HaPpY hAlLoWeEn

It's Halloween time once again. We had a pot luck at work and I decided to dress up at the last minute. I blame my buddy Winnie for that, ha. But I'm glad I did. It just made the day more fun. And it was a perfect excuse for me to wear my Vibrams! Some pointed at them. Some told me they really liked them. While some told me that they were just plain weird. Hey, can't win 'em all.

One gal started laughing as soon as she saw my toe shoes. Later I was able to decipher (she was really laughing hysterically), that her hubby owned a pair of toe socks. Now I wonder if her hubby will get a pair.

Back to Halloween. I didn't have time to shop, nor did I really have the funds to splurge on a last minute costume. I dug out my old tae kwon do uniform. I took classes in college, which was about 10yrs ago. I can't believe that I fit into it because I was MUCH thinner back then. Score!

Well that was yesterday. Today we decided to finally carve my son's pumpkin. Hubby carved out the top and scooped the guts out of the 33lb pumpkin. My son didn't want to get his hands dirty so he supervised. I drew the outline, which was a super small image that was on the carving kit.

the outline

all carved out

lit up in the dark

I haven't carved a pumpkin since I was about 9yrs old. A super long time ago. Not sure why though because it was actually quite fun. I got to get a bit creative, and I think it turned out pretty well. What do you think? To see some awesome pumpkin carving, check out Ray Villafane.

My lil man was Spiderman. He really liked the costume with the muscles. We'll take him trick or treating and then head home to hand out some candy.

Did you dress up? Would love to see pictures. 

Did you do anything fun? Please share.

Treadmill vs Asphalt

Due to lack of time and the weather, I have been running on my new treadmill. I'm slowly getting used to running barefoot on it. Got a couple of blisters the second time I ran on it. Could be form since I don't get these blisters while running barefoot on asphalt. I needed the treadmill in order to work on overcoming hills on a course. 

Today I slipped on my KSO's and ran outside. It was wonderful. I missed running outside. It's been too long. Being so used to the treadmill now, running outside felt different. I felt like I had to get used to it again. Kind of a downer. But I continued on. Didn't go as fast. It was a bit slippery since there was a bit of mud on the paths. That's one of the huge differences between treadmill running and running outside. You really need to pay attention to your surroundings. 

Stopped running after 20min since it started to rain. I had to remove my iPhone from my armband, and my headphones since I didn't want them to get wet. I stuck them under my shirt and sprinted back home. So yeah I ran a bit further than the 1.66miles Runmeter posted.
 
I definitely prefer running outside, but as I mentioned, the weather is not helping. And I'm not really one to run out in the rain. At least not yet. The plus for the treadmill is for practicing hill running.

It's going to take a while to get used to running on both surfaces. They're just SO different. Currently I feel like my feet, and maybe my whole body, need to adjust to each surface. 

Is this a good thing or a bad thing? 

I wonder how long this adjustment will take.

Barefoot Running Book: Read 52 pages for FREE!

I won't lie, I enjoy getting things for free. Who doesn't? Well right now you can read the first 52 pages of Jason Robillard's The Barefoot Running Book (Second Edition) for FREE! Just click on this link.

I am actually reading the book myself. Jason was looking for bloggers to review his book and I jumped at the chance since it was on my 'to read' list. This will be the second running book I've read. The first one was Born To Run by Christopher McDougall. Funny, how both are about running barefoot.

After emailing Jason I didn't realize that he was the founder of the Barefoot Running University and co-founder of the Barefoot Runners Society. You know this guy has a plethora of knowledge regarding barefoot running. And as a newbie barefoot runner / minimalistic shoe runner, I'll take any advice I can get.

After reading the first 52 pages, I'd love to chat with you. Comment on this post!

Oh NO, My Vibrams FAILED Me!

I know. It's hard to believe. One of my current favorite possessions has failed me.

This past weekend I attended a surprise 80th birthday party for my aunt. Yes, I know, 80! It was awesome. She was definitely surprised, and you could see it from the reaction on her face. *sigh* One of life's great moments.

