Crushed it.

I had my third 5k race this year today. I ran the local YMCA's 5k. 

So I forgot to take any pictures. Except of my socks..

Neon thorlo socks are the bomb, I'm telling ya.

I had three goals. 

1) Beat my previous 5k time (34:30)

2) Beat my Garmin 5k time of 32:11

3) Come in under 30 minutes.

I did all three of these things! 

Finishing Time: 29:33

Now this isn't fast to most people. My dad, who hasn't run for years, easily ran right along side me. I finished 5th in my age group. Of 6...

I know running is a "me" sport, where you are only competing against yourself, but it is difficult to never compare yourself to other runners. I train more than a lot of people and run a lot slower than them. Like, a lot. A whole lot.

But my wonderful boyfriend (more on him later!) put it in perspective for me. He said "Don't worry about what other people can or can't do. You still had fun doing it, and your goals are your goals, when you pass them, still be excited because you accomplished something you set out to do and you're one step closer to a minute faster." 

Sometimes we all need to take a step back and stop comparing ourselves to others. I'm going to try to focus on my accomplishments, not other people's. 

Why I am amazing: A selfish rant about what I CAN do and not what I can't.

1. In February, I couldn't run half a mile without stopping. With the help of couch25k, I can now run an entire 5k! That was only four months!

2. In April, I had a bad 5k, and started off way too fast. My time was 36:07. That means, in less than 2 months, I was able to shave over 6 and a half minutes off my 5k time.

3. In the months since I started running, I have noticed positive changes in my body, in my energy levels, and most importantly in my happiness and my confidence. To me, that is the most important thing about running.

So I guess you could say, with this 5k, that I crushed it.

Okay I need this shirt from old navy. Except there were only mediums and it was so long.

I got some sports bras & shorts though. Active sale for the win.

How was your Sunday? How do you focus on your goals and not other's times?

~Emily

Rain, Rain Go Away!

Not my photo

This picture was taken near my house. This morning, Chicago got the most crazy rain. I don't know if flooding has ever been this bad in the town I live in. It surely hasn't in my lifetime. School was canceled and I am stuck in my house all day. I hope everyone is okay. It seems like it's just one thing after the other these days. Terrible things. There have been a lot of deaths due to trains where I live recently, and then the horrendous news of the Boston marathon bombing, and now this flooding.
I don't know what to say, I really don't. We just need to keep moving. Keep running. Stay positive.

Needless to say, I won't be using my early birthday gift anytime soon...

MY NEW BABY <3

 I have done a 4 mile long run on this and a 3 miler too. I LOVE IT. I have nothing but good things to say about the Forerunner 10 and the garminconnect website! Thanks mom (:

I had nothing to do so I ate lunch at 10:00... Oops. At least it was a Eat Clean meal!

Today, school was cancelled because of the weather, so I have taken advantage of the lazy day to catch up on blogs and friends, and now to blog. Looks like I won't be running outside today. Yesterday I did Speed at the YMCA and today it looks like I will be lucky if I can even get to the YMCA at all!

I have plans to run a 10k on June 1st or June 2nd, and I am using this training plan from Women's Health. I love that it says intermediate, it makes me feel very proud of myself. (; I am on week 2 so far.

I run the Komen for the Cure 5k on Mother's day, so I am also hoping the training plan will help me achieve a faster time for that. Crossing my fingers for under 30:00!!


Have a thrilling Thursday!
I hope everyone is safe and well during these storms.

-Emily

A good start.

I've been two weeks in to the Couch to 5k program: and I am so excited.

It's only been TWO WEEKS but I can already see myself improving. I can go longer without feeling tired, and I am running slightly faster. The biggest improvement is that my legs don't hurt when I run now. During and after the first run, I have to admit, they hurt a little! Not a bad hurt, but the kind of hurt that happens when your muscles are working hard and then have to repair themselves. (I think.... Health class, did I remember that correctly? Haha!) These improvements are only little ones, but they keep me motivated to keep this up. 

How do I do it? I get up at 5:15 Mondays and Fridays and I go with my dad to the YMCA. Normally I get up around 6:30 or 7, so I thought getting up at 5:15 would be impossible...... But Pinterest was there to save me! (: I found some tips for getting up early. The ones I like and have used the most are:

1. Pack your gym bag the night before. 

2. Sleep in your workout clothes or have them right next to your bed.

3. Turn on a light as soon as your alarm wakes you up.

and the most important....

4. GET SOME SLEEP (: I go to bed between 9 and 10 the nights before I'm going to get up at 5:15. This is really the most important part to getting up early!!

Surprisingly, I'm not tired the days I run. In fact, by the time I get to school at 8, I am much more awake than I would normally be! My energy seems to last all day too. Also, maybe it's just luck, but I seem to have a more positive outlook on the days I work out in the mornings. (:

Have you tried the Couch to 5k program?

What motivates you to run?
What are your tricks to getting up early?
Are you happier on the days that you work out?

Have a marvelous day!

Emily