1 down...

Well, the first one is in the books. Well, sort of. Apparently the route was just a bit short. Total of 2.27 miles. Yup, almost a mile short. I'm not the only one a bit confused. And looking back at the route map, that is what they planned. I'm a bit disappointed at that, but I am very happy overall. All of my split times were below 8:20. There were times I was in the 7:30s and 40s. Overall, I ran in 18:19, finished 39th out of 197 and was 5th in my age bracket and 28th in my gender. Even though the results are a bit fudged because people at the University can't measure, I'm happy (unlike a few others that probably aren't). I did it. I had my cheering section. It was way cool. That final sprint at the end put me in a whole new space.

It was so cool running with others. There were the casual runners, the ones who knew what they were doing, just everything. A guy with a dog just came racing by me shortly after the start, never saw him again. There were couples, families, work teams. Just very cool. This is definitely something that I am doing again. I loved the excitement and energy. It was awesome! For sure the 2014 Bolder Boulder is on the list. Other than that, I'm not too sure. I'd like to get in a few more road courses before doing some of the obstacle and trail races.

Loved it!

It's the final countdown!

In less than 24 hours, I will have run my first 5K race. Wow. Who would have ever thought I'd be doing something like this. Certainly not me. Last nights run really brought a lot of time for reflection, just looking back at how I've changed over the last year. Really amazing. Doors have been opened up, and I can only go up from here.

I have goals. This is not the end by any means. This may be the only race I participate in this year (although I am still looking to see if anything catches my eye). My next goal after tomorrow is to start getting ready for a 10K. Oh my, double the distance you say? Yes, it is. It's also about 4 times as high as it is here. Where is this magical place I speak of? Boulder Colorado. The Bolder Boulder 10K is the next one on my calendar. A big step in many ways. But I want it. I want to push myself. I am not going to be content with just doing the easy. I want something harder. It's going to be hard work, and I'm ready to accept the challenge. I have until Memorial Day weekend to get ready. Plenty of time. Not quite sure how I'm going to keep up with running in the winter, but I'll do my best.

But first things first. I feel ready for tomorrow. Just taking it easy and relaxing today. Trying to get the outside distractions out of my head.

There have been a lot of people who have helped me get where I am, and I am thankful for all of them. A year ago, a coworker was seeking out people to join his P90X challenge group. Sounded interesting enough, but I wasn't sure. I took the challenge and that was just the beginning. P90X, then P90X combined with Insanity. Now working on my third round of Les Mills Combat. Down just over 50 pounds in the last year, and feeling great! Gotta love my challenge group, what a great bunch of people!

Then there have been all my friends and family who have given me the strength to keep pushing on with all of their kind words. The comments left on my Facebook when I've posted updates either about my weight loss or running. You all have been so wonderful and supportive. Some have chosen to take their support a little farther and help contribute to my fundraising for this event, which is beyond awesome. Together we will find a way to stomp out cancer as we help help fund the research at UW-Madison.

I've already dedicated an entire post to the person who's determination to break through adversity, and not let health issues keep her down and keep her from living life to the fullest. When you chose not to live your life in fear anymore, it's really amazing what you can accomplish!

Then there is my wonderful wife. She's put up with a lot over the last year. Working with me to change the way we eat, adjusting to my workout schedules. Being there during the highs and lows of this entire change in my life. I'm sure at times she's thought I'm maybe a bit nuts doing all of this, but at the same time she's been able to see the enjoyment I get out of this. She's really been amazing and a source of great encouragement. And knowing that she is going to be getting up early on a Saturday to see me run really means the world.

Thank you everyone! Can't wait to post the results tomorrow.

I've already won

So here I am. Less than 48 hours. I'd be totally lying if I said I wasn't just a bit nervous. For much of the day I had a ton of energy. It made work go by fast, but I just wanted to go and run. I've never felt so alive. It's like someone hooked me to a car battery. I was just electric.

Went on my final run before the big day. Took it real easy. Ran a good 2 miles and walked much of the final one. Out on the trail I was just surrounded by the corn fields, the birds, nature. It really got me thinking about how far I've come. Never in a million years would I think I'd be doing something like this. I know for some of you reading this, a 5K is nothing. For me it's a huge deal. A year ago, I was over 250 pounds. Out of shape. Today, I'm right on the verge of being at 200, and probably in the best shape ever. Running was never my thing. So why now? I really don't know.

