5K Recap: I did it!

I’m about a week late posting the results of my first 5K. The best part was my kids got to run prior to me heading to the starting line. It wasn’t a long run but both of them participated. It was great to see that they wanted to be like mom! My older son finished his race and told me that he wants to practice running so he can run a 5K with me.

It wasn’t the best of weather. There was a steady rain for most of the morning. Actually, up until the start of 5K the rain stuck around. I was nervous to say the least. I had two friends running with me. We were all going to start together but take off at our own pace once the crowd spread out.

The race started… Within the ½ mile, I had gotten a cramp in my calf and had to walk. It wasn’t a good start but that wasn’t the end of the bad. The 5K flyer had mentioned a flat course but when we turned the corner there was a hill. It was course that you ran out turned around and came back the same route. I knew if I ran down it – I was eventually going to have to run up it but not before having to run up a steeper hill. What happened to the flat course?!?! Flat because it was pavement versus a trail? I walked more than I had planned. My plan, since I hadn’t run since Thanksgiving Day, was to run a couple minutes, walk 1 minute. At times my walks were much longer.

I finished in 39:07 minutes. Not great but I finished which was my goal. My goal is to keep getting quicker and better because my ultimate goal is to run it without walking.

Since the day of the race, I have not run any! It’s sad but right now there are things going on in my life that are way more important. Hopefully within the next couple weeks (or maybe even today), I can take a half an hour and put it towards running so I can get on with my next 5K!

Giving It Another Try

My first 5K was a bummer. I did not get to run. I had to take my youngest son with me that morning so we cheered on a few runners that I knew. The best part though my money went to support a great organization.

I have signed up for the next 5K in the area – the Panerathon 5K. All proceeds benefit the Children's Hunger Alliance.

I’m not really out to “win” the race but to finish it. Since this is my first 5K, I don’t want to set a time to beat that’s not realistic for me. I know my time when I run the same distance on my treadmill in the privacy of our garage while watching a good show on television. I don’t see that being the same when I’m nervous, anxious and surrounded by a crowd of people. Plus I haven’t ran since Thanksgiving Day when I was wrapped up the Macy’s Day parade and ran a 5K plus! I plan to get at least 2 runs in prior to Saturday morning *fingers crossed*. I’ll be back to let you know how it goes.

I almost forgot to add that the special bonus of the Panerathon is that my kids will be running as well. They have a special kid’s ¼ mile run prior to the start of the 5K. My kids asked to run which I think is great. I wouldn’t force my kids to run since I’ve always hated running. It’s great that they see the benefits of running and doing it for a great cause.

While I’m on the subject of running, I was asked the other day - why a 5K? For me, it’s quick (and hopefully painless). I think this will be the motivation that I need to get back into my fitness routine. Once I have a race time, I will set out to beat it (yes, I have a competitive drive). I found this article that I thought was interesting too.

Works for Me: Free Gym Memberships - Updated

UPDATED 2/10/09 - Bally Fitness is now a 7-day free guest pass versus the 2 week guest pass that was available.

Back in April of 2008, I brought you this list of free gym memberships. Free gym memberships work for me! I like to add a little variety to my workouts and try new things. Depending on the gym, you may get access to a trainer. Since these memberships can range from a day – 30 days, I use this time to ask questions and get ideas of what I could do to help me lose weight (plus use their equipment). There is a catch to these FREE memberships. They will hassle you into purchasing a membership. If you are open with them and tell them upfront that you are not currently interested in joining, they normally leave you alone.

Anyways, since it's the start of a new year and many people usually have getting in shape, losing weight, or getting healthy as one of their resolutions. I’ve updated my small list of some fitness clubs/gyms that offer free trial memberships. I have found that just about any fitness club will give you a day or week free trial – just ask.

Another way to find free gym memberships in your area, is to search Gym Ticket for gyms/fitness centers in your area.

