The Thankful Healthy Blogger 5K

Since I was hosting Thanksgiving this year, I didn't think it would be fair to take off the morning and go run the local 5k (there's no way my family would have joined me either). So I signed up for a virtual 5k and got up early Thanksgiving morning to hit the pavement. It was sunny and warm here in Houston (about 72 degrees at 7am). I hadn't run since my long run on Saturday, nor had I done any of the exercises the tree docs recommended for my knee. The first mile felt great (except for being hot). I even ran into a neighbor and we chatted for a few blocks of our respective runs. The last 2.1 miles were a little slower because my knee started to bother me and I was exhausted from the lack of sleep the night before. I ran the best sprint I had left in me for the last .5 miles, but I was tired!

Final time: 32:00. Not my best 5k, but definately not my worst. I'll try for a redo when all the company leaves and I actually get some sleep.

Hope everyone had a great Thanksgiving! I know I had my fair share of pecan pie. Thank goodness boot camp starts on Monday!

Return of the Saturday Long Runs

It's Saturday!

I have been texting with N all week promising that I was going to get back into this thing called running. I even promised her I would show up for the group run this morning at 6:15am. Well, that was before all the spicy Mexican food and margaritas last night. And before I stayed up till midnight before hitting the sack. My husband asked me before I headed to bed last night if I was going to get up for the run. My response: "I'll set the alarm." Ha. I did. But then I immediately turned it off this morning and went back to sleep.

That is until N called. Then I figured I had to get up and at least show my face. I rushed to get clothes on and had my Click drink on the way. We showed up just in time. Turns out 2 of my other buddies were running this morning too, so it gave me a little extra pep in my step. I didn't really know what I was capable of doing since it was my first long run back and my knee has been giving me trouble this week, but I knew I could always walk.

I felt great! The weather was just perfectly cool and sunny (once the sun came up anyway) and I realized how much I missed seeing the town overrun by runners so early in the morning. I ran the whole way with my marathon training partner and we took the time to catch up on our lives since our respective marathons. We even finished with negative splits and I definately feel that we could have continued running. But, one must take it slow after a month off.

I spoke with the "tree docs" after the run (one of the perks of running with the group) about my knee. After their quick assessment, they said it was probably just too much pressure on my knee and I should stay off the roads and work on building the muscles back up in my quads and hamstrings. As long as I stick to the track or treadmill and their softer surfaces I should be fine (along with icing and stretching).  So I guess it's not sympathy pains for the Hubby's knee after all, but at least it's not as bad of a diagnosis as his.

Happy Running!

Turkey Trots

I have only done one Turkey Trot in my life, but it was one of the funner races I have done. I loved getting out in the cold on a holiday and watching all the families run together (and then I didn't feel so bad about eating food all day!). I am usually travelling on Thanksgiving, so it's very hard to me to sign up for a race. Well this year, Alissa at A Journey to Thin is hosting a virtual 5k for Thanksgiving. I'm so excited because I'll be able to get up before everyone else and get in a good 5k before we start preparing the midday meal. If anyone else wants to join in, click on the image below and sign up!

Finally

I finally went on my first post-marathon run today. It felt really good! My feet really missed pounding on the pavement and the wind in my face was so nice. For not having run in almost a month, I was surprised to see how fast I was running - and it felt pretty easy.  My lungs were the only thing that bothered me. The weather here has finally turned slightly cold and my lungs just aren't used to it yet. I'm sure after another few runs outside I'm going to feel great. Oh, and remember how I said Hubby tore his ACL? Yeah,  my right knee was having a few symapthy pains for him!

Happy running!

The Running that Isn't

I have a confession: I jumped way to early on my announcement to run the Route 66 Tulsa half marathon. As it always does, life got in the way. It's been almost 4 weeks since my marathon and I have still yet to lace up my running shoes. I want to get back out there, but somehow I keep telling myself I'll do it tomorrow. Tomorrow never seems to get here. Anyways, I couldn't have gone to Tulsa anyway unless I wanted to go alone. Hubby tore his ACL last week playing soccer so getting on a plane and standing around watching me run is the last things he wants to do right now. Boo on him. But, he'll be an awesome spectator during his recovery in January/February/March when I'm racing almost every weekend!