Girls on the Run 5K
The Girls on the Run program is so empowering for young girls. This year I got to take my niece with me. I was amazed at how far she could run without stopping. I was the one who held her back!! We ran about 2.5 miles of it, then I had to take a break and run/walk the rest of the way.
I will have to say that being 30 lbs. lighter, really helped me with my running. I just started back at Orange Theory about two weeks ago, after I hit my goal weight, and really didn’t expect to be able to run as far as I did.
BTW, I got my cute Sherpa Sweater at my favorite boutique in Rowlett! Girlfriends is such a cute store! Definitely stop in if you are ever in Rowlett!! 
Born To Run
I am not a very good runner, but I kind of enjoy it. I’ve successfully completed Couch to 5K…several times. I usually quit running right after I get to 5K. This happens EVERY time I start running. My friend and I signed up for the Dallas Half Marathon, but about 3 weeks before the marathon, I quit running on a regular basis. I finished the Half Marathon, but it wasn’t pretty. By the 11th mile, I couldn’t even alternate running and walking and had to walk the last two miles. That’s ok. I still finished and I still got a medal. Of course I said I’d never do another one, but within 3 days, I was already planning to try again. This time I’m going to be in better shape!!
My friend found this work out on pinterest. I’m not sure where it originated, but since she did it, I had to, too!! I didn’t think I’d make it through the first time, but I did it!! Now I’ve done it twice!! I’m so proud!! I am hoping mixing it up like this will help me with my training for the Cowtown Half Marathon!! Maybe this will be the year that I actually lose some weight, too!!
Flagpole Hill 8K
I did the Flagpole Hill 8K run this morning. The funny thing about this run, besides the fact that it is an 8K, is that it’s not at Flagpole Hill, but across the street at Norbuck. I guess that it just doesn’t sound as exciting to have a Norbuck Park Run. When I picked up my shirt, I asked the guy why it is an 8k. He told me that it started out as a run that went from one point to another and it just happened to be 8K, so when they moved it, they kept it as an 8K.
My goal was going to be to run 3 miles and then alternate walking/running. I had hoped I could make it a 10 minute pace and run for 30 minutes. Unfortunately, I’m still on Week 7 of Couch to 5K and that only has me running 20 minutes (and I’m really slow.) I made it 30 minutes, but that was only 2.89 miles. The heat, sun and slight inclines of the race KILLED me and I just couldn’t make it the full 3 miles. I’m not really disappointed though, because I did 30 minutes and that is still pretty good. My official time was 59.35.22. That was an 11.59 pace per mile. I was 257th place and 13th in my age group, (there were 17 in my age group, lol) and 113 female runner.
Next week I fully expect to be able to run a 5K, but for now, I am EXHAUSTED. We went swimming after the run and I think all the sun has me drained. I better go take another nap!
Start line
Who KILLED their run today!!??
ME!! That’s who!! I only have 2 more weeks of Couch 2 5K left and I should be able to run a 5K straight. Today I ran 25 minutes straight. Unfortunately, the GPS on Endomondo wasn’t working right, so I estimate that I ran about 2.5 miles straight!! I found out that they also have a couch to 10K and a couch to 21K app, but I think I’ll be happy if I can just run a 5K. I love running on the Katie Trail because it’s basically a flat run. Wednesday, I’m running in an 8K run at White Rock Lake/Flagpole Hill. My plan is to run 3 miles straight, then walk/run the final part. My extremely athletic friend said he was glad I was going to run more because that meant he didn’t have to wait as long at the end of the race for me. Punk.
Fabulous after FIFTY 