Run Mama Run

I have one week left to train for the Autism 5k that is next Saturday. I haven't ran in a race since December 2007, so I am hoping I can complete the whole thing. I have been training for this 5k since we got back from our trip to Arizona, which has almost been two months. And considering I was sick for a whole MONTH, I could really use one more month to feel comfortable with next weekend. But I'm gonna jump in anyway.

I headed out to run this morning. I love running in the morning much better than any other time of the day. I just feel as if I am not weighed down by the accumulation of food and beverages all throughout the day. And honestly if I am going to run in the afternoon, I really don't want to starve myself all day. Food really gives me side cramps and such when I run. I learned a few weekends ago it's not a good idea to have a few pieces of pizza and some cinnamon sticks and then try to run a few miles. Dragging my legs and feet! All while toting Eli in the stroller. Doesn't work. The morning of the race I plan on having a cup of coffee, a small piece of toast with peanut butter, and maybe a glass of orange juice. I'll be good to go!

I've managed to make it two and a half miles as of today in 25 minutes! That means I am way faster than I thought I was (which means I am definitely slowing down for race day). I still have to make it another .7 miles before the race. I might try tomorrow, we'll see how I feel.

I love running. It's so incredible when you get to the end. It definitely is physical, but I think it's very mental as well. I am constantly pushing myself farther and farther. Keep going, keep going, just past the mailbox, oh look at the birds, I love this song, wow their yard looks nice, etc, etc. It's just nice to escape from everything else and focus on breathing regularly and keeping one foot in front of the other. I was even thinking about my friend Heather today while I was running. She is training for a half marathon (13.1 miles for all you non-runners out there). She just ran a 10k today which is 6.2 miles. It's very inspiring and actually pushed me to run just a little bit more.
I would also like to run a half marathon by my 30th birthday, which is next August.

I'll let you all know how race day goes!