The party had a Hollywood theme. Many wore glamorous dresses, some came as newspaper reporters, many wore super high heels (ouch!), while I was in my KSO's. Yes, I was wearing them to this shin-dig. I dressed up as a Hollywood bum. I guess I took the idea to the extreme, but no one set any limits. I got a few laughs, so it was all worth it.

In my family, when there's a big bash like this in a hall, you definitely know people are going to be getting their groove on. Oh yeah. I got out there a few times myself since I just can't help but let the music move me sometimes. But trust me, I'm not a great dancer at all. THEN we all started to do the electric slide. Oh snap! It's been forever since I've done this. I had to refresh my memory. And this is where my Vibrams failed me. They are NOT good for dancing. How does one do the electric slide if they can't slide? The rubber was sticking to the dance floor like a magnet. After a few movies I remembered how to do the dance, but you couldn't tell because my feet were sticking to the floor. I kept screwing up! It was a tiny bit embarrassing, but all in fun. 



Yes, these things are awesome. But they're just not awesome at everything. They do have their limitations. People did get a kick out of my toe shoes. My mom, who wears elevated heel shoes often, actually wanted a pair. I had to explain that is no heel cushion, so it would take some getting used to.

My 2nd cousin, who plays football and runs track, actually knew what my toe shoes were. He asked me how I liked them. I obviously raved about them. He said that he's been wanting to get a pair. I told him to let me know once he did so he could inform me of how he benefits from them.

Some other cousins were pointing at my feet and saying, "There they are!" I had a few good conversations about barefoot/minimalistic running that night. Good times.

Note to self: remove toe shoes while on dance floor.

Podiatrist Suggests Vibrams? Say What?

I walked the MAKING STRIDES Against Breast Cancer walk on Saturday in Golden Gate Park. I walked it with my sis, cousin, his girlfriend and his son. Yay for Team Lagade! We walk for our aunt who is a survivor, and our cousin who has moved on to be with the Lord. RIP dear cousin.

Upon arriving in the city we found a suh-weet parking spot. Yay! But as we started walking to the park we got this weird feeling that we parked too far away. I ran a block to see what our closest cross street was. AH!!!! It was only 2nd Street and the entrance to the park we needed was on 25th Street. We sped walked back to the car. Buh bye not-so-close parking spot. 

We were lucky enough to find a spot on 22nd Street. Nice! We then hiked into the park. I was wearing my KSO's. We tracked over mud, dirt, grass, tree roots, gravel and small rocks. It was neat to walk over different terrain in them. I felt like I had quite a warm up before the walk. Would've been perfect if I was running it. (Good thing I didn't because the walk was actually 5miles instead of a 5k, lol)

I love seeing people come together to support a cause they believe in. As mentioned, cancer stricken too many people I know, so I feel passionate about finding a cure and creating awareness.

We waited for our cousin and his crew. When we finally met up we took a few pics and were on our way. This was the first time I had met his girlfriend Mae. She quickly noticed my toe shoes. She even knew them by name. Mae mentioned having issues with her ankle and that her podiatrist suggested that she get a pair since they may help correct her problem. Say whaaaat?!?! Really? I was stoked to hear that because most would want you to wear some sort of insert or other correcting mechanism. But she said that he has a pair of Vibrams and actually wears them himself. She asked me more about them and I shared my experience with her. Can't wait to hear if she ends up getting a pair.

I've been reading more and more about foot doctors taking a closer look and stating that being barefoot can possibly cure foot and ankle ailments. I follow Dr. Hurless on twitter and he shares the same opinion.

Vibrams and other minimalistic footwear, and being barefoot seem to be creating a stir within the medical community. It is interesting to read which doctors believe in its benefits, and which completely disagree. BUT, if you are getting shin splints, experiencing knee pain and back aches, then I suggest reviewing your form and/or try the barefoot/minimalistic approach. If you do, please share your experience with me.

A Race Or A Final?

School. Do you remember it? Are you still attending it? My cousin is in school and mentioned having a final yesterday. Ick, the word just gets me anxious hearing it. I hated finals. You try to memorize everything you’ve learned in the past few months and your brain gets overloaded. Like her, I hate having limited time to take a final. Each time I spent more than 3 seconds to answer a question, I could hear an annoying tick-tock, tick-tock playing in my head. The pressure always gets to me.

