Fitness for Vitality 5K

I signed up to participate in the Fitness for Vitality 10K, but pulled the plug after the first lap at 5K. I had a chance to go sub-30 minutes for the 5K, but just could not push through. I need to start doing yoga again and lose this extra 10 pounds I'm carrying around and things will be a lot easier.

Anyway, here are the vital stats:

Duration    Distance    Avg. Pace    Climbed
0:31:38       3.04 mi      10:25             78 ft

Apologies for the broken maps

RunKeeper upgraded their system and it seems to have introduced several issues including returning a 404 error for embedded maps. A ticket has been open for a couple of days, and they promise to fix the problem "soon". Until then, I apologize for the broken maps. You can use the URL below to click through my past races in the meantime.

http://runkeeper.com/user/kjdreyling

Not Feeling It Today

I went for a free run today and was just not feeling it. I am developing shin splints which have always plagued me when running and I still have not found a good way to prevent them. That and too much food over the weekend made it a pretty low intensity outing today. I'm still giving myself credit for getting out and doing something.

Duration    Distance    Avg. Pace    Climbed
0:33:59       2.91 mi      11:42             146 ft

Furry 5K

I had some technical difficulties at the Furry 5K today. Somehow, when I added a couple more tracks to my running podcasts, iTunes erased all of my music from my phone. Also, the GPS signal was weak so I was unable to use the normal mapping software to track my route and statistics.

The Furry 5K was an event to raise money for the Seattle Animal Shelter which is where we adopted Nomar and Raul 10 years ago. The course was supposed to be a gentle lap around Seward Park, but apparently the low route wasn't quite long enough. To make up the distance, we were routed up and around the hill in the middle of the park. Seriously, is it really that hard to find three flat miles in Seattle? Anyway, my finish time was somewhere around 31 minutes so I continue to improve. If I finally find a flat course I may be able to break the 30 minute mark.

Next week is a 10K along Myrtle Edwards Park downtown. The goal is to run 5K and then see what I can do with the rest.

UPDATE - Official Results:

Time: 31:29
Place: 32/89 in Women 30-39 Age Division
123/308 for all Women participants
258/528 for all participants

Woo Hoo!

Remind me why I'm doing this

I'm not a particularly big fan of running and hills just kill me so remind me again why I've decided to train for a 5K in Seattle? It is one activity that does not cost a lot of money, you can do it pretty much anywhere, it is also an activity that my body reacts to quickly. The races are a lot of fun and there is a lot of encouragement while you are out on the course so you always finish feeling like you've accomplished something. Even if it is just getting off your butt for half an hour over the weekend.

Today's training run consisted of a 5 minute warmup, a 10 minute interval up a gentle hill, 3 minutes of recovery, another 10 minute jogging interval, and then a cool down back to the house. I went up further than I go to come back down so while the second interval was easier, I more than made up for it on the first. Plus I beat the rain home.

Start Time    End Time    Duration    Distance    Avg. Pace    Climbed
6:06 pm         6:41 pm      0:34:31       2.72 mi      12:41             190 ft

Couch to 5K Week 4 Training

I am using the PodRunner Intervals training program and took Week 4 out for a test drive this evening. The BPM used during the training sessions feel a bit slow to me so I tend to run at a slightly faster pace than the music, but the podcasts are easy to use. I threw in a gradual hill for the last interval to up the workout intensity a little bit and that felt good. I think I am going to skip ahead a few weeks and see if that is a bit more challenging.

I was messing around with the program a little at the beginning of my run so that is why the course has some missing sections.


Start Time    End Time    Duration    Distance    Avg. Pace    Climbed
6:02 pm         6:35 pm      0:31:11       2.46 mi      12:40             156 ft

Fremont 5K

I have started using Podrunner podcasts to help me progress with my fitness. I am almost able to jog a full 5K without walking to catch my breath. If I finally get on a flat course, jogging a full 5K just may be within my reach.

I am also trying out the free version of the RunKeeper app on my phone to track my runs over time. Here is the course for the Fremont 5K I competed in on Friday. The elevation chart on the website is quite cool as it tracks your pace along with any change in elevation.

I Ran for the Cure

Yesterday, I participated in the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure in Downtown Seattle. Unfortunately, we woke up to grey skies and steady drizzle for race day, but the energy at the Seattle Center made up for the weather. There were tons of booths circling the International Fountain with breast cancer awareness education, Race for the Cure apparel, goodies for runners, and even live music. The race was a 5K starting on Mercer Street, out and back through Downtown along Third, then finishing up back at the Seattle Center. King 5's Jean Enersen was there to start off each wave of the race.

Just about everyone has been touch by breast cancer either through a relative, a friend, or through their own personal struggle. Through the I Am The Cure program, the Susan G. Komen foundation is working to raise awareness and educate women to take an active role in their own breast health. My Grandmother was a breast cancer survivor. We miss you MeMa.