Anthem 5K Recap and The Reverse Raffle

On Saturday, The Professor and I (along with our nearly 6,000 closest friends) ran the Anthem 5K in downtown Louisville. This was my third time running the race and The Professor’s first.

The Anthem 5K is the first leg of the Louisville Triple Crown, a series of three races that lead up to the Kentucky Derby Festival mini marathon and full marathon.

The course is flat and fast. My only complaint is that there were a lot of turns and the roads were still a bit snowy which made the turns difficult. I had to slow down a couple of times to avoid slipping in patches of snow from taking the corners too tight.

                     

I think these was taken near the the 3 mile marker...I need to get those arms down!!

I was aiming for around an 8:30 pace, but knew I might be quicker than that given my 400 splits during my last speed workout. I started out too fast, but fell into a groove around the half mile marker. I slowed down a bit in the second mile because I was worried I would fall apart in the third mile if I held an 8 minute pace. Looking back, I wished I would have pushed through it. Oh well! I was strong in the third mile and even had a kick at the end. I had my eye on 3 people and I passed them all in the last quarter mile :) Thanks to the guy in black and yellow, my finish photo was not so great...but they never are. Believe it or not, this was the best one of three. Check out that beautiful elbow!

My Garmin clocked the course at 3.17 and my official finish time is 25:07. Here are my official stats:

Splits: 7:56, 8:15, 7:49 (and a 1:07 for the last 0.1)

Overall: 724/5,458

Gender: 151/3,203

25-29 Age Group: 24/440

On Saturday night, we went to a Reverse Raffle at my old elementary school where my mom still
teaches, St. Anthony. The Reverse Raffle is a fundraiser held every year for the school and The
Professor and I have attended the last few years and we always have a blast. It is really confusing at first, but once you catch on, the concept is pretty simple. They only sell 200 tickets and each ticket is numbered (1-200). Throughout the night, they draw numbers. When your number is called, you’re out! The goal is to be the last ticket pulled and you are the big money winner :) There are 3 different levels of tickets sold, so there are 600 possible chances and 3 big winners at the end of the night. There are TONS of other smaller prizes given throughout the evening and this year they gave away a total of $6,025 in prize money in addition to a TV and other smaller prizes.

We didn’t win, but my cousin walked away with over $250 in winnings and my other cousin walked away with over $100. No too shabby for the Huber family overall! They also had a silent auction. I bid on a kitchenaid mixer (and lost so please buy me one) and The Professor bid on a canoeing trip (which we also lost). There were tons of other cool baskets that were donated by local businesses and the school. Even though we didn’t win anything, we had a blast hanging out with my cousins and drinking for a good cause :)

So there you have it – two recaps in one post!

What types of fundraisers does your church/school/community host each year?

Did you race last weekend? Where at?

Half Marathon Training Week 5

Happy Monday, friends. If you're new around these parts, you can catch up on my training below:

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

WEEK 3

WEEK 4

Monday: 4 mile run, check!

I set my alarm early so that I could get up and run before work. I snoozed it twice and then gave up and reset my alarm for 7:30 and went back to bed. I prefer to run in the mornings, but I CANNOT drag myself out of bed early enough to do it. I ran on my lunch break and just barely had time to get a shower and get back to my computer. When my mileage increases next time, I’m going to have to run either before or after work. My lunch hour is not going to cut it.

Time: 37:41 Pace: 9:25

Tuesday: 7 x 400m, Check!

It warmed up to 60 degrees on Tuesday and there was a break in rain in the afternoon. I was so excited to hit up the track and do my speedwork outside. I even convinced The Professor to workout with me. We left our house and jogged the mile to the track. When we got there, we realized there was a lacrosse game happening on the field and we couldn’t get in. Note to self…check the athletics schedule next week… We opted to do our workout on the indoor track. Not as much fun, but a bazillion times better than the treadmill. My goal was to average 1:55 per 400. I took the first one easy and then laid the hammer down.

#blurryiphoneselfie

1 mile warm up

400m @ 2:00

400m @ 1:52

400m @ 1:50

400m @ 1:46

400m @ 1:43

400m @ 1:39

400m @ 1:39

1 mile cool down

Wednesday: 3 mile run, check!