And then it hit me. Running in a race is similar to taking a final. Since I know I’m being timed, I seem to choke come race day. Before each race (I’ve only ran two 5k’s), I would tell myself to just run as if I was running at home.  Well that didn’t work out so well since my times on race day are always slower than my times when I run in my neighborhood.

Two days after my first 5k, I ran 2.9miles in about 35min. That’s only 2 tenths shorter than a 5k, which is 3.1miles. But my time for the 5k was 41:54. Those times are minutes apart! Yes, I have a problem with hills but I’m starting to think that maybe I’m thinking of a race as a final. I’m being timed. And all my training (like studying) will be reflected in this race. Oh the pressure.

But I remember reading that running should be fun. And it usually is, except for race day. I need to find ways to get around this and just have fun on race day. Maybe it’s because I’m still a newbie runner and that I’m not as fast as most. Or maybe it’s because I’m always hard on myself in whatever I do. I must get passed this. I’ll let you know what I come up with after running my next and last 5k of this year.

I'm SO Not Carrie Bradshaw

Me and my hubby really enjoyed watching the Sex and The City HBO series. We really couldn't relate to a lot of the glamorous and expensive city life, but it was entertaining to watch. Carrie Bradshaw was the main character played by Sarah Jessica Parker. Her character absolutely LOVED shoes. Not sneakers or sandals, but shoes with heels.

I thought of Carrie as I put my 'dressy' shoes on this morning. Today was dress up day at work. We had some important people visiting the office, so we had to dress our best. I had to dust off some 'nice' clothes. If you know me, I enjoy wearing comfy clothes. I don't like my clothes to feel as if they've been plastered onto me. I enjoy being able to move my limbs in all directions. Although what I'm wearing is somewhat comfortable, it's just not my usual attire.

But what's killing me now are my 'dressy' shoes. They're slip-ons, but still not comfortable. I mean, how can one go from wearing sandals all summer to wearing business casual shoes? My feet want to be free. Not only do they want to move around and enjoy some fresh air, I have a blister! Can you believe it? Walking in them for less than 2hrs and I now have a blister on my 2nd to last toe on my left foot. I cannot wait to get out of these clothes and especially these shoes. I put some scotch tape around it, but I can still feel it rub against the shoe. Ha! Didn't think you'd get so up close and personal with my feet, eh? Well get used to it. I'll be blogging about my feet more.

I am no Carrie Bradshaw. I never have been. Even at formal dances in high school, or at weddings, I would always kick off my shoes during the reception or when we were seated at our tables. I have forced myself into these nice shoes time and time again, but all I got in return was pain. I've always loved being barefoot in my home, and now I know why. It's because we were supposed to be barefoot. We need to listen to our bodies more often.

Tim Ferriss' post has pretty cool pictures on how shoes change the shape of our feet. When you compare the images you'll notice how awful we've been treating our feet. But society has somehow deterred us from having free feet. The shoe shaped foot is now considered normal, whereas the shoeless 'gorilla feet' are considered hideous. But then again, no wonder why people have so many foot problems. Ah, some now see the light as walking barefoot or in minimalistic shoes is being mentioned more and more in the media.

If you've never walked barefoot, do your feet a favor and try it.

The Almost 42Minute 5k Gal

That's what I was thinking about renaming my blog to. After yesterday's 5k (my 2nd one), it just seems that I was destined to be the Almost 42Minute 5k Gal. Let me explain.

I ran a 5k in Davis early last night. I even did a quick warm up run back to the car since I forgot my paperwork. My lil run felt good. I warmed up again as they did a quick warm up session right before the run. We started on an overpass, heading up. Great, that just left an icky feeling. I figured that after the overpass we'll be running on level ground. We just had to get to the other side. Boy was I dead WRONG.

The run was mostly on the greenbelt within the residential area. It was nice but where the heck did all these rolling hills come from? Really? In Davis? In one of the flattest cities in CA. Why did they have to be on my 5k route? The hills really killed me. I can't run hills. All my training is on flat land due to my neighborhood. I think it's time for me to finally break my new treadmill open and run with an incline.

