Lifetime Fitness Reindeer Run

I have to do a plug for my gym's annual winter run! Lifetime sponsors a "Reindeer Run 5K" in Dublin, Ohio, on December 19. It's a Sunday, and the race starts at 9am (normal Lifetime Run Club meeting time!) I believe my whole running group will be participating. The race benefits Toys for Tots. See below for info - you can click the icon to go to the event page. Come on out - I am sure it will be cold, but fun. I think I may even try to find some antlers to wear. The fuzzy kind on a headband - not real antlers.

Ready to Race!

Today, I finally registered for the Triangle's Race for the Cure to be held on June 14, 2008 at Meredith College in Raleigh. I will be running in the Competitive Open 5K that will start at (gulp) 7:00am. It appears that I will have some company in the race - I believe Lauren will be participating, and Meredith may as well. I think this will be a great event for us to do together! I finished Week 5, Day 2 of training yesterday, so by June 14, running 3.2 miles should be no problem at all. I just want the race to be an enjoyable one and not miserable due to my inability to go the distance. Although we are entered in the Competitive division, the only competition I will be participating in is with myself. I want to finish and not feel like I want to fall over and die. But, by doing the competitive event, you get a timing chip to put on your shoe, so you eventually get a real race time to know how you did. Also, fewer people sign up for that race, so the road is a bit less crowded.

If you are interested in giving, please click HERE (or click on the picture above). When you get to the page, just click on "Support Michelle!" above the donations gauge. I set my initial fundraising goal at $200, and I would sincerely appreciate it if you help me get there. This is for a great cause. And if you can't contribute for whatever reason, on Saturday, June 14, just send some good vibes to all the runners and me!

Couch to 5K update

For those interested, I am now on Week 3, Day 2. I have stuck to it so far!

Next item on the "To-Do" List - another 5K

The last time I did a 5K was over 3 years ago. I ran the Susan Komen Race for the Cure in Raleigh. As mentioned some time ago in the post about the passing of Lista Yarbrough, I have been inspired to run again this year. Lista's passing really struck me - she was so young and so full of life - yet, breast cancer still took her from this world. Therefore, in June of this year, I will again be running the Race for the Cure. I will set up a team soon and start asking for donations - so beware!! Therefore, on June 14, my Dad's birthday, I will hit the pavement and hopefully make a decent showing at the race (decent showing meaning I run for 95% of the race and actually finish).

With that being said, it is time to train. Although I run a few times a week as it is, the most I normally run is about a mile and a half, two miles if I am feeling saucy. To make it the full 3.2 miles, I need to work my way up to doing so. So, starting yesterday, I am now on a "Couch to 5K" program. I made my own spreadsheet based off the recommended system at www.coolrunning.com. Even though the couch is not really my starting point, a regimented system that gives me a workout for the next 9 weeks will be very helpful in getting my endurance up where it needs to be. Yesterday's workout resulted in a full 2.5 mile workout, and whew - it kicked my butt a bit. As my loyal readers, I ask that you question me about this - ask if I am keeping up with it, etc. I really want to run this race and not make a fool out of myself (as Lauren and Meredith, both experienced runners, will probably do the race, too), so please encourage me!!

(Here's a screenshot of my running program - if you want the full spreadsheet, just let me know, and I will be happy to send it to you! You can also see a larger version of the spreadsheet by clicking on the picture above.)