It was POURING rain all day Wednesday. I did a 10 minute stretching video in my living room, turned on HP7 and hopped on the treadmill. The miles went by quickly and I wasn’t as sore as I thought I would be. Maybe there is something to this “stretching” thing ;)

Time: 28:55 Pace: 9:38

Thursday: 2 mile jog, check! (switched with Friday)

We got EIGHT INCHES of snow on Wednesday night and woke up to another winter wonderland. I wasn't able to convince The Professor to play in the snow with me, but I was able to convince him to go on a snow run with me. The roads were slick in some spots, so we kept our pace at a nice easy jog. It was cold, but an absolute blast to run/play in the snow. 

Time: 23:47 Pace: 11:53

Friday: Rest Day, check! (switched with Thursday)

My friend posted this article on my Facebook wall: The Typical Couples You See at Races. The Professor and I are a 5/6 combo thanks to this blog and my need for selfies ALL.THE. TIME….although there was that one time that we wore matching blue shirts for our speed workout on Tuesday…

Saturday: Anthem 5K, check!

My first race of the season! Even thought it was a frigid 22 degrees and the roads were slick, we were out there for the first leg of the LouisvilleTriple Crown. I had really weird goals for this race. I was aiming for an 8:30 pace but I told myself that I would have been happy anywhere between an 8:00 and a 9:00 minute pace. I’ll post a full recap later this week, but for now. Splits: 7:56, 8:15, 7:49 (and a 1:07 for the last 0.1) 

Before the race

and after the race!

We did a 1.4 mile warm up and a 1.5 mile cool down to make it a 6 mile day.

Time: 25:07 Pace: 8:06

Sunday: Rest Day, check!

Sore. Oh so sore! I did my 10 minute stretching video and felt somewhat better. I also got to eat cake from my favorite bakery and that made my muscles feel much better. My cousins both had birthdays last month and my grandma's birthday is this week so we had a celebration on Sunday afternoon. Everyone send my grandma Happy Birthday wishes this week :)

Did anyone else race last weekend?

How is the weather where you are?

Half Marathon Training Week 4

Click below to see my 2015 Kentucky Derby Festival Half Marathon training recaps:

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

WEEK 3

Happy March, everyone! Finishing up with Week 4 means that I'm a third of the way through my training plan. There are less than 8 weeks until the half marathon! I am starting to feel much stronger on all of my runs and its great to be back in a training groove.

Monday: 3.5 mile run, check!
I felt good during my run on Monday, which was surprising because I was worried I would be sore after my Sunday long run. I thought I was in the clear BUT my entire body locked up on Monday night while I was working my way through a carton of ice cream and watching The Bachelor. I started YouTubing stretching videos right away!

Time: 33:47 Pace: 9:39 

Tuesday: 35 minute tempo run, check!
I did a 12 minute stretching video before my run that focused specifically on IT band, shin splints, and hip flexors. It was so painful and I loved it. I felt much better afterwards so I hoped on the treadmill for my tempo run. I did not work hard enough. I was on my last 5 minutes and wasn't breathing any harder than an average run. I know to SPEED IT UP next time.

10 minute warm up @ 9:41 pace
5 minutes @ 9:32 pace
5 minutes @ 9:23 pace
5 minutes @ 9:14 pace
5 minutes @ 9:05 pace
5:31 minute cool down @ 9:41 pace

Distance: 3.75 miles Time: 35:31 Average Pace: 9:20

Wednesday: 3 mile run, check!
I did my stretching video again before my run and then popped in HP 7 (part 1) and got to runnin'. Seriously people - if it doesn't warm up soon, I'm going to need some movie recommendations.

Time: 29:24 Pace: 9:48

Thursday: Rest Day, check!
I was glad to rest. I'm definitely starting to feel sore all over, but it is a really good sore feeling (not a painful sore feeling!). This is the sore that I love - knowing I'm working hard and continuing to improve every day.

Friday: 3 mile run, check!
Rest Days are like a warm hug from your best friend. I felt great on Friday and rocked my run.