About 1/2 a mile into the run my left side started to cramp. What the heck? I've felt this on my right side before, but not on the left. It actually made it difficult to take deep breaths. Each deep breath hurt, so I had to walk and catch my breath. Wow! What was this? I have read that side cramps were due to not being hydrated, but I really thought I was. This and the rolling hills just killed me.

I must say that this run was by far more difficult for me than my first 5k in Martinez. Wow. This really kicked my butt. I couldn't even ramp up speed towards the end. It looks like I'm walking, but I really was jogging in. I beat my PR by 17 seconds (I know, sad huh?), but I don't think it counts. So yes, overall I was quite disappointed. Hubby said that I should do two things: 

First Suggestion
Instead of running a 5k during my training runs, I should run a longer distance. This way running the 5k would be considered very doable.

Second Suggestion
Cross train. And I have read this time and time again. That's why I plan to start today. I'm still trying to schedule running and workouts since I don't have enough time to do both in the mornings.

My hubby is not a runner at all. But from hearing me get down on myself, and seeing what I'm doing, his observations resulted in these suggestions.

If anyone knows of a race that's on flat land, please let me know. I need to do a run that helps build up my confidence in running a 5k.

Walked Barefoot and Prepped

I have my 2nd 5k early this evening in Davis. I thought I'd prime my feet and walk barefoot around the neighborhood. Took the lil man with me. He wanted to run, but I knew I shouldn't. Stopped at the park so he can play and I ran in place for few minutes. Practiced my form by jogging about 6 feet in one direction, and then back. Did that about 3 times. Then walked all the way back home. It was really hard NOT to run around the neighborhood. But I knew I needed to save that for tonight. 

Got home and trimmed the toe nails. I was reading that it's important for runners to keep the toe nails nice and trimmed. Cut my finger nails too since I was at it. My hair needs a trim, but that's another story. I also massaged my feet and calves. Now just elevating my feet and resting up for tonight. It's weird having to wait all day for a race. I am anxious to go and get it done.

#beatcancer

Out of all the diseases in the world, cancer surrounds me. I am taking steps to take care of myself and my family by eating right and staying active. This does not guarantee that we won't get cancer, but I believe it decreases our chances of getting it. This is my personal opinion.

I do walks, donate, and hopefully will start running to raise money for research. I just came across this and I thought it was pretty darn cool. And it doesn't cost any money. I stress that because when something costs money, people are hesitant to give it away if they don't get anything back. So again, this DOES NOT COST ANY MONEY.

When you post to Facebook, Twitter, or a blog post, a nickle is being donated to beat cancer everywhere. But you MUST include #beatcancer in your posts. Check it out http://www.beatcancereverywhere.com/ It starts today and they're trying to beat last year's results. So get on Facebook, Twitter and read those blogs so we can....

#beatcancer

Eat Your Breakfast

Breakfast is such an important meal of the day. Actually it's the most important meal of the day. Your body has been at rest and fasting throughout the night. Come breakfast time, you fuel your body.

Just as morning runs and workouts set the rest of my day, so does breakfast. I usually have eggs every morning. This is what I had this morning. mmmmm.

Corn tortillas, 2 eggs over medium topped with salsa. Some call it Huevos Rancheros. I practically lived off of these during my Senior Trip to Puerta Vallarta, many moons ago. Ha!

I have a routine in the mornings. After my run or workout (stretching and shower), I take a vitamin D with some organic OJ, and a multivitamin. Why do I drink OJ with my vitamin D? I have read that work well together by helping each other get absorbed my our bodies.

So what did you have for breakfast today?

Safety On Your Runs

It is wise to think about safety while on your run, bicycling, or when performing any other activity. If you were hit by a car and unconscious, would bystanders know who to contact? If you run when it's dark outside, as I often do, how do you prevent vehicles from running you over? We often forget about taking these steps.

Just recently Abby's husband was hit by a car. Fortunately his bike took the hit. But what if it was worse?


