Week Seven is dwindling down. My training week ends on Sunday, and as of writing this, I still have a 5 mile run looming overhead. That will be the longest I’ve run to date, I even dare to say the longest run of my life. It seems big, but so did 2 miles, then 3 , 4 . . . you get the picture. Would have had one 5 mile run under the belt already, but decided to opt out of the training schedule to participate in the first official run since taking on the running lifestyle.
Lifestyle Fitness’ Run Wild 5K
This event was just a week ago, first 5K ever. The wife and I decided it would be good to get an actual event or two under the shoes before heading up to the ‘main’ attraction in May. We found that this type of race, a Fun Run, is rather informal. It was a great opportunity to run beside others and just get the feel of race day in our blood. This particular event took place at the Phoenix Zoo. 2 laps twisting past monkey cages, dirt trails by camels, and wooden boardwalks beside the aviaries. Overall, being a 5K (3.1miles), the mileage was not difficult, but the adrenaline in the veins proved another story. Just the feel of 100′s of other runners surrounding you is exhilirating. So much so that our initial pace was pushed past our normal limit. No big deal, except by the second lap or repeated scenery we were worn down beyond what we should have been. Secondly, there were hills, small ones mind you, but hills we have barely trained with. It was good though, just ignore those around you and run your pace, my personal recommendation.
Weigh-In Results
Wednesday was weigh-in day and I missed posting, but officially now down to 205 (28 pds under). Weight loss is slowing it’s pace. I wish I could keep up 3 pds a week, but I just know it’s going to be harder the further along I go. Diet has been sporadic, but still been healthier than what it used to be. Daily vitamins have become a routine and rarely missed. I really will rejoice after I get below 200 though.
Weekly Training
This week we had two 3.5 mile runs to accomplish. The wife and I hit the treadmills for the first run, and with the experience of the Zoo run, knew we needed hill training. Luckily our gym’s treadmills had a random hill setting (or Mystery Hike as it was called). I was able to set the max incline, max speed, and timing for the runs. This was a killer, plain and simple. I know Prescott will be hilly, I know it will be difficult, so I know I need to step up the hill intake.
Run two, the wife and I found ourselves tired from long days at work, late in the evening slugging it out on the streets. Traffic lights and sidewalks were the main contenders here. I’m not a big fan of running like this, but I do see people frequently while driving doing the same thing. Now I feel that connection, like “Hey, I do that same thing!” I just wish the canals nearby were lit, but maybe I will find some that are somewhere. Any suggestions readers?
For Saturday’s cross training day, we joined with some friend’s (Nicole & Eric) to endure the breathtaking views of Piestawa (Squaw) Peak. I know this going into it, but Saturdays are just the worst time to hike this mountain. I haven’t ventured to many other trails around Phoenix, but this one is always crowded. The parking lots have waiting lines. Other than the people, it’s labeled as a ‘moderate, difficult’ hike. It’s steep, rocky, and very rewarding if you make it to the summit. Pictures will follow (when I figure out how to upload them off the iPhone).
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So I still have this hard time enjoying running, it’s something I want to do, it’s something I’m glad I’m doing, but the idea of running just hasn’t caught my brain as attractive yet. Soon though, I feel, soon. But until then, just keep asking, “What Next?”
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