Urban Active Fitness – 14 Days of Fitness Guest Pass (bottom right corner)

Anytime Fitness – 7 days pass

LA Fitness – 3 day free pass (must be consecutive days)

24 Hour Fitness - 7 day free trial

Fitworks - Free 21 day Membership (bottom left corner)

Bally’s Total Fitness - Free 7 day guest pass

Dolphin Fitness Clubs - Free 7 day membership

NeoLimits - Free 5 day trial membership

Gold’s Gym – 1 day free membership

Free Stroller Fit Class – find a location near you, register then print your coupon

Ideal Fitness – 1 week free pass

Fitness 19 – 5 day guest pass (For locations, www.fitness19.com)

Fitness First (Ohio location) – Free week membership and free Yoga class

GlobalFit - 1 day free pass

Fitness First - 1 day free pass

Premiere Ladies Fitness (Ohio) – I didn’t find anything on their website but they almost always offer a free 30 day membership. I tried them out years ago on a 30 day free membership.

Free Webinar featuring Kim Lyons

The People's Guide to Health Happiness and Longevity Featuring America's Favorite Personal Trainer, Kim Lyons on live webinar Tuesday, July 17th.

You'll learn:
• How to replace old unhealthy habits with new life-changing habits
• How to lose weight and achieve your fitness goals without dieting.
• How to avoid supermarket blunders and when it’s ok to give into your food weaknesses.
• How your relationships affect your ability to commit to a diet and exercise plan and what you can do about it.
• Simple exercises that you can do at home without purchasing home fitness equipment.

According to the ad on Kim’s website, ou will get 2 FREE gifts with registration. Hurry – don’t delay! This is a FREE webinar but space is limited. Click here to register.

If you can't make the webinar, you can find some helpful fitness and nutritional tips on Kim's website. Check 'em out.

Don't forget about her book "Your Body, Your Life" The 12 Week Program. You can purchase a copy here. I have a copy and started reading it last night...so far, we'll worth the money! paid!

Fitness on Friday - 4/25/2008

It's Fitness on Friday over at Bye Bye Fat Mom. I missed the last couple Fitness on Friday posts. Last week was a good week for me. I got my workouts in and had weekly allowance points left. I've felt really good after my workouts. It has actually given more energy and at times too much.

I did report a 1 pound weight loss on Wednesday. I'll take it but I was really hoping for more (aren't we all!). I just hope I can get some better results over the next couple weeks since we head to the beach in 6 weeks. I was able to get into the capris that I wore last year (size smaller than I am currently wearing). It felt good - I may not be losing the weight that I want but the inches are making up for it.

My goals for this week are to eat better over the weekend and get more exercise this weekend. I'd also like to go to a few fitness classes but not sure if my schedule is going to allow that this week. I need to make some arrangements with the kids to be able to do it.

Hopefully, everyone out there hasn't given up and reached for that bag of chocolate candy (like I used to do). Good luck to everyone on the fitness and weight loss goals that they have.

Fitness on Friday - 4/4/08

It's Fitness on Friday over at Bye Bye Fat Mom. This week has been a better week for me. I've got my workouts in, even if it meant getting up at 4:00 am. Not really a big issue for me, I normally get up at 4:30 am. I've felt really good after my workouts. It has actually given more energy and at times too much. I reported a weight loss on Wednesday, my new weigh in day. I'm hoping to report another next Wednesday.

I have found that I am emotional eater. I eat when I am stressed. Actually, I love to reach out to the chocolate when I am stressed. I eat it like Pringles..."once you start, you can't stop". To save myself, I have removed all the chocolate candy from the house. I was known as the "super" co-worker for a couple days while the candy dish stayed full of chocolate! I also eat when I am bored. This normally happens at work. I normally don't have a lot of work to do so I've started to find other things that will keep me busy for hours (or until the boss calls).

My goals for this week are to continue with the working out and a little more variety. I'd like to start taking the classes again but the instructor is a hard so I think I'll wait a couple more weeks. I don't need my body to breakdown on me. I would also like to see a 1-2 pound weight loss.

12 Quick Ways to Burn 100 Calories

1. Spend 40 minutes dusting your house
2. Play Frisbee for 30 minutes
3. Go on a 15 minute hike or brisk walk
4. Iron clothes for 40 minutes
5. Jump rope for 9 minutes
6. Rake leaves for 18 minutes
7. Climb stairs for 10 minutes
8. Practice Tai Chi for 23 minutes
9. Vacuum all the floors in the house for 35 minutes
10. Practice yoga for 17 minutes
11. Go grocery shopping for 25 minutes
12. Dance for 20 minutes