5K Training - Week 7, Run 3

So I've been on a short hiatus it seems. But it's only been a week since I've blogged. Not a year. So I'm good :)

On Tuesday I finally went for my last run of Week 7. After many evenings with pouring rain and/or thunderstorms, I didn't get out for my usual runs. I was a bit worried that having been so long between runs, I'd have trouble with my run (it's been awhile, so as a reminder, it was a 5 minute warm-up walk, 25 minute run, and 5 minute cool-down walk). But I'm pleased to announce that it went pretty well! I decided to go for a music-free run, and it went well. I think I run better with no music for some reason. I'm weird like that!

This run I was able to keep the same pace even though it had been close to a week since my last run... I ran 3.73 km in 25 minutes! I was definitely looking forward for my phone to announce that I could stop running for the last 5 minutes of my run! I'm starting to think that running the 5K in 30 minutes this year might not be attainable, but I'm sure going to keep trying.

My only complaint about my running is the back pain I mentioned in one of my earlier run posts. But my complaint has changed a bit... If I DON'T go for a run in awhile, my tailbone is in excruciating pain all. the. time. But if I go for a run, it seems to keep it more in check, and while it is still a bit painful, it is nowhere near as bad as when I don't run. I guess I'm doomed to stay a runner ;)

Corn! Sweet, Golden, Glorious Corn!

It's no secret. I, like most normal human beings, ADORE corn on the cob. And not just a little bit, either. I look forward to this time of year to enjoy this amazing vegetable. With just a little bit of butter and salt (and of course, some toothpicks for the corn that inevitably gets stuck in your teeth!), it's perfect as a side, or even as a light meal on its own.

So you can only imagine my excitement when I read the blog for Bryson Farms (where I get my vegetables delivered from) and it mentioned that corn was now in season and that it would appear in this week's basket.

And, other than only getting 2 ears, this corn did not disappoint! I don't know if it's because I haven't bought any corn on the cob from the grocery store this year (so this was my first cob of the season), but I don't remember corn being this tasty, sweet and tender. Lily loved it, too!

So, what else did I get this week?

• Head of lettuce
• Broccoli
• Kale
• Bag of brown mushrooms
• Big container of heirloom tomatoes (colourful!)
• Bag of small red potatoes
• Basil
• A funny-looking squash
• Zucchini
• Salad greens
• Radish sprouts
• Yellow beans
• Garlic
• 2 ears of corn
• Heirloom carrots
• 1 big yellow onion

Pretty good haul! I am overloaded with carrots, so I'm planning on trying a grated carrot salad (thanks, Nicole!). I may send the recipe to Something New Thursdays over at Mama Lego's blog! I also plan on using some of the kale in a Paleo recipe I'm cooking up for some friends who just had their second baby. Perhaps for the meal plan, some homemade mushroom soup with the mushrooms, some potato salad, and a tomato salad!

Lily is enjoying picking up all the tomatoes, including this ginormous black/green/red one!

Ahhhh. So golden. So tasty.

5K Training - Week 7, Run 2

Wednesday marked the second run of week 7. So close to being done my training, I can taste it! :P I'm pleased to say that this run was easier than my last one. It was less humid, and I was able to just focus on the running and breathing so much more without negative distractions from myself. This time, I decided to use an iPhone app my aunt Monique told me about (thanks, Aunt Monique!) called TuneIn to listen to the radio. Newer songs! Still out loud, though.

This run was slightly faster than my last two! I was able to run 3.75km in 25 minutes. Not bad, but not quite where I want to be, either!

What I may try for my next run is back to old school. By that I mean I was originally running with no music, so I'm going to give that a try and see if it helps my time or concentration. I'll let you know if it helps or hinders my time!

Wordless Wednesday - Oldies but Goodies... Bugs!

I didn't have time to take new pictures today... so enjoy these oldies!

5K Training - Week 7, Run 1

Woo hoo, I've made it to Week 7 of my training! On Sunday, that is :) Just catching up on writing about it now. This week, all of my runs are 25 minutes long with 5 minute warm-up and cool-down walks at the start and finish.

Mentally, this had to have been the most difficult run yet. It was extremely humid outside, even in the evening, and my head just wasn't in the game. I wasn't even 10 minutes running when I started to have thoughts about stopping creeping into my head. It wasn't that my legs were overly tired (tired yes, but nothing more than usual). It wasn't that my lungs had had enough (I've managed to get pretty good control of my breathing so that these runs don't wind me). It was all a mental trick. It's okay if you stop. You can stop part way and walk, it's humid out. No! It's okay if you take a quick minute to walk. No! That will just make it harder! So despite my thoughts, I pushed through and ran the whole way. The last 5 minutes were difficult, and I slowed way down. However, I mapped out my run and found that I'd ran pretty much the same distance as my last run, 3.68km! If I can just keep up the pace I started out with, I could definitely increase my distance in that time!

Yesterday was supposed to be run 2, but there was a lot of rain... so let's hope today's run goes better than the last one!

5K Training - Week 6, Run 3

Phew! Last run (which I did a few days ago now, on Wednesday) was a 25 minute straight run (sandwiched between a 5 minute warm-up walk and a 5 minute cool-down walk). However, I maintain my position of before: One long run is easier than multiple shorter runs! Not having to gear down and gear up again really makes a difference for me. I'm able to just concentrate on my breathing and just keep going.

Once again, I decided to play my music out loud for the enjoyment of everyone. This time, it was easier for me to both focus on my breathing and listen to my music, although I still want headphones and I still want new music on there! :) Maybe I'll take a trip to Place d'Orleans with my gift card I got for Christmas (yes, I still have it!) and get myself a few running essentials. I still need new shoes, which I definitely want before my race!

So the run itself was slower than I had hoped, but I still feel like I did a good job. I ran 3.73 km in 25 minutes. I really hope that I can pick up the pace somewhat so that I can run the 5K in about 30 minutes on race day! A totally achievable goal, I think! I'm hoping that the day of the Army Run will be less hot and humid than my training conditions have been. :)

I haven't taken a post-run picture in awhile. I'm glowing! Nah, it's just sweat ;)

Wordless Wednesday - Orleans at Dusk