Lets start with the good.
Yesterday I ran a local 5k. Habitat for Humanity fund raiser. One I ran last year and I had high hopes of having a MAJOR PR.
I was SO nervous. More nervous than I have been on any half.
I had a plan. Raina told me I needed to run a mile warm up and then GO!
I wont lie. I wasnt thrilled about the warm up. I kept thinking it would take away from the race and just “add mileage”
I obeyed.
I said hi to a bunch of friends and made my way out of the parking lot to complete a slow easy mile.
I finished about 10 min before the start and stretched a bit per directions.
The horn went off and we were off. I was just getting going and what was that I felt .. NOTHING. Legs felt amazing. Already warm and ready to kill that hill at .50. And that I did!
I ran the first mile in 10:20ish and felt amazing. I slowed down a bit as I was getting hot and tired. I thought there was a water stop soon so I would be fine. I kept at my pace and never let my Garmin go below a 11:15 pace.
By mile 2 I was really feeling it and the heat was rising. There was NO water where there was supposed to be and I literally ran by my house so I had an inkling to head home for some Nuun and maybe a nap but figured I better truck along.
I struggled a bit that second mile but kept telling myself ITS ONLY 3 MILES! I run that all the time.
I wondered in that last mile if I would want to ever do another 5k. It was tough. I really like the half distance. Lots went through my head. The time creeped up and I took a couple extra walk breaks. In fact I left my ratios out the window and just ran by feel the last half or so mile. I would not allow my pace to go above 11:30. There was no way I would not kill this PR after that first killer mile!
I looked at my watch with a good distance ahead and it registered 3.1 UGH the course was long! an entire .25 miles long. 
I lapped the watch to capture the time and headed to the finish. I saw Marc and Liam cheering me in as well as some friends.
He improved with each one!
It was his turn. He ran 1/8th of a mile and wanted me to run with him.
He did great and he loved it once he started. Keeping him entertained until they started is another story.
AFTER i hooked up watch I saw I had a 5:03 PR!!!!!!!!! thats HUGE off of a 5k and I was so happy and proud.
I have decided I DO want to do more 5k’s but they will be officially timed, have water stops, and be the RIGHT distance!
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Now the BLAH….
Today is another story. I was supposed to run 2 miles but I just couldnt. I have been dragging ALL day and even got to sleep in. I am not sure what is wrong. I am exhausted. I feel yucky and hope its ok I didnt run today. I am not one to miss runs (altho I have a couple lately and I dont like it) but I just couldnt. I am surprised Im awake enough to blog so if none of this makes sense .. I am sorry .. kinda.
and finally the LETS GO! …
Tomorrow is the start of Jess’s 26.2 weight loss challenge and I spent the majority of today getting ready for it. I am excited to buckle down with friends and get this final weight taken care of.
2 comments
Lara
June 18, 2012 at 9:25 am (UTC -7)
SUPER HUGE congratulations on blasting your 5k for a new best – WHOOP-WHOOP.
Raina
June 19, 2012 at 10:42 pm (UTC -7)
You did SO well, Michelle!!! Huge PR!! This was a tough course too..with hills and a bit long.
Funny that it goes right past your house. I would have planted someone there to hand me my own personal refreshments!
Maybe have a stocked cooler! 
Liam is just too adorable! He takes great photos too. I bet he likes to see his pictures on your blog.
Keep up on the recovery and the good running this week. Best wishes with Jess’s challenge! I am rooting for you!!