Time: 28:24 Pace: 9:27

Saturday: 8 mile run, check!
I misjudged the temperature on Saturday morning and it was pretty cold (22 feels like 13, yikes!)...but there was no way I was getting on the treadmill. I convinced The Professor to bundle up and run outside with me. 6 miles for him and 8 miles for me. I had every intention of sticking back with him, but my legs were SO FLIPPIN EXCITED to finally be outside that they just took off. I felt strong and wanted to see what I could do...so I did! Splits: 9:51, 10:21, 9:25, 9:34, 9:30, 9:18, 9:05, 9:05.

I felt a little twinge in my hip during miles 7 and 8 so I stretched A LOT when I got home. My new favorite stretch is the pigeon pose. I have a whole post planed for my favorite stretches but I have to blackmail ask The Professor to take a few hundred pictures of me before I can finish it up and get it posted.

Time: 1:16:13 Pace: 9:31

Sunday: Rest Day, check!
We celebrated my bestie's birthday on Saturday night so I was extra thankful for this rest day. How cute is it that her boyfriend's birthday is the day before hers? They're adorable and I love them.

I thought a good way to end this week's post would be a little comparison chart of my training weeks so far, so here ya go:

How far was your longest run last week? 

Which workout are you most excited for this week?

Bundle Up & Get Outside!

We are still being plagued by the cold here in Kentucky, but it is FINALLY starting to warm up into the 30s. And look, the snow is melting!

My last EIGHT runs have been inside on the treadmill and I am over it. I'm hitting up the treadmill for the last time today and I will be OUTSIDE for my long run tomorrow. 

It'll only be in the 20s when I run, but the thought of 8 miles on the treadmill makes me want to quit running and become a professional hibernator.  Instead of crying about it again...I'm bundling myself up and heading outside. 

I've been mentally preparing myself since yesterday afternoon and I already have my outfit planned :) I posted these tips last winter, but I'm posting them again in hopes that it motivates you to take your runs outside this weekend too! 

Cold Weather Running Tips

• Make sure you wear the proper clothing. Your outfit should vent - do not run in cotton! It is no fun to be cold AND wet while running. 
• Layer up - but don't wear too many layers. I've always been told the rule of thumb is to dress like it's 10-20 degrees warmer than it really is. You want to be warm, but you don't want to sweat a lot and catch a chill. Make sure your outer layer is windproof. Also make sure your outer layers are bright and reflective.
• Wear a hat! Heat escapes from your head and you need to retain as much heat as possible when it's negative degrees out. Don't forget your gloves or mittens either - heat also escapes from your hands and feet.
• Make sure your shoes have traction. This is especially important when the roads are slick.
• Protect your eyes. I don't know about you, but the cold and wind really bugs my eyes and makes them water. I recommend investing in a good pair of athletic sunglasses. This is also helpful when the sun is reflecting off of the snow.
• Don't forget fluids! Fluids are just as important when its cold as they are when it is hot out. Cold air dries out your skin and can have a dehydrating effect. 
• As always: carry your ID or cell phone, run with a buddy if possible, and let someone know your route.

Don't worry friends - spring is on its way!

What do you consider the perfect running temperature?

How cold does it have to get to force your run inside?

Half Marathon Training Week 3

Click below to see my 2015 Kentucky Derby Festival Half Marathon training recaps:

WEEK 1

WEEK 2

Week 3 was challenging. I did my first non-treadmill speed workout and pushed myself extra hard on my treadmill runs. My hip was KILLING me after my speed workout so I took extra time to stretch this week (something I should have been doing all along).

Monday: 3.5 mile run, check!

We work up to a winter wonderland in progress on Monday so it was back on the treadmill for me. I considered an all natural ice bath after my run, but  I went back inside and had 200 mugs of hot chocolate instead.

Time: 34:17 Pace: 9:47

Tuesday: 6 x 400 @ 5K Pace, check!
The Professor joined me for a 400 workout on the indoor track at the Centre Gym. It was SO NICE to be on the track (even though it was indoors). 400m was 3 laps around the indoor track which was interesting, but once we got going, I got used to it. I had initially planned on running at at 8:30 5K pace (2:06 400), but as soon as I ran the first 400, I knew I had underestimated myself. Running negative splits was rough, but I felt great when I finished the workout I ended up running just under an 8:00 5K pace for my 400s.

