10K Complete

By Jennifer Compton
Before Eric and I were lucky enough to get pregnant with Jack, I had added running a 10K to my bucket list.  I postponed it indefinitely when we found out the happy news.  Then, once I returned to work from maternity leave, I found it hard to stay motivated to take more time away from my family to fit in exercise.  I love to do it and needed to so that I could lose the rest of the baby weight.  I decided to check something off my bucket list - a 10K!  

After signing up to run, I logged on to Hal Higdon's training website.  I used the novice plan but started in the 2nd week due to when I made the decision.  I followed it pretty closely, only making changes due to scheduling issues or to add time to my workouts.  

I was pretty nervous that I wouldn't be able to push past the 3 mile limit I've pretty much stuck to my whole life.  I was happily surprised each week as I pushed farther.  The only things that threatened to slow me down were an occasional cramp and I also had some pain in my calf the last week of training.  

Week	Monday	Tuesday	Wednesday	Thursday	Friday	Saturday	Sunday
1	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a
2	n/a	2.5 m run	30 min cross training (elliptical)	2 m run + strength	Rest	40 min cross (elliptical + stationary bike)	3.75 run
3	Yoga 20 min + strength	2.5 m run	45 min cross (elliptical)	2 m run + strength	27 min cross (elliptical)	50 min cross (elliptical)	4 m run
4	25 min circuit training	3.2 m run + .5 m walk	35 min cross (elliptical)	2 m run + strength	Rest	50 min cross (elliptical)	4 m run
5	30 min cross + strength	3 m run	40 min cross	2 m run + strength	Rest	60 min cross (elliptical + stationary bike)	4.5 m run
6	30 min cross + strength	2.8 m run	40 min cross (elliptical + stationary bike)	2 m run + strength	Rest	60 min cross (elliptical + stationary bike)	5 m run
7	45 min cross + strength	Rest	3 m run + .2 m walk	2 m run + strength	Rest	5.9 m run	60 min cross (elliptical + stationary bike)
8	20 min cross + strength	3 m run with jogging stroller	30 min cross (elliptical + stationary bike)	2 m walk	30 min cross (elliptical + stationary bike)	60 min cross (bike ride)	10K

In "week 7", I bought a used jogging stroller so that I could take Jack on my slower runs.  He LOVES it!  I plan to take him a couple times a week going forward.  Plus, I have another 10K at the end of October that will keep me training.  I got the bug!  :)

Race day - ready to go!  We left plenty of time to get there, but traffic was not our friend.  By the time we parked, checked in, etc. I walked up right when the race started.  I had to tell myself not to get nervous!  I could start late even though I did not want to!

My cheering squad, Eric and Jack, took pictures at the finish and inspired me all along the way.  I can't believe I am smiling at the end.  My hip, knee and calf were all bothering me.  I did it though!  My goal was to run a 10 minute mile the entire time.  That is about what I did at home while training and I felt confident that I could stay on pace.  However, the start was very crowded as races always are.  I always want to find a less populated spot which sometimes causes you to run off pace.  When I reached the 1 mile marker, I realized I ran it in less than 9 minutes.  I knew I couldn't keep that pace up and finish running, so I slowed down.  I did a little better when I reached the 2 mile marker, but then much better the rest of the race.  

I finished in 1 hour and 41 seconds.  Not bad!  I am very pleased.  

Afterwards....

Part of the race fee was free zoo admission for me for the day.  The three of us hung out for a couple of hours.  Eric was a good sport.  He is NOT a fan of zoos but tolerated it.  We visited Royal Oak for a yummy lunch at Tom's Oyster Bar afterwards and then a quick stop at the Astoria Bakery.  YUM!

Overall a great time.  I am signed up for a 5K in early October and another 10K at the end of October.  I loved the weather today for the race and can't wait for more races in fall weather!