. We got to the fair in one peace and had a pretty good time... except for the food. The mandatory corn dog that Amanda and I shared was kind of weird. Maybe first day issues, but I probably won’t get another one b/c I’m not that big on them anyway. My favorite dip sample station made me choke… so we went to get drink but it was flat and disgusting. We couldn’t even finish it. Then we figured we’d try at least one of the new fried things and I got the fried Margarita… it’s like fried funnel cake batter they supposedly mixed margarita mix into placed in a cup, drowned in actual margarita liquid and topped with whipped cream. The fried portion was weird b/c they were getting soggy sitting in the drink and whipped cream and margarita is just an odd combination but once all that was out of the cup the actual drink was good. Then we headed home to nap before going to Matt and Baileys for back porch sitting/drinking times. It was super fun but we stayed out a little late since we had a 5k the next morning. That will be a post in and of it’s self. Flash forward to Sunday and all that really happened was breakfast with sister, a little bit of church (that I went to alllll by mysellllllllf), shopping and lunch with mom and then a little more shopping with Amanda.

How was your weekend?

Fall = New Start

So I went to http://www.c25k.com/ b/c I'm interested in signing up for some 5k's. I'm content to (speed) walk them but at some point I'd like to jog/run them. I don't know why I couldn't. So in some of my looking around there was a training regimen for a couch potato to 5k-er. Hints the website. While on there, they had a link to http://www.c25k.com/ben_video.html. Super inspirational. So in my stalking ways I went to this amazing guys actual blog, http://bendoeslife.com/, and am more determined than ever to start speed walk/jogging. I may not drop the pounds as fast as him or make it to being a marathoner but I want to be a confident 5 to 10k-er. It's a start at least.

I've found a few 5k fun run/walks that Mom and Amanda might do with me... but starting the new year I want to be able to sign up for some and actually jog them. So my current year resolution is to be a 5k-er in 30-40 mins. That's just 3 miles at 10-12 mins/mile. I can already walk a 15 min mile but not more than one or two then I slow down... but I'm going to start working on this new goal and see where things go.

It's raining...

...on my blog and outside and they both make me happy!! I love it when the world is dark and gloomy. Ok, maybe that's too much but I do love the cooler weather we're having as a result of the rain showers. I know it will probably get hot again before it cools off for real but this is a nice reprieve. Ok off that soap box and onto another.

I've pissed and moaned about not feeling all that fantastic before and trying to find something more meaningful to do with my life. We'll I don’t know what that's going to be for a "full time" thing but I've found two organizations that I'm going to start volunteering at. Yesterday was my first day/orientation at Second Chance SPCA - a non-kill shelter in Plano. They are pretty small but really nice and I'm looking forward to working with them. They have a few offsites planned so I hope that I can work that into my schedule.

I also sent over an application to volunteer with Communities in Schools an "in-school" tutoring program. The only issue here is that they generally work with kids for an hour or so during the school day. B/c of my job I can only really help out after 4. There is only one school that has an after school program that might work so we're going to see if/when they need help and if it works out. If not I'll get back on the search for a volunteer tutoring program.

The other thing I'm really excited about and I do mean really excited for is all the 5k fun run/walks going on in the next few months. It's running season and even though I am not in shape at all for even a jog I can speed walk with the best of them and want to do my part in supporting local causes through registration fees to participate in some of the events.

With all these new and exciting things going on I’ve realized I need a new planner. Something a little more appropriate than the Target Dollar Spot purse planner I got last year. It’s been good to me all along, but I think one of the planners with a daily times listed might be better… or at least one that goes weekly so that I can plan it all out and have a better picture of what I’m getting myself into.

But before any of that going into full effect we’re going on vacation!!! I’m so excited. A long weekend vaca and then the rest of the week off work to rest and relax.