I Ran My 5K Yesterday

Hi Everyone, I ran my 3rd race of the year yesterday morning - a 5K. My 11 year old niece happened to be in town, so she ran with me... well, first she ran ahead of me, and then I passed her . We both finished great... my time was 35:51 (14th place out of 23 total runners, 4th out of 7 women in my age group, and 7 out of 16 women overall). Jade's time was 43:42 (17th place overall, 2nd out of 2 women in her age group, and 10th out of 16 women total). I was very proud of her as she had not been training at all - just a spur of the moment type thing. The strange thing was that it was my shortest race and I seemed to be the most tired after this one; I also came in dry heaving for about a minute or two (which never happened before). I'm attributing this to running in colder weather; it was only like 55 degrees yesterday morning, and I am used to running in warm weather or indoors. I think I am taking part in one more race this year - a 5K on October 7th, so I will have to get more outdoor training in for that one. There is also one on Veteran's Day, but that one says the route is more rugged and suggests trail shoes or even spikes, and I don't have or have never run in either. So, I guess the training continues.... Take Care, Tanja

Good for you Tanja! I'm sorry you didn't feel well at the end. But, you did it! And it sounds like you did quite well! I have two more 5K walks this year that I plan on participating in. Next Saturday is the AIDS walk, then at the end of the month is the "Walk From Obesity." I'm excited to do both. Hugs, Lori

Hi Lori, Thanks for the support and good luck on your walks! Even though the races I have done aren't necessarily to raise money for or to support a specific cause, I always have a cause in mind when I run. I have run for obesity, breast cancer, and bringing our troops home safely - especially the love of my life! Have fun; I'm sure you'll do great. Take Care, Tanja

Tanja, Thanks...I'm just so happy I can do them! Lori

Hi Tanja, Congratulations on your 5K.....your story and weight lose is very inspiring. I just had my surgery on 9/28/06 and I am in the beginning process of my journey. Could you share with me what your exercise routine was/is to achieve your weight lose. Thanks, Beth

Hi Beth, Thank you for your support and your kind words. I am so happy that you were able to have surgery; it will be an awesome journey, and I have to say that your destiny is in your own hands now. Honestly, I basically just started out walking for exercise and did it nearly every day. It was slow going at first, but I was gradually able to build up my time and speed. For me, exercise was and is so important on this journey. As I lost weight, I was able to do more things like riding bike, playing tennis and even roller blading (although I am not very good at it - lol). I could never really afford a gym membership; I had a treadmill and exercise bike that never got much use before, but now they do. Just one day while walking on the treadmill, I wanted to see if I could run. I did, but had to hold on - lol, and it was only for like 30 seconds here and there to start with, but again, gradually I was able to build up. Just be patient with yourself and find something that you really enjoy because that will make the exercise seem so much less like work! I mainly run now - on the treadmill and outside; it's something I really enjoy, and I especially like the fact that it is something I would have never dreamed that I could do. So even if I am nowhere near winning a race, it is great just to be able to do it. Please feel free to e-mail me anytime. Best of luck to you. Take Care, Tanja

Hey Tan, Who hoo girlfriend!! I wouldnt have cared if you came in the 84th runner... Its just the fact that you did it!!! And as you already know I am so proud of you for making such an effort and major step like this. you aint gonna have to worry about the "cooler" weather when you get here girl.... I sure can tell you for a fact that you wont see any "dry heaving" down this way lol... only unless you make me run with you at a walmart in there freezer or something lol.... Hugs and Best Buds Marge

Hey Marge, Thanks for always being my cheerleader! I am so looking forward to my trip - only a month away now. Don't worry, I won't make you run, but you might have to drive alongside me in case I pass out from the heat - lol. You know I'm not used to that being from the North Pole and all. My Best "****ry Girl", Tan

Great job Tanya. I have been wanting to get involved in some 5 k runs but I dont think we have them around here at least I havent found any. Found some in the chicago area but I am to far to travel there. You are doing great. Keep up the good work. love marie

Hi Marie, Thank you for your support. I subscribe to Runner's World Magazine, and they list a lot of runs in there. They also have a place to search for runs if you go to www.runnersworld.com . Great job on your accomplishments, as well and congratulations on your wedding (belated, sorry). Take Care, Tanja