While I may not finish first on Saturday, I've already won.

Less than 48 hours

Not one for the mid day post, but right now I'm so full of energy.  It's almost to the point of I can't sit at my desk. In less tha. 48 hours I will have completed my first 5k race. As much as I know it's not possible, I wish I could have all my friends and family there with me at the finish. I've gotten so much support on this it's almost overwhelming. Thank you all.

In the home stretch!!

I'm in the home stretch now! And I'm feeling great!! After a couple of really hot days, I was able to run today. Even after work I kicked some serious butt. Now, my running app is saying 2.99 miles, I think (I'm 99% sure) that it's off a bit and I really ran just over 3. Time? 24:47. My split times were great! 8:16, 8:13 and 8:15. Talk about consistant.

I really felt a rhythm and like everything gelled. I've changed my music that I listen to. I had been listening to Five Finger Death Punch, Macklemore, just heavy stuff with pounding beats and powerful lyrics. I think that I had been distracted, either between the words or the changing beats. I asked a friend who runs what he listens to. He created a Pandora channel based on the Scottish composer Craig Armstrong. What a game changer. It's mellow, it's relaxing, but a the same time it's powerful. You can feel the energy in the music. I don't know how to describe the feeling. It's just unreal.

So that's about it. An amazing run today! Hopefully I'll get another in tomorrow, rest on Friday then on to the race on Saturday.

Happy to have broken 25 minutes. Happy to have had steady times. Happy!

an open post

Today wasn't a run day. But it was a great day! For one of the first times ever, I didn't hurt the day after a run. Heck, I really didn't hurt much after the run either. So that's some great news. Looking back on the run, it was pretty amazing, and I really proved a lot to myself.

I've come a long way in the last year. Looking back, this all started with a conversation about the number of energy drinks I was consuming. That set things in motion. That was the start. A few months later came the invite to join a P90X challenge group. My life has been changed forever. I could go on and on thanking this person and that person. It's been a collective effort. Everyone who has helped changed my life in one way or another has been amazing. What they have given me has been nothing short of amazing. I've tried my best to give back as much as I can, in what ever way I can.

I'm extremely thankful for all the support that I've gotten over the last couple of months. It really blows my mind. I don't think I can really express how I feel. I have some amazing friends and family behind me. This is a whole new ballgame for me. This is has really changed things. Thank you everyone for all your support, I really do appreciate it.

Amazing.

I really don't have many words for today's run other than, amazing. I had wanted to run the route for the 5K, but the Ironman is in town and cuts through the course. So I settled for a nearby state park. If any of you reading this know Blue Mounds State Park, you'll appreciate what I was able to accomplish.

3.1 miles, 31:28. Not the fastest I've done that distance in, but it was probably the hardest run I have done to date. Started at the top of the park and ran the road around the huge field in the middle. Headed down the hill towards the pool and camp sites. Past the pool and down the road to the camp sites. Hit the camp sites at about 1.5 miles (perfect timing) and turned around. Got back to the hill at the 2 mile mark. Started up the hill running. Really felt myself working for that one. Those of you who know this park, know that the hill isn't exactly small. It's a pretty good climb. Felt good, but had to slow to a walk maybe 1/2 way up. Probably walked another 1/4 of the way up than finished strong up the remaining quarter.

Back on the road at the top I started on, made another lap around the field, then decided I needed more. There are two observation towers at the park. One of them was just past the 3 mile mark. I decided to really push myself. I ran to the tower and then up it. I have no idea, nor do I care, what the people at the top thought. It felt awesome!

I also changed up my running music. I usually listen to a very energetic playlist, but not today. I asked a friend who runs what they listen to. He mentioned he listens to a Pandora channel based on Craig Armstrong, a Scottish composer. So, I gave it a try. Simply amazing. Classical/ambient music. Relaxing. Not focusing on words or crazy beats, I just felt more relaxed and started to find a zone. Never would have occurred to me to listen to something like this while running. Definitely going to use this on race day. While what I had been running to is good for warming up and getting pumped up, not so good for running.

