I DID IT!!!!!!!!!! MY FIRST 5K in 43:48!!!!!!!!!

ME!!! After running my first 5K!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!43:48!!!!!!!!! Click on the pix to enlargen!! My hair was messy but who cares, I JUST RAN A 5K!! :D


Wow!!! What a moment!! Crossing that finish line today was simply one of the best and most amazing moments of my life!! Tears ran down my cheeks as I saw that finish line and it was within my reach and I felt amazing, full of energy, no aches!! My legs felt strong and I felt like I could run forever! It was amazing!!! I was thinking of my mom and my son, my husband, and my friends and family and my trainer whipping me into shape and the blog and readers/supporters!! I just wanted to run!! There were so many people running for the cure!! All these people (strangers) cheering me on as I got closer and closer to that finish line!

"I'm running!! I'm running and about to cross the finish line of a 5K race", I thought to myself!! I was in disbelief and juiced up on adrenaline!! It was incredible. I looked up at the clock and it said 43:48 as I crossed. WHAT!!!!??? How the heck did I do that??In all the weeks of training, the fastest I ran the 5K was 59minutes. I did not run the entire thing either...there were moments when I walked..but the walks were brisk and short, I REALLY JUST WANTED TO RUN!!! I felt such happiness and pride finishing that race...truly awesome moment!

Okay, so you can tell that I am still on an incredible high here!! Let me back up a bit!! I woke up this morning feeling nervous and anxious about the run but determined non-the-less!! I put on my "runfit" (run + outfit = runfit) and headed to the run site. I took my iPod with me, seeing that I was running by myself, I figured it would help me to stay focussed. I was listening to Robert Ullrey's podcast (the C25K program). I was accustomed to the music so it was great! It really did help as I found that I zoned everything else out and focussed on the run, my form and my breathing!

A little past the halfway point, I felt myself getting tired and quickly gave myself a little pep talk (in my head!!) which went something like this, "you're running a 5K, you registered and actually showed up, you didn't chicken out!! you're doing it, YOU CAN DO THIS, you told everybody you're going to do this so DO IT, NO PAIN, NO TIRED, NO EXCUSES!!!" It was amazing, I felt the energy racing through me. I just can't find the right words to explain the feeling!!

Throughout my 5K training, I truly felt that running was not for me. I didn't find it enjoyable and usually was spent after each training session so I was really worried about how I would perform today!! After today's race, the way I felt - and I don't know if it was a combination of nerves, excitement, adrenaline and determination, but I liked it!! I LIKED IT!! I felt strong and fit!! It was just great!! That "running switch" finally went on!!So will I continue running?? YEAH!! I WILL!! I will definitely continue running because I LOVED the way I felt today!! So to all my runner friends/bloggers who kept encouraging me to keep at it...YOU WERE RIGHT!! If this is the feeling you were referring to , I can definitely get used to it!!Incredible!!

Anyway, today was an awesome day!! I've just completed one of the items on my bucket list!! This gives me great hope that I can achieve so much more. 9 months ago prior to setting out on this incredible journey, I could barely walk to my car, muchless dream of ever running a 5K race. The possibilities are endless! I'm so excited for the future!! AMAZING

Oh, the only bad thing (not really bad, bad), but because of the amount of people participating in CIBC Run for the Cure race, it was difficult to get pix and impossible to get one of me crossing the finish line... WHO CARES??? I JUST RAN A 5K RACE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! YEAH BABY!!!!!!!!!!


Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

My First 5K ~ IT's TIME!!!

Well here we are!! Time sure flies.

This morning I woke up and took a nice long walk - it wasn't too strenuous, just enough to get the heart going and blood flowing!! Tomorrow morning, I will attempt to run my very first 5 K race and I must tell you, as I sit here reflecting on the past 9 months of my life, I'm a bit emotional and a little anxious. I CANNOT believe that I am about to embark on this part of my journey.

For years, I've watched people jogging, running and used to just wish that I would be able to do it!! Well now, I know I can and I have been doing it!! I'm about to run a 5K race!! Now I'm not sure that I will be able to RUN the entire distance, however the sheer thought of me being able to finish this race is enough to amaze me!!

I went to the Running Room this morning to register for the race. I was given a "Run Kit" which consists of a T-shirt and 2 bibs; 1 with my race number (which is 2358) and the other bib is for me to write down the name of the person/people that I am running for. This is the CIBC RUN For the CURE. All proceeds raised will go to breast cancer research! My mom passed away 17 years ago from Ovarian cancer, so I will be running in her honor and for myself!

I will of course be back tomorrow evening to post pictures and an update of my day tomorrow!! I want to take this time to sincerely thank The Veg Next Door for guest writing on this blog. The information you provided was extremely helpful and very much appreciated - THANK YOU :)

That's it for today...
Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!)

5K!!!! Only 1 Week Away

Hey guys,

Well my first 5K is only one week away!! By this time next week I will have finished the race - I hope!!

I will be registering on Friday. I am still quite nervous and really don't feel that I am as ready as I should be. I must be honest and say that I have NOT been as diligent as I should have been with the training. I have been working out regularly (weight training and cardio) but just not so regular with the running training. I'm not sure if I will be able to RUN the entire 5k but I am going to try. Thankfully, I have the option of walking it as well. Realistically, I think it will be a combination of running/walking...my goal is to FINISH (first and foremost), but also to do more running than walking.

At this point, I'm not too concerned about my time. I am hoping that I finish under an hour though!! Even if it's 59.9 minutes, I will be thrilled. Just the thought of being able to FINISH a 5k race, something I'd only dreamed about just a short while ago will be great.

