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.