1 mile warm up

400m @ 1:59

400m @ 1:57

400m @ 1:55

400m @ 1:54

400m @ 1:51

400m @ 1:47

1 mile cool down

Wednesday: 3 mile run, check!
I stretched before and after my speed workout on Tuesday, but my hip was killing me on Wednesday morning. I did a lot of stretching and took my recovery run nice and easy...and enjoyed some more Harry Potter.

Time: 29:39 Pace: 9:52

Thursday: Rest Day, check!
I spent my rest day doing research on foam rollers and fall marathons. I'm trying to debate whether or not I should get a foam roller. I'm done debating on whether or not to run a fall marathon. The debate is now WHICH fall marathon I should run!

Friday: 3 mile run, check!
It was -10 degrees when I woke up on Friday morning, so, yea, more treadmilling. I timed my run perfectly with the end of Harry Potter and the Order of the Phoenix. It better warm up soon. I don't know what I'm going to do when I finish my Harry Potter Run-athon :(

Time: 28:41 Pace: 9:33

Saturday: Rest Day, check (swap with Sunday).
I was supposed to do my 7 mile run on Saturday morning and burst into tears when I looked out the window and it was a sleety, slushy mess. It would not have been safe to run outside and the thought of 7 miles on the treadmill threw me into a tailspin. Seasonal Affective Disorder is a real thing, people! I couldn't convince myself to run so I did A LOT of stretching and resting instead.

Sunday: 7 Mile Run, check (swap with Saturday).

I was in much better spirits when I woke up on Sunday. The weather was still crappy, but my treadmill actually looked inviting. I popped in HP6 and got to it. I've never run in compression socks, but my calves were tight so I gave it a try. I don't know if it was the socks or the stretching, but I'm not sore at all this morning. Also: I did get hit with a major case of the treadmills* in mile 6. I slowed waaay down, caught my breath, chugged some Gatorade, and then kicked my butt back into gear. I'm so glad I did because I finished strong! Splits: 10:07, 10:00, 9:50, 9:50, 9:41, 10:42, 9:33.

Time: 1:09:44 Pace: 9:58

A few thoughts on this week's training:

1. I'm chicken when it comes to the treadmill. Pushing myself this week showed that I've been training at an easier pace that I should have been. I'll be readjusting my goals moving forward.
2.  I did a terrible job fueling for my long run. I wasn't hungry before my run so I jumped on the treadmill without eating anything - big mistake. Also, I still can't take gus. They don't sit well in my stomach. Shot Bloks work well for me and I need to get some before my next long run. 
3. I need to live somewhere that's not covered in snow and ice while I'm trying to train for a half marathon because I'm starting to go absolutely nuts on the treadmill. 

*Case of the Treadmills: When you look down and see how far you still have left to run and suddenly feel like you're running at a world record pace and can't image running anymore so you slow down because you're a mental basketcase.

Case of the Treadmills: It's not pretty...

Weekly Miles: 20

2015 Miles: 67

Tell me about your best workout last week.

Indoor track: fan or not?

What's your favorite fall/winter marathon (October-December timeframe)?

Half Marathon Training Week 2

Whew! Week 2 in the books. In case you missed Week 1, you can check it out HERE.

I adjusted my original training plan by moving everything back 1 day so that I could have Sunday as a rest day. It worked much better for me so I’ll be making it a permanent adjustment for the rest of my training plan.

Monday: 3 Mile Run, Check!

I ran outside on Monday and felt awesome. I even added a 0.1 on there so I could get a baseline 5K time. It was still a little cold and since we were still at my parent’s, I borrowed my dad’s stylish toboggan.

 Time: 29:29 Pace: 9:30

Tuesday: 30 Minute Tempo Run, Check!

I was back on the treadmill on Tuesday (getting all of the answers correct on Family Feud) for my tempo run. Tempo workouts are made for the treadmill because you can set your pace and increase it incrementally (which is harder to do outside, in my opinion). I forgot I was supposed to run 30 minutes and not 3 miles so I went a tad long…

Time: 30:50 Pace: 10:16

Wednesday: 3 Mile Run + Strength, Sorta Check.

