R is for Ronnebeck!

So... this past month I sent an e-mail to my co-workers trying to talk them into going to the Ugly Sweater 5K with me. I registered right away knowing that weather or not I could talk anyone into going with me I was going! This is my element - CHRISTMAS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!  Although, the Reindeer on my shirt was a little phallic... it was nothing compared to the snowmen carrots on this lady. This little guy was totally into it! This was our start line!  This guy was a pretty good Dj - he kept everyone pretty happy and hyped up! The 5K was more like a 2 miler... but it was still a ton of fun - lots of great Christmas music at every stop and an abundance of Hot Cocoa! Dawn isn't much for getting her photo taken - but I was loving this thing too much not to take a couple! Lots of cheerleaders at the finish line! It was fun to come through that Candy Cane! This was the "Snow

So.... In my Christmas Haste... I just signed up for THIS! You know you WANT to JOIN me! If you do... Follow these steps to sign up for a mere $24 (instead of the websites $39!) 1. Go to https://www.livingsocial.com/events/cities/27-seattle/898418-ugly-sweater-run-seattle-entry-for-one?msdc_id=27-seattle and buy this deal (for $22) 2. Go to http://theuglysweaterrun.com/locations/seattle-washington/#.Un0iPD-hSUk and click "Register" 3. Purchase 1 ticket, and enter the (Living Social) promotional code in the space provided, then pay the $2.50 processing fee... and you're IN! 4. Find an ugly sweater and let's make a plan to meet at Magnuson park!

Who really pays attention to elevation near your home? I guarantee you will pay closer attention once you start running! I found a wonderful flat run tonight! Thrilled! Ps: doing week 2 over again was a great idea! 

Me at Christmas, me just last week! 

I decided that I was going to do week 2 over again to work on my running technique, AND because week 2 was hard, and I want to reach the end of this program being able to run 3 miles without struggling.   I wanted to  do the "See Jane Run 5K" in July, but I think I want to run better for longer more than that. So whatever 5K is in my future is there... I'm not going to push it.

Today I finished Week 2... I got my "Running buddy" which is an arm band for my iPod, and unintentionally, I got my first blister. I need better shoes.  Today I ran 2.41 Miles - I think I'm going to do week 2 over again just to get my running technique down, I'm not really against a time frame here, Just training myself to be healthier / better. About half way through my run I need to give myself "pep" talks. I clap for myself, tell myself how awesome I am, you know anything to keep myself at a jog. I really do love this, but some days are harder than others.

Today was difficult... My interval running was up to 90 minutes jog, 2 minutes walk. Toword the end I had a hard time pushing out the running... Glad I finshed, even if not super strong. I went 1.87 Miles, and completed the circut. That makes me happy.   Also, Check out the awesome run mix I made on my iPod... whatever keeps you moving!

But the numbers on my scale today sing victory! 40 Pounds lost in 5months!!!

I always kind of scoffed at people when they said running helped their mood. The only thing running ever did for me is make me irritated, mostly because I had to run. I came home from a really awful day of work today, and I was irritated, angry and on the verge of tears. I put on my running gear and headed out to my "back yard" which is Des Moines Elementary recess park, and I completed Day two of my C25K. I walked, ran, and cheered myself on when needed... and my anger, melted away with each lap, when I came home I was smiling from ear to ear. I still feel irritated... but the anger is gone. I now know what people mean, and I'll quit scoffing. Day 2 of 24!

So... I'm not sure that I'm turning into Forrest Gump anytime soon, but I went for my first run today.  It sucked.  Mostly because I live in the Pacific Northwest and the weather here is so damn unpredictable. It started out windy, and rainy, but by about halfway through It was POURING. I came home drenched, my legs hurt, my knee hurts but damn it I did it! Day 1 of (many) 24!   I downloaded an app on my cell phone called C25K it helps you train to run 5 K in 8 weeks. The plan is to run 3 times a week until you're running 3 miles in one day.  I look optimistic about it... don't I? I'll check in once a week, and let you know how it's going, but I have to say I ran / walked nearly 2 miles today after zero exercise, and I am feeling it, but I am not dying (yet). An even bigger milestone is that this is the first "Real" hard (i.e. impact) exercise I have had on my knee since I blew it out skating. Ice is wonderful, an