I will take pictures and post them for sure. So that's it for now. I will more than likely post again prior to the race. Start praying for me people!!

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!!)

Race Day Essentials

There are a few more topics that I want to cover but I decided to cover the Race Day Essentials topic because it is that time of year when people are participating in runs or races. So here goes...

Pre-Race Preparation

 Pick up your race package before Race Day (make sure safety pins are enclosed for your bib)
 Experiment with nutrition products (if using any) in the weeks leading up to the race not on race day. Find out from the organizers what products they'll be using
 Set out your race clothes and all equipment the night before the race. Be sure to pick clothes that you have worn before so you know how they fit
 Hydrate and eat well in the two days preceding the race (it's not necessary to eat a box of pasta the night before)

Race Day Essentials

 Runners
 Favourite socks
 Water
 Hat/Visor
 Sunglasses
 Watch
 Heart rate monitor
 TorsoPack
 Sunscreen
 Body Glide
 Nutrition product
 Pace band
 Race number and bib with contact and health information written on back

Race Day

 Relax – You can do it
 Arrive early
 Include a warm up
 Start slowly
 Drink water
 Stay positive and be courteous to other runners
 Finish upright and smiling

Registration for 5K...:)

Hey guys,

The running is coming along....it's still not my favourite thing, but slowly but surely, I'm seeing improvements and that's always reassuring. Well, October 4th (CIBC RUN FOR THE CURE - RACE DAY!!) is fast approaching and I want to get registered. My girlfriend Alison (she's awesome) volunteered to help with coordinating the registration for the race. I will be getting in touch with her shortly and just wanted to get as much information as I can before hand.

When I mentioned this run a few months ago, a few of you expressed interest in running it with me and/or as part of a team! Well it's time...if you were serious and if any of you are interested or still interested, please send me an email to journey2kmine@live.com or leave a comment on this post with your contact (email address) info. I just want to get as much info as possible before setting things up (registration etc.) with my girlfriend. PLEASE LET ME KNOW BY FRIDAY AUGUST 28, 2009!! Thanks!!

Until next time...
Joania (2KMINE!!!)

I THINK, I MIGHT, HATE Running!!

Hi guys....

It has been a little while since my last post....sorry about that.. I want to thank the Veg Next Door for the last post....great stuff!!

Anyway, running..wow...I am still finding it extremely challenging but I AM STICKING WITH IT!!! As depicted in that picture above, when I'm running, in my mind, I'm this strong, fit, powerful runner who can go for miles and miles and then all of a sudden, the reality of my body sets in and I ache. I will get there!! It is getting better but this remains one of the toughest things I've ever done in my life. I set this goal of running the 5K in October and I WILL!! I am determined, but I think after running that 5K, I will have to give some serious thought to whether or not I will train for a 10K. I think I may have to do a quite few more 5K races first!! Even after a month, I still haven't yet totally found my groove.

I was having a conversation the other day with a "seasonned" runner (he's been running for 25 years and loves it). He told me that it's quite normal to feel that way at first and that as long as I am using proper equipment (running shoes, clothing etc,) and utilizing proper form (which Veg Next Door wrote a post about), it should be okay. He's managed to convince me that one day (in the near future), I will be running and will be suddenly struck by the "I LOVE RUNNING" feeling and from that point on I would be addicted! Well I've got about 8 more weeks before my big run - so we'll see.

Anyway, just wanted to touch base and give a quick update. I will stick with it.

Until next time...

Joania (2KMINE!!!)

What to eat?

I hope your running experience is going well. By now you're probably playing around with food and whether it helps or hinders your running. In my own experience I have found that I run best in the morning on an empty stomach. If you're running on a regular basis you might be more hungry than usual. Making good food choices are crucial to nurture your body and help you run more efficiently. So for starters:

- Eat a mostly plant-based diet rich in fruits, vegetables and whole grains
- Choose healthy fats like olive oil and avocado
- Eat red meat and foods high in unhealthy fats sparingly or not at all
- Choose good carbs not refined carbs (whole grains is your friend)
- Choose nuts, beans, quality protein powders (hemp and rice are good choices), fish and poultry as protein choices
- Eat a fibre-filled diet, rich in whole grains, vegetables and fruit
- Calcium is important but milk isn't the only or best choice. Try to keep your body in balance (milk is acidic). Good calcium sources are almonds, greens (such as kale), tofu and broccoli.

Snack Guidelines
It's best to eat an hour before a run. A good snack is easily digested and will settle in your body comfortably such as yogurt, apple slices with a nut butter, banana with about 10 almonds, etc. If you have a troublesome stomach then experiment with liquid snacks such as a good smoothie.

Fluids
Drinking enough water is important. Start your day by drinking two glasses of water before you put anything else in your body. Squirting lemon or lime in your water makes it more refreshing and so is cucumber or orange slices if drinking plain water is difficult for you. When running it's a good idea to bring some water with you, especially if it's hot and/or you're going for a longer run. Remember to drink water during your runs on cold days too. Try to stay well hydrated during the day.

Recovery Snacks and Fluids
It's best to consume carbohydrate-rich foods and fluids within 15 - 30 minutes after your run. Some protein may help glycogen replacement and enhance the process of building and repairing of muscles. Good post-workout snacks include:
- fruit and yogurt smoothie
- whole grain bagel with peanut butter
- chocolate milk

Always remember to watch your portions and keep track of how you feel during a run and adjust your food choices accordingly.

A drink that I love to gulp on a hot day after a run is 1 teaspoon of quality dried wheatgrass with about 1 cup of water. It makes my cells sing.