Still going

I'm still here and getting out there when I can. Last week it was scorching hot (felt like 115 with code red air quality and heat advisories), so I didn't go out at all. But Saturday morning we were up early, so I took Jack out for a long(ish) run. It was actually my first run since the 5k I did last month, and it was also the longest run I've done on my own since before Jack was born. Granted it was only about 3 miles, but considering my usual run is about 1.3 miles, that's pretty good! There's a route around my neighborhood I've done a few times that is 2 1/2 miles. I went further than that and don't know the exact distance, but it's at least 3 miles and probably more. I had planned to walk some but I ended up running the whole time, including up 5 hills (while pushing the stroller)! I only stopped twice and that was to wait for the walk signal to cross the road. I plan to do this long run again this weekend and I'll track the distance this time.

I haven't run at all this week, but with the lower temps and humidity, I have been walking at work. For 3 days in a row (today included), I've walked a 1.25 mile loop around my building. I now have an app on my phone called Runkeeper which has a built-in GPS and tracks your activity. Each day I've gotten a little faster and can complete the distance in just under 20 minutes. Because I'm in my work clothes, I'm not trying to break any records! I enjoy the fresh air (I hate being inside all day) and breaking a small sweat. It's better than nothing! There's another heat advisory scheduled for tomorrow so I'll probably stay indoors. But it was nice while it lasted!

I also found a couple of kids runs for Jack to do in the fall, as well as a 2-mile family run that I can do while pushing him in the jogger. I'm going to look for more 5k's and hopefully work my way back up to a 10k! I'll post more info in case anyone in the D.C. area is interested.

Happy running (and walking)!

Brain Health Blitz 5k

Last Sunday, on Father's Day, I ran my first solo race in over 2 years. It was awesome! It was also my first 5k of the year (the last one I did was last September). I made that one in under 40 minutes pushing Jack in the stroller. Going in, my only goal was to finish this one in under 40 as well.

It was a great course, going around a lake at one of my favorite shopping centers. Except that we had to go around it 4 times and by the 3rd time around, I was getting tired of the same route! It was mostly flat with one small hill. It wasn't easy, but I ran the whole way and pushed it a little on the last lap.

My official race time is 32:52! Woohoo! There were only 36 people running and it was such a nice, relaxed race, put on by the Alzheimer's Association. I don't think they advertised it really well so not many people knew about it, but it was great. I hope they do it again next year!

Jack and Sidney cheered me on and took some pictures while I ran.

I'm not sure when my next race will be, but I look forward to running much more. I've been running around my neighborhood more and last weekend I ran Friday, Saturday, and Sunday. I'd love to run more 5k's and slowly work my way up to longer distances. My ultimate goal is still a half marathon!

Race for the Cure- Team Felicia

On Saturday June 4, 2011, we walked for my coworker Felicia (the one in the pink wig). At just 32, Felicia is now a breast cancer survivor. She was diagnosed in November 2010 and started treatment in December. This past weekend she had a bilateral mastectomy and is expected to make a full recovery. We're glad she was able to walk with us!

We've already started a team for the 2012 walk, this time calling ourselves Banner Companies for the Cure since we all know other women who have survived or are battling breast cancer. I'm happy to be a part of something so important and hope we can make a greater impact in 2012!

Peace

We had unbelievably gorgeous weather yesterday and I was actually home to enjoy it. Usually I'm stuck at work on the nice days, but not this time! Jack and I ate our snack on the front porch where we got some much needed vitamin D. Then I had a brialliant idea- we should go for a run! And that is exactly what we did.

Almost right away, Jack fell asleep in the stroller and he stayed sleeping even after we got back home. I just did my short lake run and, despite not having done any form of exercise all year, I was able to almost run the whole way (I had to walk up 2 big hills). My legs are a little sore today, but I feel great!

Just starting out:                   

The scenery:

Back home (and passed out):

After the run, I walked around a little more while Jack slept. Then we came home and I sat on the porch and enjoyed a glass of chocolate milk. As I sat there, sun shining down on me and staring at my beautiful, sleeping son, I felt at peace. Behind me was a house full of chores needing to be done, but I put it out of my mind to enjoy that moment and what was in front of me. It was wonderful and just what I needed.

I hope to have many more days like this one!

Until next year

Now that it's dark by the time I get home and getting colder, I'm not going to be able to go out for runs. This past weekend was unseasonably warm and I took advantage of it. I realized it'll be one of my last runs of the year. I'll have to figure out what I'm going to do all winter. With all the delicious holiday food and big sweaters to cover you up, it's easy to let yourself go this time of year. I'm determined to stay healthy though! Jack is a great motivator!