I squeezed in my 3 miles on the treadmill, but didn’t do any strength work. Nothing exciting to report about this run other than I finished the 4^th Harry Potter Movie midway through the third mile. I spent the last 7 minutes of my run reading movie credits.

Time: 30:37 Pace: 10:12 Pace

Thursday: Rest Day, Check!

This rest day was much needed. My calves were pretty sore.

Friday: 3 Mile Pace, Checkish.

I had planned on a 9:30 pace but as soon as I got on the treadmill I knew that was not going to happen. My calves were still really tight and I felt like crap for the entre run. I was so glad when it finally ended. I spent extra time stretching on Friday morning and took a few stretch breaks during the day.

Time: 30:17 Pace: 10:05

Saturday: 6 Miles, Check!

The Professor has been slacking on exercise lately and focusing on that little dissertation thing. He was looking forward to a break and joined me for the first 3 miles of my 6 mile run. I blackmailed asked him nicely to take some pictures of me for the blog. He’s such a good blog fiancé. Splits: 11:01, 10:41, 10:51, 9:53, 9:26, 9:27.

Time: 1:01:25 Pace: 10:14

Sunday: Stretch & Strengthen, Negative.

Does making 25,000 trips up and down to the basement count as anything?

I did a little better (but not much) at pushing myself on the treadmill last week, but it’s a goal I’ll continue to work on this week. Considering Danville is supposed to get 8-12 inches of snow today, I’ll probably be on the treadmill for most of my runs this week!

Weekly Miles: 18.1

2015 Miles: 47

What was your best run last week?

Any advice for pushing harder on the treadmill?

Which Harry Potter movie is your favorite?

Half Marathon Training Week 1

Last Monday was the first day of training for my Spring Half Marathon. One way I’m going to stay accountable is by posting my workout recaps on the blog. Natalie did this last fall over on Never Serious Blog and I’m borrowing her great idea. So here we go! Introducing:

In case you missed it: I’m using Hal Hidgon’s Intermediate training plan this time around. For the record - The Professor did not do these workouts with me, I just don't have a good solo running picture :)

Monday: Stretch & Strengthen, check!

 Admittedly, I forgot my training started on Monday so I googled some YouTube videos for a quick workout: 

10 minute stretching for runners - it's not the best, but it's the first one I found on google.

8 minute arms (this was hard. I’m a weakling)

8 minute abs (I probably topped out at 4 minutes)

Tuesday: 3 Mile Run, check!

This was my first treadmill run, post move. I was terrified that something would happen to my prized possession when they were moving it. I was relieved that The Professor got it put back together!

Time: 33:05 Pace: 11:01

I actually almost cried as they slammed it through the door frames.

Wednesday: 5 x 400 @ 5K Pace, Sorta Check.

I was planning on going to the track for my first speed workout, but I ended up having to do it on the treadmill. I had no idea what I wanted my 5K pace to be and I’ve never done a speed workout on the treadmill so I had to keep adjusting and this happened:

0.5 m warmup = 11:30 m pace

0.5 m = 10 m pace

0.25 m = 11 m pace

0.5 m = 9:40 m pace

0.25 m = 11 m pace

0.25 m = 9:20 m pace

0.25 m = 11 m pace

2.5 miles total

Thursday: 3 Mile Run + Strength, Sorta Check.

3 miles on the treadmill at my parent’s house. I didn’t do any strength, but I did spend 10 minutes stretching.

Time: 33:04 Pace: 11:01

Friday: Rest, Check!

Saturday: 3 Mile Run, Checkish.

I ran outside at my parent’s house (we’ve been staying here since Thursday). I thought I remembered a 3 mile route but when I got home and checked it on mapmyrun.com, I realized I had only gone 2.85 because I left out one of the turns…close enough!

Time: 29:00 Pace: 10:10

 

Pre-Run selfies are cuter with babies in them

Sunday: 5 Mile Run, Check!

Sunday’s run was awesome. 55 degrees out and I got to run in shorts. I have no idea what happened during the third mile, but overall, I was pumped about my splits: 10:34, 9:45, 11:47, 9:48, 9:32

Time: 51:29 Pace: 10:17

I also did a stair workout with this guy on Sunday afternoon. 13 steps, about 100 times. Whew…we were tired!

