Running with Friends = Awesome!

Today was the first major run since the race last Sunday. I really wanted to rest and let the body recover so I just worked on cardio and some strength training this week. Did a lot of walking -- 12 miles in fact. So today was the day to get back in the saddle.

First stop: Weight Watchers meeting. I couldn't resist but to wear the WW race tech shirt that I got. I got there and weighed in.... DOWN 3.8lbs! W00t! I was really happy! That put me over the 85lbs lost milestone! So during the meeting, there were 3 other people who walked the race; I was the only one who ran it. So it was cool that they gave us a nice 5K trinket to mark the accomplishment. After the meeting, I chatted with a couple of the guys about exercising and progress and such. It was the first time since joining this WW meeting group that I felt a part of the group (I have only joined this particular meeting group about three weeks ago).

After the meeting, it was time for my long run. Thankfully, my friend Mark agreed to run with me (and I mean, 'run'). So I walked to our meeting corner, so I could warm up, and we started our run. Mark is a good runner and I appreciated that he let me set the pace (which is much slower than his usual). He wanted me to try to run the entire distance -- we planned for 4 miles -- without a walk break if possible. I told him that I hadn't even attempted a constant 'run' that long before but I would give it a shot.

The first 7 minutes were at a faster speed than I was used to -- 10:37 -- so I had to take a 1.5 minute walk break. Then I adjusted my speed to something a little more sustainable -- 12:35 -- and we ran at that average rate for 3 miles! I couldn't believe it! I actually ran consistently for 38 minutes without a walk break! Then we slowed it down a bit and took on a nice hill around the last 1/2 mile or so.

Mark was great. We talked strategy and tips, how to approach dealing with hills, and how to stay on pace. He shared some of his run history, which was fascinating. Of course, this was pretty easy for him so he could talk freely. Me, I was concentrating on breathing and not talking nearly as much. But it was all good! When we finished, he was up to running with me more so I am definitely going to take him up on that. I know he will challenge me, in a safe way.

Got home, did some stretching, took a shower, and had some breakfast. What a great way to start the weekend!

Oh yeah, yesterday I stopped by the Pearl iZumi Factory Store on my way home from the office, hoping I could find a few more shirts and shorts to wear. I was worried it would cost me a fortune. So I get there, and the place is awesome! The guy there, Tyler, showed me a bunch of stuff and then we went to the clearance/sale racks. They had TONS of stuff there that he had just shown me -- but here they were all 50% or more off! So I got nice Infinity Tech Shirts for like $15 each! I ended up getting three shirts, two pairs of running shorts, and a good running hat at a great price! FTW!

"Walking" Wednesday

Today was a little different. I was scheduled for my usual TEAM Weight Loss cardio class. When I got there, Meghan said "Let's take a power walk outside for something different." So even though the weather looked like it was going to rain any moment, we set out for our fast walk. I brought some hand weights with me to keep my arms working as I walked. We ended up walking 3.3 miles in about 48 minutes and ended with stretching in the club. We got back to the club just in time before the heavy rains started! Of course, that meant I ended up driving to work in the storms afterwards. Oh well...

Meghan wanted to make sure I took it easy this week. She is worried my enthusiasm over running might cause me to overdo it right after running the 5K race. She wants me to be smart and to avoid any injuries. So I will be smart.

Of course, after work was the regular Wednesday "Walk Club" activity at 7PM, where the runners and walkers head out and do our thing for a specified distance. Today, I joined the walkers (Meghan's suggestion, cuz I wanted to run) and we walked almost 2 miles. It was a little chilly at 55 degrees but it felt great.

Meghan and I were walking pretty fast, leading the group as we talked about my training and how I would handle the upcoming change in my routine -- my 10K training program starts next Wednesday. Once I know what this training program requires, then Meghan can help me integrate that into my other exercise activities so that I keep things balanced and avoid overtraining. I am lucky to have a marathoner for a Personal Trainer!

We are thinking that my new schedule would be TEAM Weight Loss cardio on Mondays and Fridays, Strength Training on Wednesday mornings, 10K Training on Wednesday evenings, interval runs on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and my long runs on Saturday mornings. Sundays will be my Scheduled Rest Day. But this will be fine tuned once I know what the 10K Program will entail.

So today was definitely not my usual workout but I was content to take it easy but still get in 5 miles of walking and burn about 700 calories. That will make up for the Lemon Meringue Pie I ate at Bakers Square for lunch. (Come on, a guy has to treat himself every now and then, right?)