It doesn't take much to protect yourself while doing an activity you enjoy. The birth of RoadID came from an incident the owner had while he was running. So these products are made with the runner's safety in mind. They want to help spread the word, and so do I. They have ID bands, reflective shoelaces, shoe pouches and more.

So please....be safe while running, and help spread the word.

Foot Feels Better

Well I thought it was going to take a while for this TOFP to go away, but it feels so much better today. I didn't run yesterday. I wore my sneakers so it had some cushion and I elevated it much as possible. 

When I woke up this morning I noticed that the minor swelling has really gone down. I went for a run in my sandals. I kinda baby'd the foot a tiny bit, but it felt fine. Running in my sandals is such a different experience than running in my KSO's. Felt heavier, clunky. I felt like I really had to lift my foot. It seemed as if I was running slower, but according to RunMeter I averaged the same pace as when running in my Vibrams. 

I'm still plan to take it easy and build up my foot muscles. I read about a few exercises that I can do such as picking up a pen or a golf ball with my feet. Now where are those golf balls I was hitting off of the houseboat last month?

Walking on different surfaces can help build foot muscles also. Well, I do have my work cut out for me. I mean, I have over 30yrs of correction I need to take care of. But the reward will be oh bitter sweet. 

Backing Off Of My VFF's

Yes, I think I have to. I am sad. About a day after my first 5k (which was a week ago), I've had some TOFP (top of foot pain) on my right foot. Prior to my first 5k, I've only ran in my Vibrams about 2 or 3 times.

To get used to them I walked with them on the treadmill, and ran short spurts. The first time I ran in them, I just went. It felt SO good and I ended up running my fastest time ever. But I didn't stretch enough before and after the run and my calves got tight. I didn't run for a few days.

I've been running in them, but the pain is still there. I decided to look into it. I've read all sorts of posts about it and have come to the conclusion that I started off too fast in them. I didn't ease slowly into them and now I'm paying for it. I knew you had to ease slowly into barefoot running, or wearing Vibrams. But I thought that since I was already running in my sandals, and already walk barefoot inside my house on tile and pergo, that I could just make the switch to Vibrams. My sandals are minimalistic running shoes, so what's the difference? Apparently a lot.

After reading Abby Normally's post, I thought I should take care of my feet before I ruin them to the point where I can no longer run. Ugh. I couldn't do that. That would just destroy all the work I've done thus far and stall my path to becoming fit.

During my next run I'll run in my sandals. Then I'll run in my Vibrams on my next 5k in Davis, which is this Saturday. After that, I won't use my Vibrams for a few weeks, and just run in my sandals. Once my TOFP is gone, then I'll slowly (yes key word: s-l-o-w-l-y) ease back in the Vibrams.

sniff-sniff. This is going to be hard. Yes, I feel like I'm taking quite a few steps back. I'll have to start all over. But I need to listen to my body. Plus, a few weeks is a small price to pay for many running years ahead. And I'm still not wearing shoes, so I've come to grips with this.

Anyone else suffer TOFP due to rushing into Vibrams or barefoot running?

Finally In The Water

Well more like on top of the water. We used to kayak often. The delta waters aren't too far from my place and best of all - it's FREE! Life has been passing me by and besides Shasta Lake, I haven't had a chance to go kayaking.

We went today. Finally! It's been so long. I've been very focused on running, but I've missed doing other activities. Kayaking is a good way for me to exercise my arms, and core. Just squeeze that core as you paddle to help maximize your workout. I just hope I can squeeze in a bit more paddle time before the weather gets cool.

In addition to the kayaking today, me and the fam went for a nice stroll through one of the three corn mazes at Dell 'Osso Family Farm. We went through the witch maze. And my son picked out a 33lb pumpkin!

Almost a 5k Run

Who knew? I set up RunMeter to inform me when I've ran for 30min. I did hear something, but the volume was too low. I kept running to finish my route. When I stopped, I stretched. Then went inside to check how I did. Well, well, well, not too shabby.

Distance: 2.9 miles

Time: 35.34

Average: 12:16

I think I'll be beating my first PR with next Saturday's run. Come run with me in Davis.

