{5 by the 5th} #1/6

Happy Friday Y'all!!

I've had two [much needed] rest days after running 13.1 on New Years Day!

I headed back outdoors for January's {5 by the 5th} Virtual Race Series, hosted by Mommy Run Fast.
January-June Challenge; Run a 5k or 5 miles by the 5th of each month. Sweet!!

It was cold, it was gloomy, my throat was hurting a little. Where's my Texas sunshine?
I started off with a warm-up, then started a steady slow pace, no route in mind, for an slow 5k.
My garmin took a bit to register the run, but I always back up with 1 or 2 apps (runkeeper/nike+).
I had to run HARD/FAST from random barking dogs, several. And, I seriously thought I was going to get attacked. Sure, some were small little things but mannnn, they kept barking until I was off their street property. Aghhh...I had to watch the 'pavement' with so much uneven areas, I was scared I'd injure myself. It was pretty quiet with minimum cars around, even took it to the city trail, a little peace off the roadways. a little breather with some folks walking.

I gave myself some walking intervals, my calves are still pretty sore, as is my left foot. A little annoyed but manageable. I eased off. I reached the 5k but wasn't close to my finish, so I continued.

The last song on play was P!NK - Try. I can't express how much I love her music and this song especially. (If you haven't heard it; GO NOW, video is linked!) This is also apart of today's FOCUS {2013 Word}, that went into today's gratitude journal entry.

 

These lyrics speak LOUD:

"....where there is desire

there is gonna be a flame

where there is a flame

someone's bound to get burned

but just because it burns

doesn't mean you're gonna die

you've gotta get up and try, try, try..." 

 

 

Even though my run was set for slow and comfortable. I felt a little silly submitting the 4.23 because it was smack in the middle from running a 5k and possibly going further for 5 miles.
Nonethless, I got out there and got.it.done.

[[Currently at 39.87 miles for the Winter 100 Challenge hosted by The Running Mom.]]

[[And, 17.24 for the MRTT 1000 Mile Club]]

Finished Strong; 4.23 in 56:42

"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

 

New Years Resolution Run {13in2013; #1}

Yayyyy-Uhhh!!!

FIRST 2013 [virtual race] half-marathon DONE! [#1 for {13 in 2013}]

As usual, it didn't go as planned, I had set my alarm for 6am!
I went to bed around 9pm, and had a hard time staying asleep.
I didn't get out of the door until 10:30ish.
It was raining. It was cold. It was gloomy. It was PERFECT!

{for the love of the kids; New Year's Resolution Run}
I began my way towards my planned route and realized after a few lights that it was too much waiting around. So, once I reached 6.22 [half-way] point, I decided I would RUN a different route to the 'finish line'. It was actually better. Let me remind y'all that I have not even ran any of these 'routes'. Last summer while in Texas, I had 2/3 different trails (parks) where I'd run. So, these were all new routes, there was some minor hills, yes, even in Texas. The route back, had plenty of surprises but there was less traffic. So, I enjoyed and pushed myself against the growing wind. The temp had dropped too after the rain. I'll admit, I made a few stops to stretch my burning calves. The were on FIRE!!! Whewww. Next up, 5 by the 5th Challenge!

This run wasn't about making time; I was *FOCUSED* to enjoy the time great outdoors, the feet hitting the pavement, it was a FABULOUS start for 2013!!

Finished Strong; 13.1 in 2:43:51

Here's the fabulous bling that will start my 2013 collection!

Hope ya'll got out there and started 2013 with some fabulous miles. Happy 2013!

"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

End of the Year 5k!

end of the year 5k!!
and, I stacked this 5k for two virtual races!! BAM!!

My girls went to dinner with their cousins, so this mama took full advantage of "me time", got dressed and laced up the asics, and headed out. It was dark, and my SIL's neighborhood had several dark areas, minimum lighting. Afterall, we are out in the country. So, I went FAST in some areas and eased off in others (no repeat of a sprained ankle, please). It was still pretty windy but I was getting my run on and I was loving it. got.ir.done.

Finished Strong; 5k in 35:19

 {for the love of the kids} New Year's Resolution Run 5k
My race [bib] packet was mailed to WA and I didn't receive it before we left town. Not to worry, I received my bib number via email, and logged in tonight's 5k. I have the half-marthon that I will be running on January 1st, the whole 13.1 miles, no better way to start 2013 Running [First Race for the challenge; 13 in 2013]!! The medals are fabulous and so is the tee swag. I should be receiving the medals sometime in January; 5k to be added to the 2012 bling and half-marathon will start the 2013 bling.

{FUNd Run 4 Bling} Snowflake 5k
Here's another fabulous race. I have the medal sitting on my counter at home. It was just waiting to be hung with the 2012 bling and I meant to run the race before I left but it didn't happen. So, here it is. Done. I've participated in 5/6 races with this awesome group. And, have more in 2013. Her bling is pretty awesome and the girls are also participating in the kids run.

"Don't wait to for inspiration to find you; BECOME IT!!"

Resolve to Run {#anywhere5k}

{Virtual Race recap} Talk about challenging!!

It took everything I had to get through this 5k! And, I mean everything!
I participated in another fabulous virtual 5k hosted by #anywhere5k. This is race # 4 or 5, I think.

I planned to get this run in on Saturday but after an impromptu night out and hangover, it didn't happen. Yepp, I let loose and paid the price. That's not happening again. Ehh...

So, onto plan #2. Running on a Sunday morning. And, even that didn't go as planned. Baby girl woke up around 4:30am and cried for nearly an hour and 1/2. Ouch! I slept in past my alarms.

I was out the door around 10:30, ran to the store to grab a hat and Chapstick. I can't believe I forgot to pack my running hats! I ran along the country roads, loving the fresh air, the view of grass fields, horses and cows. I was not enjoying the cold wind, it was killing me, my legs were so heavy. I was sweating out the last of the hangover, agh!! I wanted to go longer (in attempt to knock off another virtual 5k) but it didn't happen. And, that's fine.

Finished strong; 3.14 in 36:44!!