Many challenges were put in front of me today, and I overcame them. Right now I'm feeling the best that I ever have after a run. It was the best I felt during the run. I think things are falling into place. Emotions are starting to show. Next Saturday is going to be good!

Don't forget, there is still time to put in a donation for the UW's Carbone Cancer Center! http://connect.uwhealth.org/goto/Robs_first_5k

 

Thank you!

Just a small thank you I made after a run the other day. It was hot, I was tired, so don't be too harsh on me. But thank you all for your support, it really means a lot!

No One Fights Alone!

I don't think I've really touched on the topic yet of what has really driven me to to start running. This is really an extension of the great fitness journey that started just over a year ago. When I started out trying to get into shape, I never had any idea of where it could take me. I had no idea what would be coming my way to help increase that drive to do better. To do more.

About a year ago, I got an email from a friend. It really isn't the kind of e-mail you want to get. It had some not so great news in it. My friend had learned that she had just been diagnosed with thyroid cancer.What? Really? Are you kidding me? Now, I know that thyroid cancer isn't the worst thing a person can have, but really? Can't someone who's been fighting for a long time in so many ways get a break?

Just knowing the fight that was ahead and the battles that were already won, just gave me a bit of drive. If someone who as been thru so much has always come out on top, there's no reason why I can't work that much harder. While I might not have the same struggle, I still have my own battle to fight.

I'm really having a hard time writing this. It's actually taken me about 4 days so far. I guess the story of this is, people can do some amazing things when faced with adversity. My friend, even before she had surgery to remove her thyroid planned probably the most epic trip ever. A months trip to the South Pacific and New Zealand. Just the determination that she was GOING to do this was pretty amazing. Travel halfway around the world to parts unknown, right out of recovering from this thing, and living life to it's fullest. We can't live in fear. We have to take each day and live it to it's fullest. We can't be afraid to venture out of our comfort zones and try something new. Go somewhere exciting.

I really wish I was able to put into words what it is I'm trying to say. I guess what it is, is that no matter what it is your fighting for or against, you need to dig that much deeper and you will come out on top. You will win. You will survive. You will become stronger. You are never alone in your fight either. If you have friends, they will be there for you. You may never hear it, or hear it enough, but they are there. Surround yourself with those who care, who love, who support and who would go to the moon and back for you. The more people you have on your side, the more likely you are to succeed. The stronger you will become. You are not alone!

Run good. Legs hurt.

So I decided to go out again today. Not what I had planned on doing, but I just had this...urge to run. Only 1.5 running, and then the walk back. Just not enough rest for the legs, and not enough water this morning before going out. At least I realized I was becoming fatigued and stopped before I pushed myself too far.

Only a week to go! Getting excited. Looking ahead at next weeks weather, going to be interesting. My schedule has me running on Tuesday. That is supposed to be the hottest day of the week at near 90. By Saturday morning? Low 40's to upper 30's. What? I'm gonna freeze!

I came. I saw. I got my butt whooped.

That was a tough one today. Only 2.52 miles in 24 minutes. It was a warm one today for sure. Low 80s when I was out. Took a bit of a different route today, and hit the pavement. Started in my usual spot, but at the 1/2 mile mark, I turned off of the trail an onto the highway. Took that into town, then ran around town. I feel good. My pace was much slower, but, a combination of heat and hills slowed me down. Plus I did have to pause at some crossings too. It was good.

Only 1 more week!!

4 more until the big one!

A day late getting this entered, but, better late than never.

Only 4 more runs until the one that counts! I think it's starting to hit what it is I'm about to do. Some people may look at it as no big deal. For me this is. Over the last year, I've really turned my fitness level and health around. I've lost 50 pounds. Look forward to working out. And have picked up a new sport.

So the evening started out with going out to a store that specializes in running to go and find a new pair of running shoes. about an hour and 5 pairs of shoes later, I found a pair that I like. Wasn't sure what to expect going into the store. Thought it might be filled with all sorts of people who are of the "elete" status. But no. It was really good.