If you want updates on my runs, please follow me on twitter. Or you can follow this blog as I update my info on dailymile as well.

birthdayshoes.com sticker

What did I get in the mail today? Yup, my birthdayshoes.com sticker. 
Thanks Justin!

I can't wait to shop for other items.

Worked The Arms A Tiny Bit

Prior to learning how to run, I really enjoyed weight training. Well since I started running, I haven't found much time to lift the dumb bells. Today was a rest day from running. I took advantage of the gym in my building and spent 10min on my arms and back.

Using 15lb weights:
    3 sets of 10 bicep curls (alternating arms)
    1 set of lifting the dumb bell over my head (one for each arm)

70lb weight on lateral pulldown:
     1 set

Stretch (muy importante)

Trust me, I really wanted to get on that treadmill and do an incline workout. But seeing that I plan to run tomorrow morning, I knew it was best to rest my feet and legs.

What did you do for a workout today?

One More Mile Running Apparel - FREE Shipping Day!

If you're looking for some cute running apparel, then I suggest you visit One More Mile and shop today. To get your free shipping, just add the code

 FS100710

Take a pic of your cute shirt and share it with me. I'd love to see them!

Could I Have Tendonitis?

Last Saturday I ran my first 5k. I was a bit disappointed in myself because my time wasn't anything to envy. Mostly that I walked most of the hill. I tried to make time by taking advantage of the downhill slope. But I think that I may have also forgotten about my form.

Why? Because I've been having this soreness on the top of my right foot. After doing some research on the web, I learned that it's called TOFP - Top Of Foot Pain. I couldn't believe it! Here I am promoting barefoot running/minimalist footwear and I get hurt. I blame my lack of form. I've only had my vibrams for about 3wks now, and the 5k was the longest I've ran in them. So I think I need to work on my form again.

This morning's run was fine. I kept thinking of my form. That's all I was thinking about. So if I do that, then I hope to correct this. But if you do experience this pain, then here's a remedy that someone posted. I have yet to try it, but may give it a whirl.

Faster Short Run with RunMeter

After several weeks of comparing what to use, I downloaded RunMeter. Check out the comparison chart here. I think I made the right choice. For $4.99 the user interface is nice and easy to navigate through. It has a lot of capabilities. I'm still exploring and I'm liking what I see.

I have it set up to report my runs to twitter, so we'll see if I have it set up correctly. But since I didn't have it set up today, here is today's quick run.

Yes, it was quick because I was learning how to use RunMeter and ran out of time to run. But it was a good and productive run. I picked up my pace which is a definite plus for me. Woo hoo!

Omega3's for Lunch!

I just found these at Trader Joe's the other day. I cooked one this morning to use in my sandwich for lunch today. mmmm, salmon burger. They look small, but they are over an inch thick! And they taste delish. It's a good way to get some Omega3's in your diet. I just may have to add this to my weekly grocery shopping list. Trader Joe's rocks!

What foods do you eat to get your Omega3's?

Sorry I Lied

Sorry I lied. It was supposed to be a rest day, but I did workout today. Well it was on my break so it was short. I just had to move. I blame it on this RSS feed from OnYourMarkEvents. There’s a 5k run in Fremont this Sunday. I am literally holding myself back from signing up.

Must

Have

Will Power

I still might depending on how tomorrow’s run goes. I’ll work on my tempo, while Fridays’ run will be fartleks. It’s a good way to spice up your runs so they’re not so b-o-r-i-n-g.

Sooo, back to my little workout. I got on the treadmill and ran barefoot. I forgot my KSO’s at home. I just kept thinking of my form. “Lift, lift, lift, lift”. I was reading about cadence last night, so I was trying to keep that rhythm.

incline of 0:
     2min walk at 2.5
     9min jog at 3.6
     2min walk at 2.2

Stretch

Live fit and live healthy.

My First BAREFOOT Run

Last night I read that after a long run, one should do an easy run the day after to avoid stiffness in the legs. I decided to go barefoot today. I ran with my 4yr old son. He started off fast and got burned out fast too. But he was a trooper. I think I took an easy stroll, but I don't really know how to pace myself. These are my results for today's quick run per RunKeeper.

