In January 2006, I started the program known as Couch to 5k.
I participated in 2 events during 2006, first on June 4th, the St. Louis Zoo 5k. I finished the race, at just under 38 minutes, or a 4.9 mph average speed (and, I didn't come in last, which was my big worry!). In late July, I completed a 10k (!!!) in Chicago, with Jaime, Mary (grover), Sheila (vasma), and Amy (spinrgrl) as part of the Fleet Feet Sports Women's Festival. I finished the race, at 1:37:56 at a 15:46 pace (or 3.9 mph), and again, didn't come in last! It was SO hot, and I'm just amazed I did it - Big congrats to all of Team Tiara for being there!
For 2007, I've already got some events planned. First, I'll be starting back up with training, since I've SERIOUSLY been slacking in that area. If you're curious, go here to see my planned training schedule (it's a combination of the last part of the C25k program, plus Hal Higdon's training schedules for novices for both 5k & 10k races).
In March, I'll be doing TWO events (I'm shocked, myself). The St. Patrick's Day Parade Run in downtown St. Louis, and then two weeks later, I'll meet up with Jaime in Quincy, IL for the Bridge the Gap to Health 5k & 10k. In June, I'll be traveling to Jaime's neck-of-the-woods (Duluth, MN), and supporting her as she runs her first marathon: Grandma's Marathon. Personally, I'll be walking/jogging the half-marathon, if I'm lucky.
I'm NOT a fast runner. Jaime (my biggest supporter with the whole running thing) lent me one of John Bingham's books: The Courage to Start. I HIGHLY recommend this book. I'm a proud Penguin, and will never be in the front of the pack, but I'm trying. And that's still remarkable to (and enough for) me.