Came home, got changed and headed out for a run. A warm evening, around 80. Not the warmest day I've been out on, but still warm. Things were feeling good. Did my stretching. Had my music going and started out. First mile or so felt really good. After my turn at a mile and a half, I had to slow up a bit. Took a few sips of water, walked a bit then picked up the pace. Probably went about another mile or so and needed to slow again. Not that anything hurt, just really worn out. Some more water. Then finished hard to the finish. 2.99 miles total. My RunKeeper was off on where it was counting my miles, so I wasn't sure where I truly was, so I picked a spot that seemed like it would be close to 3 miles. Not too bad.

So the results are 2.99 miles in 25:41. Average pace of 8:35. First mile, I went too hard too soon, 7:46. I honestly didn't think I was going that quick, but the time doesn't lie. Mile 2 was at 9:07, and the third was 8:53. Not too bad all things considered. The new shoes felt great.

Words of enouragement

Thought of something kind of fun today. While I'd love to have my friends, family and random followers cheer me on at the finish, I know they can't all be there. So, I've created an e-mail account where messages of encouragement can be sent. I will not be checking that e-mail until the morning of the race. If you would like to privately share your words of encouragement, please send me an e-mail at runningmunky@gmail.com . I promise I will not read them until the morning of the race. Thank you for all the support

Today was a good day!

Went for a run this morning before getting cleaned up and heading to Milwaukee for more baseball. Felt really good today. 3.04 miles in 25:51 with an 8:31 average pace. First mile 8:36, 2nd mile 8:40, 3rd mile 8:18 and that last little .04 was 7:29. Much more consistant than it has been. The only time I slowed was maybe with 1/4 mile left. I let my mind take over and tell me things I didn't want to hear. Got over it about 20 feet later and picked it up. Sprinted for about the last 50 yards or so. By far no world records broken, but I feel very accomplished today. For once didn't go balls out at the start, tried to pace myself, concentrated on my breathing and finished strong.

Oh! I read about smiling when running and how it can make you feel better. It's true. Try it some time. Just smile then not smile. It was like a small surge of energy each time I smiled. Kind of strange.

 

2 Weeks!

2 weeks to go. Hard to believe, only 2 weeks until my first 5k. Excited and scared. Today was my first decent run in the last week due to the heat. I'm sure I can be ready, but today was a lot of stops and starts after the first mile. I'll make it. I'm tough. I'm a fighter! 2.92 miles in 27:04, avereraged 9:17/mile. 8:01 first mile pace. I'd love to be able to keep that first mile for the entire time. I'm sure it will come with more running. 

Tomorrow I'm planning on going to Endurance House and checking out some new shoes. Next Sunday I'm going to head into Madison and hopefully run the route. 

Got a little crazy

So I got a little crazy today. Being that I really didn't so much yesterday other than mow the lawn I had some energy. Plus, it was one of those days at work where I just build up a lot of tension by the end of the day and need to release it. So I did my Les Mills Combat workout, only a half hour one today, and then I decided to go for a run. Now, at the end of August, summer decides to show up. So it's upper 80s with a heat index of hella hot. A nice quick run around the block. Well, 5 minutes and half an hour later my legs were about to kill me. Up hill, down hill. AAAAAAHHHHHH!!!! But what ever. The point is, even after a workout that left me soaked in sweat, and it being hot out, I still did a bit of a run. Only a couple weeks left. I'm starting to feel some pressure as I really haven't run on a road yet. I'm planning on scoping out the course in the next week or so, and hopefully running it next weekend. Time is getting short!

Oh! And I just looked in my e-mail box. Aparently I've run over 18 miles this month. Sweeeeeeet.

Race info

So, if you're looking to come out and support me in my first 5K, here's just some quick info.

Start time is 9am, starting and finishing the in the cul-de-sac between the Neilsen Tennis Center and the Goodman softball fields (800 Walnut St. is the closest address). This is near the UW Hospital & Clinics. Parking should be available in lots 60, 76 and 82.

Getting excited now. Finally found the course map. Given what I've been running lately, should finish around 25 minutes.

If you'd like to see the route, you can find it here.

I'm still looking for donations, so if you can help at all, please click on the link at the top of the page to help out.

Finishing strong

An interesting article I saw this morning about finishing strong.

