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!
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
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Monday
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Tuesday
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Wednesday
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Thursday
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Friday
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Saturday
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Sunday
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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)
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10K
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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!
