5k rundown and birthday lowdown

So exactly 7 days ago I ran my first 5k.  I did well for me.  I ran 36.24!  I had set a goal for myself of 36 minutes.  Then as I got closer and it seemed I was clocking closer to 40 mins in training I back my goal to 40 mins.  I wanted to push myself but not discourage myself.  I also most hit my original goal!  I didn't use my iPhone during the run so I was running blind.  There weren't any markers for how far I had gone.  We finished on a track so I knew I only had 1/4 a of mile left and I kicked into high gear for my finish.  I felt so good!  I really couldn't believe how well I did.  I'm hooked.  I want to train up to a 10k, half marathon and eventually in the future a marathon.  I love the accomplishment I feel when I finish.  I love setting a goal for the run and then meeting it.  I don't think I'll ever be a fast runner but I am a runner.

I've been a bit MIA from blogging lately.  I've got a new part-time job plus I'm enjoying my life.  I use to blog in my free time and now I'm running or running after my Ravebaby.  Life is really good.  Yesterday I had the chance to see The Hates, a punk rock group from Houston.  I had a blast.  On Thursday, I got a henna tattoo, my first.  I had been wanting one and then someone just up and offered to do them so that people could have them for The Hates show.  I love it! 

Today is my birthday.  I've had such a good year.  I feel like I'm finally where I need to be.  I'm not working myself to death for a paycheck.  I'm reaching goals that only a few months ago seems impossible.  What will this next year bring?  God only knows.  What do I want?  I want a baby.  This baby quest has a direct effect on want #2 which is to finish a 10k.  Since I'm not running a 10k yet, I think a baby would derail the training but it's a derailment that I would gladly welcome.  I want to continue to listen to the universe and to learn to keep going with the flow of life.  I want a lot, don't I!  I'm looking forward to seeing everything that comes my way.

My henna tattoo

New job and snakes on the trail

I started a new job today.  It's pretty low key so far.  I feel like I don't know anything, which I don't.  It's part-time and flexible, which is perfect for now.  I'm excited to be working at my church.  I'm giving back while earning just enough to pay a few bills.

My first 5k is Saturday!  I'm so excited and scared.  I'm running every other day.  My best 5k was just over 32 mins on an indoor track.  My best outside trail time was just over 39 mins.  I want to hit 36 mins for the race.  I'm going to keep running.  I'm training in the afternoons in the Texas heat.  I'm hoping that since the race is first thing in the morning, this training time will come to be an advantage.  We'll see.

My last run yesterday I saw a snake!  I don't like snakes.  I screamed.   The snake was going into a tree stump.  Then as I passed a tree something suddenly shook in the tree and I screamed bloody murder, again.  It was a squirrel.  As I rounded the trail near where I had seen the snake I started freaking out and rightly soon.  It was sunning itself!  I screamed again and ran as fast as I could to get away.  Needless to say by the time I needed to kick to finish strong, I had no kick left.  Between screaming and the running away from the snake, I was gassed.  I hope there are no more snakes on my path!

C25k over

I finished c25k on Thursday. It felt anticlimactic. I was so sore from pushing so hard on Tuesday that I ran slower than slow. I did getting done. The worst part was that later that day I felt great. I guess I had worked the soreness out! I'm proud of having stuck it out. I finished 5 days later than my original goal. I lost 3lbs but 2 pants sizes. I feel good about myself. I really started c25k at a low point. I was happy in my job, I wasn't feeling like a good mom or wife. As I ran each session I just felt better. It was my mediation time. I stopped hearing everyone else and I could listen to me and to God. I feel like I'm finally on the right road. So if you want to be a runner then I'm totally recommending C25k. There are lots of versions; just find the one that works for you. I'm signed up for my first 5k. May 19th I'm running! It's been almost 16 years since I ran my last race. I can wait. Now that I'm running again, I plan to keep running. Up next, I need a jogging stroller so I can take Ravebaby along with me. I wonder if I can get DH out there with me too?