Back to back

Wow! Two runs in two days! Nothing terribly exciting today. Again, another great morning to get out (I should have taken a picture). Took a bit of a different route today. Same starting place, but went the other direction on the trail. 2.95 miles. I just killed the first mile, then kind of dropped off from that. I'm not going to complain. I don't think I've done 2 days of running this well before. Then followed up the run with some Les Mills Combat, Shock Plyo and 20 minutes of Combat 60. Not too shabby. Tomorrow, other than maybe mowing the lawn, I'm laying low. Going to be a hot one next week, and I want to get out a couple of times during the week. Just have to see what happens.

I do have a question. I'd like to know my audience a bit. If you could just drop a comment that would be cool. I screen the comments before they get posted, and won't allow these ones to show. I'm just curious if you're someone I know or just a random person who has found this interesting. Thanks!

 

Limitations

The picture below is so true. This is a huge reason I'm doing what I do. I've broken down what limits me. I set my goals and charge at them. I reach one goal, I set another. I set goals on top of goals. I look toward the future, not at the past.

So much excitement!

Well, started off the day by buying a couple of domain names. Starting today, you can go to www.runningliketheresnotomorrow.com and be taken directly to my main running blog. I figured if this is something I'm going to be doing more and more of, why not make things a bit easier instead of having to remember to tell people the entire address. So that was cool.

Went on a run today. 3.02 miles. Not my fastest, 27:03, but it was after work and it was probably the warmest it's been, right around 80. Generally I run in the morning and it's only been in the mid 60s to low 70s. All things considered, not bad. I'm happy with it. Average pace was 8:57, a little slow, but again, time and temperature. I'm still happy with it. It felt really good to run after work.

Only 21 days left! Don't forget to visit my donation site and help me raise some money for cancer research.

Feel like I should be writing something. Hmmmm....well, I did go for a run on Sunday. It was a short one. Went on the same trail, but a different section. Kind of a nice change to see something new. Starting to realize that time is getting short. Only 3 weeks! Where has the time gone? I'm sure I'll be ready, but it seems like there's so much I should be doing before then. I'm only running once a week, I really need to pick that up some. I was actually planning on running tonight, but my normal workout was an hour. By the time I was done it was time to eat, and then by the time food has settled, it's dark out. I supposed I could always just strap my head light on, make sure I have my reflective shorts on and go. The rain today really brought some nice temperatures this afternoon.

It's going to be hot this weekend and next week, so I guess it'll be some early runs. Ugh, the thought of getting up super early during the week is a bit of a turn off. Good thing is next Thursday and Friday I get off at 3, so that gives me some extra time on those days. Just have to dig in!

New blog

Just to get it out there, I've started another blog. Once this 5K is complete, I will be starting in on new adventures and they can be found here at Running Like There's No Tomorrow.

Another wonderful Saturday run

Another great morning here in Southwestern Wisconsin! The sun is out. Not a cloud in the sky. Mid 60s. Can't get any better. Another great morning for a run. Set out with very little on my mind, so I was able to just focus and relax. Set out on a nice easy pace with the goal of 3 miles today. Surprisingly my last mile had my best pace. I took a short walking break some where around 1.75 miles, but then cranked it out for the remainder. Feeling a bit stronger each run. September 14 will be here soon enough....I'll be ready.

 

Dreams

Looking beyond

I'm beginning to look beyond September. I know, I know. Don't get carried away you say. I can hear you already. But what fun is it to go forward with nothing to look forward to? With no goals to shoot for?

So what is beyond September you ask? Well, I'll tell you. Right now I'm about 90% sure that I'll race the Bolder Boulder race on Memorial Day. With that said, that is also going to include a trip out in April to do some running at that crazy altitude. I haven't nailed every thing down with this one, but at some point in the next few months, I'm going to start a fundraising campaign. Anything made over a certain dollar amount will be donated to a charity that I have yet to decide on. Lots to work out there. How cool would it be to say that you sponsored an athlete?

Then after that, I'm looking at a race in October or November in Florida as part of Disney's Wine & Dine event. That, if all goes to plan, will then stretch my distance out to a half marathon.

Beyond those two events, the sky's the limit! I'm really finding some momentum and really enjoying running. I never would have thought this was something I could get into. But I guess as part of getting into better shape, I'm looking at ways to put it to use (other than just looking good).