Clearly, I am not pushing myself hard enough on the treadmill. Since I will be doomed to a few more treadmill runs, I'm going to have to get better at that. Less Harry Potter watching and more running! 

What was your best workout last week?

Are you training for a spring race?

2015 Running Goals

Run 750 miles

Starting in February…because I’ve kinda missed January…that amounts to approximately 67 miles per month or about 17 miles a week.

Run the Louisville Triple Crown

The LTC is made up of three races in March/April. The Anthem 5k, Rhodes 10k, and Papa John 10 miler.

Run the Derby Festival Half Marathon

Check out my training plan HERE.

Speedwork

Starting with half marathon training, I’m going to try to incorporate more speed workouts into my training.

Get Stronger

Thanks to The Professor, I’m going to have access to the college gym. One day a week, I’m going to head over there and incorporate some strength training into my week.

Eat Healthier/Smarter

I starting using MyFitnessPal last year and it has helped my pay closer attention to what I’m eating. I’m not giving up sweets or bread anytime soon ever, but I am going to make sure I’m getting all of the nutrients I need to stay healthy.

Read a Running Book

There are lots of great running books out there and I have read exactly ZERO of them.

Run 12 races

I’m already registered for 4 and I’m looking for 8 more. Mostly 5ks or 10k, but I’m on the lookout for a fall half marathon.

RUN MARATHON #2

This goal is totally tentative, but I’m putting it on here. I am 100% undecided on marathon #2, but it might be a fun race to train for this fall.

What are your 2015 running goals?
What is your favorite book about running?

Half Marathon Training Plan

Right next to my wedding countdown on my phone, you will find a countdown to the KY Derby Festival Half Marathon. Only 93 days til race day!

If you’re a long time reader, you know that running is a huge part of my life. I coached cross country for a few years before I moved to Pittsburgh and in 2012, I ran every single day for a year! When I moved to Pittsburgh, running had to take a backseat to work and grad school and I was lucky if I got in one run per week.

This year, I’m making running a priority. I’m going to have a lot more time on my hands starting February 1^st and I can’t wait to use that time to wear out a few pairs of running shoes! I decided to use Hal Higdon’s Intermediate training plan for the half marathon (with a few alterations to accommodate some other races I have scheduled). It starts on February 2^nd.

I am so excited to have a plan and stick to it this spring. I'm going to have access to a track again so it should be pretty easy to get my speedwork in too!

I kick started my plan leading up to the training plan with a 5 mile run last Sunday on the treadmill and I have a 3 mile run planned for tomorrow.

Before I wrap this up: did you all see that Brooks is having a winter clearance sale? Check it out and stock up on your winter running gear. They have some great reflective stuff if you're still running in the dark after work like me :)

Enough about me - tell me about your running lately.

Are you training for a race or running just because?

What training plans have you used?

Are you a treadmill runner or outside runner in the winter?

Running Lately

I did not have as much time as I thought I would to start running again in the latter half of this year so instead of setting more unrealistic training plans for the millionth time, I’ve been trying a new approach – to not have a training plan. Even with just one class this semester, there has still a lot getting in the way of a training plan. Without a training plan, every run is an unexpected bit of happiness in my week. I don’t feel bad for not getting in a scheduled run – instead I’m excited that I actually get to run :)

My friend Catie convinced me to run the Pittsburgh Penguins 6.6K in early October. It actually didn’t take much convincing since I had been looking for a race to run in Pittsburgh. It was my first race even though I have lived here for almost two years!

The course was really neat and ran all through the city of Pittsburgh. My time was 43:35 which is a 10:23 pace. Our race bibs got us into the Penguins practice that day which gave us access to the bazillion food options inside Consol. We’re pretty much experts at refueling….with beer and nachos!

Last month I ran Fast Freddies Five Mile Foot Feast on Thanksgiving. It’s a tradition in my family to run the race before stuffing ourselves full of delicious food and pie! Every year, the top 500 finishers get their names on the next year’s shirt. I was a little bummed going into the race because I knew I wasn’t going to make the top 500 this year. I got over that really quickly though when I realized that given my situation and the amount of time I’ve had to train – I was right where I needed to be. I finished in 48:22 which is a 9:40 pace and was super pumped about it. I finished 580 out of 928 runners.

