Weekly update: Catch us if you can!

To see our whole weight loss journey, click here.

Today Shane and I did something that I NEVER thought we'd be able to do...

WE RAN A 10K / 6.2 MILES!!!!

Shane and I participated in the Farm Bureau Holiday 5k and 10k put on by the Robertson County YMCA. It was the third race in a three-race bundle we purchased through the Y. We had originally planned on doing the 5k but decided at last minute to go for it and do the 10k. Our training plan had us doing a 6 mile run this weekend anyways so it really worked out. It was quite a drive to get there, but the course was really pretty, so that made it all worth it. 

Just two weeks ago I was struggling to run a 5k, but the marathon training has really helped. I'm not going to lie, when I have to run my next 3 mile training run on Tuesday, I'm probably still going to struggle a bit. I'm not a great runner by any means. It's just like that time I took a couple hot yoga classes...it's hard to motivate yourself to go, and it's really rough to make it through, but you feel magical after it's over. It helps to think back on past successes to help motivate yourself through the next run. I'll just have to remind myself that I've done it once and I should be able to do it again. 

I tried using an iPod Shuffle for music today instead of taking my phone. I normally stream Pandora and GPS track my run, but that's a lot of unnecessary data usage. The Shuffle worked out nicely, except I realized that most of the music in my library is way too slow for running. I'm going to have to do some major iTunes shopping before next time. 

Our finish times were amazing (for us). Shane finished in 1hr 3 min / 5th in his age group and I finished in 1 hr 12 min / 7th in my age group. The winner finished the run in 38 minutes which is just insane, but I'm also kinda jealous and hope that's us someday. It would be nice to at least place because they're always giving out goody bags that look fun. 

We're already super excited for our next run. There's a Santa themed run we're thinking of doing in December with some of our family and it looks pretty festive and fun. We're going to have to opt for a 5k for this next race, since we're not quite ready for a 1/2 marathon yet. Instead of distance, we'll get to work on our speed. 

I'm really excited to see where this marathon training takes us. It's not going to be easy, and we're probably going to have some setbacks. But we're going to try, and that's what counts. 

Weekly Update: The Training Begins...

To see my whole weight loss journey, click here.

You're only young once, right? So what better time to train for a marathon? 

Shane and I went through the Couch 2 5k training program months ago but haven't really kept up with our running as much as we should. The last 5k we attempted was The Great Pumpkin Run at Shuckle's Corn Maze. While a run through a corn maze sounds exciting and fall-ish, it's a little more tough than we planned. I mean they don't just set you loose in the corn and expect you to find your way out -- the path is clearly marked -- but it's hard to keep going when you are twisting and turning around and around a hundred thousand times. 

I was seeing mostly-straight by this point. 

Shane was an insane person and chose the Tough Pumpkin option. See that larger pumpkin in his hands in the photo above? He had to carry that throughout the whole course. 

Don't we make cute farm animals?

We are now following the Hal Higdon Novice 1 - 18 week program. With any luck, we'll be ready to race a 1/2 marathon sometime around January and finished with the training in time to race a full marathon just in time for the Nashville Rock and Roll Marathon at the end of April.  

Sunday was day 1 of the training, and we successfully completed a 3 mile run!! And with a pretty decent time too, keeping a 12:30 mile pace. I honestly didn't think I'd make it even 2 miles...I am so proud of Shane and myself! After we finished the run, Shane thanked me for motivating him and keeping him going, which is funny because his running motivated me and kept me running! 

I've got two more 3 mile runs and a 6 mile run by the end of this week, so wish me luck! I never thought I'd be able to run, and I've surprised myself so far. I'm not at all sure that I'll make it a whole 26.2 miles, but I'm sure gonna try.