So stay tuned over the next few months to see what's next.

just a quick note

Just wanted to put a quick note on here. If you've been following and were considering making a donation, by all means, please do. If you haven't because you didn't want your name to show up on my participant page under donations, no need to worry. I have removed that feature! :)

It's Saturday. You know what that means!!!!

Another run in! 2 miles. What a beautiful morning. Clear, cool and just a light breeze. Nothing too special about this run. No earth shattering times. Just nice and easy.

A weekend of running

Had a good weekend. After a couple of weeks of not running and a week of no workouts and the only real physical activity was helping some friends with moving in Denver, I decided to go on a couple of runs. Woke up Saturday and it was just a perfect day out. No clouds, lots of sun and nice and cool. Got dress and grabbed my shoes. No real goal, other than see how 2 miles felt. One mile was just too quick the last time I went out. I wanted more. Went to my normal starting spot and headed out. It felt so good! Took a bit to get back into the swing of things, but just went. It was good. See my happy running face?

Then today, Sunday, got up and again, a perfect morning. Much like yesterday. Set out again same route. Had a little difficulty after the first mile. My legs started to get a bit sore, so I walked for all of about 30 seconds and then picked it back up. Found one of my good motivation songs and finished strong. A great feeling.

A good couple of runs. Still not 100% sure about the 5K next month, but I'm not going to count it out. I honestly don't think I'll know until about the day of. Just have to wait and see what happens.

Chalk up another mile

And another mile down! After a Les Mills Combat workout, I thought today would be a great day for another run. 1 mile in 8:26. Now time to get cleaned up and cheer on the Brewers.

One of the songs I sometimes run to, is "Never Going Back To OK" by the Afters. It reminds me and gets me thinking how I used to think I was "ok", but that was when I was at a fitness and weight level I never want to go back to. Maybe it will inspire you :)

Back at it

Made a 1 mile run today. Well, if you get technical about it, I ran 2 feet past a mile. It felt good. Nice warm, sunny morning. No pain in my foot. Still up in the air about the race in September, but I have time. I may just take the time to improve and get ready for Bolder Boulder and let this one pass by this year. I don't know yet, just have to see how things work out and how I feel.

1.61km, 8:29, 5:17 average pace.

Easing back in

Well, I'm easing back into my workout routine. Did most of Combat 60 today, and felt good. I'm sure I'll feel it in the morning. Slowly taking my time, but I'll be back into things in the next week or two. Hoping to start back with some light running in the next couple of weeks. Only time will tell how things shape up in the next couple of months. I am hopeful, but not counting anything in or out.

Part of my workout had a song in it. A song that's one of those great 90's one hit wonders. Surprisingly got me fired up.

A setback

Well, I've encountered my first setback. The other week, when I went on that epic run, I did something not so good to myself. Did something not so great to one of my feet. For the last week and a half, I've had this super sexy boot on my foot. I saw the doctor yesterday, and nothing is broken. But I did cause some strain on the tendons an bones. For the next couple of weeks, I just need to take it easy, no running. While my initial response to just having the injruy was "I don't care, I'll let it heal and I'll run regardless what they say", I've backed away from that a bit. I should be fine in a few weeks, and be able to run in September. I am feeling a bit more cautious however, and I'm a bit uncertain. The other day I was very much set on dropping out. But I think I'm just going to hang in a limbo status until I know for sure what I can and cannot do. It's still almost 2 months away. Lots of time to recover, get strong, and make a final decision. I appriciate all the support I have gotten, and will keep everyone posted as things develop.

Oops

So before my scheduled workout for the day, I decided to go for a run. I had planned on running when I got up this morning, but it was raining. Gave it a few hours and the day turned into something nice. Just planned on going out like I normally do. Nothing normal about this run. Started out, but when I got to where I usually turn around, I didn't. I just kept going. Went over one bridge, then another, and another. Places I haven't been. Soon I was in the next town over. Another bridge. A tunnel. I just kept going. Zoned out. Kept pushing myself. Next thing I know I'm at the VFW two towns over. 10.53km. Ummm....great. Now what? I'm two towns away and the only way back is on foot. Well, I've come this far, I can't exactly just give up. So I turned around and started back.