I don’t have any races scheduled for December or January but with graduation right around the corner, I’m excited to have more time to run. Who knows – there might even be time to have an actual training plan :)

How do you fit runs/exercise into your busy schedule?

What races do you have coming up?

Runners are the Best Kind of People

Last Wednesday was National Running Day...so of course it is natural for me to post about it a week later! National Running Day is a day that runners coast-to-coast celebrate their passion for running. Justin and I celebrated with a rainy 5 mile run in downtown Pittsburgh. 

Since Justin is only here one week a month, I usually run by myself. This means I have 3-5 miles worth of time to think about things. My brain usually bounces all over the place when I’m running…from what I’m eating for dinner to how I would spend my money if I won the lottery. Sometimes I write speeches and sometimes I come up with witty comebacks that would have worked in a conversation I had 3 days ago.

A few weeks back, I started thinking about WHY I RUN and the answer I put on the banner at the KY Derby Runner’s Expo. I had one answer at the Expo but by the time I finished my run that day, I had quite a few reasons why I run.

I asked my Facebook & Twitter friends why they ran. Here are some of their answers:

The reason for running has changed throughout the years, from wanting to compete for my school, fitness and weight management, competing as an individual, etc - but I always come back to the sense of accomplishment...although now I love doing it to get some quiet time away from home!! – Kari C.

Because my wife, Kari C, makes me. - Phil C.

So I’m not a fat ass. – Jess L.

I like pain A LOT. I also like it because it's the only place where it's socially acceptable to "farmer blow" your nose and no one thinks anything of it! – Matt O.

To have some me time…to challenge myself…to enjoy my ice cream more. – Abby V.

Because who knows. Something may be chasing you one day. And it would be nice to be fast in that moment. – Brian B.

I started running right after college because I was depressed. I wasn't in college anymore and bored out of my mind. I also wanted to see if I could be more naturally competitive if I competed against myself, since I never really was when I played team sports in HS. – Karen E.

Because I wasn't good at any other sport! - Nathan S.

I run because it's the only thing left to do after the swim and bike!  But seriously, I run because I want to (not because it's on my training schedule), I think I do it because running ignites ALL of the senses. – Justin R.

So tell me: Why do YOU run? 

Did you participate in National Running Day?

A 5K & Track Workout - Who Am I?

This has been an awesome running week. On Saturday, I ran the Strawberry Festival 5K. It’s a hilly course, but you can have strawberry shortcake as soon as you finish…totally worth the 3.1 miles of hills!

I didn’t get to run this race last year so I was super excited to warm up, stretch, and race with my favorite people. The race starts at St. John’s and runs through Starlight, Indiana. I haven’t raced a 5K in a while so I didn’t have many expectations. I knew that I would go out way too fast and most likely struggle with the hills. I didn’t have a goal time, but knew that I wanted to be under 27 minutes.

Race Splits:

Mile 1: 8:04

Mile 2: 8:16

Mile 3: 8:28

Last .1: 0:48

Race time: 25:36

I was pumped. I guess all of that hill running in Pittsburgh is starting to pay off! Also - strawberry Shortcake - perfect for refueling!

The Clarksville Summer Running Series started on Wednesday. When I was living here, you could find me at the Track every Wednesday during the summer. I didn’t get to run any of these events last year either so I was glad the first week of the series fell while I was in town. The workout is a relay/partner event. This week it was a 2 Person 5K. We decided to do 400s. I realized while we were warming up that I hadn’t done a track workout since 2012…yikes! I consulted with the expert, Coach Chuck, who told me I should be around 1:45s. I have no idea how I managed it, but here were my splits:

1:35     1:35     1:38     1:41     1:40     1:42

Whew! My legs were KILLING me on Thursday morning…and now I am craving more speed work. I’m going to have to figure out how to fit it into my routine in the ‘burgh this summer.

What is your favorite summer time dessert?

Church festivals: Love them or hate them?

What’s your favorite track workout?