Not bad really since I've actually never ran barefoot outside before. I think I'll actually try to start incorporating barefoot runs into my schedule.

Actual Results from Shell/MEF 5k

I checked the website and here are my final results:

So I actually clocked in a second earlier, I won't argue with that. Ha!
In the scheme of things, it wasn't that bad seeing that I did walk up the hill.
I'll take an average pace of 13:31/mile.

If you're interested, the complete results are here.

I Got A Treadmill

I do enjoy running outside, but there are a couple of pluses of getting this treadmill.

First:
As Fall approaches, so will the rain. I don't plan to run outside in the rain.

Second:
I don't have any hills in my area, it's all flat. Since I hear that running on a hill can help increase speed, then I'll try it. I've been doing just that on the treadmill at work, but I can only do that for 10min at a time.

I found this video to help make the treadmill fun. 

My First 5k

I didn't know what to expect on my first race. We got up early, left early and arrived in Martinez early. I got my bib and chip timer and put them on. Then we just waited. We had over an hour to wait. la de da, la de da. The high school band started playing. Slowly, more and more people showed up. This is me before the race, posted on livestrongday's posterous page. I wore my LIVESTRONG shirt since it was LIVESTRONG Day. And I always wear my LIVESTRONG wrist band.

Finally 30min til start time. I decided to warm up a little. Jogged in place and stretched. I saw my coworker Corey and met his friend Andrew. This was Andrew's first 5k also. People started to line up and I found my little spot in the crowd. And then we were off. It took a little bit to start going, but we soon slowly spreaded out. It was hard for me to find my pace. I couldn't tell if my pace was too slow or too fast. I didn't want to wear myself thin too soon.

I didn't see any mile markers, so I didn't even know when I completed the first mile. I didn't stop, I kept going. Then I heard a very loud "God damn it!". It came from a guy in a red truck. He was pissed that the road was closed due to the run. Wow! And then we had to stop! I was quite ticked. The cop told us to stop so he could let traffic pass. Um hello? Didn't he know this was a timed race? I was SO annoyed. I ran in place to keep moving, but it wasn't the same. It felt like we where waiting there for 45seconds. Doesn't he know what 45seconds can do to someone's PR? Then I saw the red truck and he was flipping people off. Hmmm, some people.

Ah, it was finally time for us to cross. FINALLY! But my run wasn't the same after that. It was hard for me to get back into the rhythm. And then there it was, the hill. I started to ran up it and then I lost power. I couldn't push it anymore. I had to walk it. It was a long arse hill. I was super disappointed about walking it. First having to stop to let traffic pass, and now walking the hill. But my spirits lifted a little bit as I neared the top of the hill for there was this beautiful view of the Benicia bridge. A nice Kodak moment, if I had a camera.

After topping the hill I ran and ran and ran. We went down the hill and then up again. Gosh, I must admit that I walked a bit when heading up the hill. It was really disappointing. Apparently, when I stop to walk once, I easily fall prey to walk again. Gosh! What was I doing? Then I ran. I had to try and make up some time. And then it was downhill. I was picking up some speed, but leaning back a bit so I didn't biff it. What a major let down that would've been. And then during the last turn, the last stretch, I pushed it! I ran my max speed and it felt great. But as I was heading towards the finish line, I saw that my time really sucked. All I remember was seeing 41min on the clock. Ugh. But now I wonder what my time would've been if I didn't stop or walk. I have that to keep me going.

My hubby was there and took this shot of me as I crossed the line. Oh my. Not the time I was expecting to do at all. But with the stop and the walking, I guess I shouldn't have been surprised. Definitely need to run for distance now and not for speed. I haven't ran a long distance in over a week since I was working on speed. 

It was quite an experience. Normally I roll out of bed and run. I always thought I was just using some raw energy during my morning runs. But today I had to eat breakfast, drive out there and wait before running. Definitely a different feeling from the start. But it was a learning experience and now I can be prepared for my next 5k in 2wks. I am no longer a 5k virgin.