The walk back was interesting. It started out good, but about half way, I just didn't want to go any more. I did stop at a park to sit for a minute and grab some more water. I could have called it quits there, called for a ride and that would have been it. Nope. I kept going. I wanted to stop. But I couldn't. I was in a position where stopping just was not an option. If I stopped, what was I going to do, just sit on the trail? Gotta keep going. Soon I started to see the village water tower. That picked me up a bit. I knew once I crossed over the highway I was in the final stretch. I thought for a moment of maybe calling and getting a ride from there back to my car, but that'd be stupid. I was so close. Just had to finish it out. Crossed the highway. Turned a bend and saw the fire house. I was only a few hundred yards away from my finish. Finally, the park came into view. I was done. 21.06km later I was finished.

Lessons learned: Think about where you park and how your going to get back.

Too nice out

Way too nice out to be stuck inside today. I want to run. I wanna go fast!

Another Sunday Runday

5.27k today. Nothing special. Just wanted to get out. New shoes today really helped out. Getting warmer out and I really need to remember to start bringing something to drink with me. I just picked up a hydration belt the other day. While it was only about 70 out, I was parched, and probably could have done a bit better had I brought something nice and wet with me. 

Sunday-Runday

Well, today was supposed to me by "rest" day from my Les Mills Combat routine. Started back up on that after a week off. I had planned on mowing today, but our neighbor was nice enough to mow our entire yard yesterday. Sweet! Weather today started out kind of cold and dreary. 45 degrees in June? Really?? This afternoon it finally warmed up and the sun came out. I didn't have any intent to run today as I've been a bit sore the past few days. Well, that all changed. Around 4 I decided it would be a good day to go for a run. Again, setting out with no real goal other than to get out there and do something.

Well, 45 minutes and 7.5km later.... gonna feel that in the morning! :)

Saturday. Runday.

Here we are. Another Saturday. Another run. Got up and wanted to go running. Weather is cool, cloudy and damp. It rained last night a bit, and I wasn't sure if it was going to rain again, so I just kind of put things off until the radar was clear of rain. My goal right now, is to just get out and run. I don't care how far or how fast, but just to do it. No goals other than getting stronger. So I ended up running 6.06k today. No stops. Slowed to a walk a couple of times, but for the most part ran my hardest. I really do have to look into getting some better shoes. Socks and KT tape have solved part of the equation, now it's time for shoes.

Fitness and such

While not completely related to getting set for the race, fitness is a very important part. Here's just a glimpse of what I've been up to.

So Comabat ended for me on Thursday. Already missing it for now. Started this at the perfect time. After one round of P90X and P90X/Insanity hybrid, i had started a third round of P90X but was just not getting into it. Not saying it's not a good program, but at that time it wasn't what I needed. I didn't realize it at the time, but my coach sure did. I'm glad he did. So here we are 60 days later and I feel amazing. Honestly thought I would never have this much fun. I think the results speak for themselves. A lot can be done in 60 days. When I first started all of this last August, I was a skeptic. By the end of P90X, I saw the results, but didn't know what was possible. Now I KNOW what I can do! My mind was really opened up (and blown).

Now for the results. I'm at a level of fitness I probably haven't been in since high school (17 years ago) and probably even in better shape.

Starting measurements taken 3/17, ending taken 5/17
Weight: 233/216 (-17)
Waist: 43/41 (-2)
Hips: 43/42 (-1)
Chest: 45/44 (-1)
Arms: 16/16 (0)
Thigh: 24/24 (0)
Body fat %: 20/17 (-3)

Now let me post from where I started in the beginning, July 30, 2012
Weight: 254/216 (-38)
Waist: 48/41 (-7)
Hips: 45/42 (-3)
Chest: 49/44 (-5)
Arms: 16 (0)
Thigh: 24 (0)
Body fat %: 25/17 (-8)

Most amazing, epic, Supercalifragilisticexpialidocious run ever

Ok, maybe it wasn't all that great to some, but for me it was. 5.34k in 30:53. with an average pace of 5:47. Yes, there were a couple of stops to walk, but those lasted a minute, two tops. There were also two breaks, untimed, tossed in, somewhere around 2.5 and 4.77k. Hopefully you all can follow this link and see what I did.

 I've been listening to the music people have suggested and it's great. There's one song that has really been sticking with me. It's one of the songs that is used in the Les Mills Combat, Plyo HIIT workout, "Can't Hold Us" by Macklemore & Ryan Lewis. There's just something about that song that really gets me going. The beat that is in it really just seems to drive the pace. There's just something about it that makes me push hard. Also, "Back For More" by Five Finger Death Punch has been a good one too.


 

Something kind of fun

So I've discovered KT tape and it's wonders it can do. With as much as it's helping me right now with doing Les Mills Combat, I'm sure I'll be wearing while running. So I've created a poll. What colour or colours should I wear come race day? I'm also playing with the idea of setting up an e-mail box for notes to be left that will be written on the tape come race day. I will give the e-mail box access to someone other than me, so it will be a surprise. But for now, pick a colour, any colour. I'll probably pick the top two to wear.

Getting motivated

Probably in the next 4 weeks, I'm going to start my training. I'm really excited about this as it's my first ever event like this. Here's where you can help me. What I'd like most is a little something from all of you as encouragement. I want to put together a training and race mix on my iPod. So, if there is an up beat song that gets your blood pumping and helps motivate you, let me know what it is so I can add it in. I think it would be fun to have have a little piece of my friends out with me on my runs.

So far, here are some of the tracks going on:

Stronger - Kanye West
Ring of Fire - Social Distortion
Aint' Nothing Wrong With That -  Robert Randolph & the Family Band

Where The Streets Have No Name - U2

I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For - U2
Good Feeling - Flo Rida

#thatPOWER - will.i.am
Can't Hold Us - Macklemore & Ryan Lewis
Back For More - Five Finger Death Punch
I Will Not Bow - Breaking Benjamin
Runnin' Wild - Airbourne
Stand Up For Rock 'n Roll - Airbourne
Never Going Back to OK - The Afters
Damn It Feels Good To Be A Gangsta - Geto Boys

Please feel free to leave me a comment on what you'd like to contribute. The more the better!

Farthest yet

While not in my "official" training mode yet, I went on a run this morning. Ok, probably not the best thing to do within an hour of getting up, but the sun was out, it was near 60. It was just so good looking. No real goal in mind, just wanted to get out and run. No, I didn't change my name to Forest. So slipped on my shorts, grabbed a shirt, my shoes and my iPod and set out for the Military Ridge Trail. Lived here for 9 years and have never explored it. Today I did. 4.13k today. What????!!! Yup. Not setting any records, 27 minutes. There was some stopping, and some walking. But, mostly running. Felt goooooood.

Slowly getting started

Well, I am slowly getting started with everything. The other day I was away and having to workout in a hotel room. Now, if you've ever stayed at a Hyatt Place, you know how roomy the rooms are and that they have video inputs of just about every kind for the TVs. So I brought my DVD player and DVDs. My workouts went surprisingly good. But on Saturday, it just felt like something was missing. I did my 60 minute Combat workout, but wanted more. Well, I know they have a very equipped workout room so I ventured down. Hopped on the treadmill and hit start. No real goal, but just wanted to run. Other than stopping to re-tie my shorts, I think I ran for about 23 minutes and 3km. It felt good, especially first thing in the morning.

Today was the same 60 minute workout, and again, I wanted to do more. It's a nice day out for mid-April in Wisconsin. Low 60's. While I haven't started my "official" training for my race in September, I think these short runs are going to pay off. Just getting my body used to doing more than what I do for  my regular workouts is a good thing.

So that's my little update for now. Thanks for reading and supporting me. I can't wait to really get going on this.

Let's get started!

Ok, so I've got no clue what I'm doing here, so please excuse this lame excuse for a blog. So, I've decided to enter my first 5k race. It's something that I've kind of wanted to do for a few months now. And now that I've been getting into shape, it seems like a very realistic goal. The race that I've entered in will benefit the University of Wisconsin's Carbone Cancer Research Center. It's something I can feel good getting behind. It's not until September, but the way I see it, it's never too early to start planning. I've still got alot of work to do in getting ready. So be sure to check back often for updates on my progress.

Yes it's early, but here's a link to my participant page if you would like to help donate: http://connect.uwhealth.org/goto/Robs_first_5k