Thursday, March 05, 2009

Run, Cowgirl, Run!

Well, it happened. I've been starting this running program, Couch Potato to 5K for the last 3 weeks. I really like the program. Basically, you are supposed to start as a couch potato, and end up being able to run 3 miles (5K) in 9 weeks.

So, yesterday was aerobics and it was, as usual, a hiney kicker. But, it was also so invigorating and I love it when my hair and shirt are soaked with sweat because I feel like I've done something!

After aerobics is over, I usually stay and visit and yesterday as no exception. A sweet friend, Lauren, asked for a favor. And to make a longer story shorter, she asked me to run in the Oklahoma City Memorial Marathon. No, not a full marathon for me; I would just be running a 5K leg of a relay-style marathon.

Now, for you runners reading this, I know 3 miles is nothing, but I must say I am scared to death! I know it's silly, but I'm just picturing us being the slowest team because of me.

And on another hand, I am SO excited to have something to train for and then accomplish.

Are you a runner? If so, take a minute and leave a comment if you have some advice or tips for me. Oh, and I also am looking at new running shoes. I already have one suggestion, but I want to get several opinions before I buy.

19 comments:

  1. I have to say I am not a RUNNER. I ran a whole 5 minutes the other day on the treadmill and that was a great day for me. I am a baby, but I am striving to run more.As for workout shoes I wear adidas, they are very comfy for me but I am thinking of trying a new brand this next go around for something different, so I will be reading to see what others comment about that. I have sure missed you, everywhere.We just can't seem to get our times down. I will be at the gym this afternoon. Maybe see you then.

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  2. I have been running lately as well. I ran for about 5 minutes straight the other day (but the great part was I wasn't tired or winded and it didn't hurt- and for me that is amazing!!!

    I wish I was in Childress b/c I would join in with ya! See ya this weekend!

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  3. GOOD LUCK! I wear Brooks and love, love them. They were purchased at a "running" store and had a man fit me in them. He was great and put me in the perfect shoe for me. The fitting was really interesting and I highly recommend it. Maybe some day they will get used for what they were intended.

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  4. yay charla! my family did a relay marathon once and it was a BLAST! and that is what matters :)

    i love brooks or mizuno.

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  5. So I've dabbled in running a bit, nothing professional or anything-more like jogging. I'm working up to the Beach to Bay relay in Corpus. I think each leg is 4.4 miles. I ran 2 yesterday-just need to get my speed up for sure. It is a great way to lose weight and motivating once you get past the part of it hurting so bad. The 2 month mark is a good one for me. I LOVE Asics and swear by them. I've had the 1130's, 2030's..I think. My favorites were my Gel-Nimbus. Of course they were over $100 plus I would highly recommend replacing the insoles in whatever you buy. It is worth the extra $. I will only wear Asics now...so that is my pick! Wish we were closer and we could "train" together.

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  6. 2140's...not 2030's. I want the new Nimbus ones...but I'll have to wait a few months...

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  7. I am also a huge fan of Asics. They are the best tennis shoes I have and now I refuse to buy anything else. I am preparing for my first 5K this month. I know that I will be walking and jogging it though. I am not so much worried about my time as much as accomplishing something that I have been wanting to do for a while now. Good luck.

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  8. Fyi Charla. I'm a Brooks fan, not for running obviously but they have them at the Walking Shop in Amarillo. The people do the special shoe fitting and orthotics even. You might try getting the correct sizing and trying on a pair there. And it is on Western Street so a visit would be in order!

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  9. GOOD FOR YOU, WOMAN!!! i am definitely NOT a runner. but i feel ya on the intense group workouts that leave you drenched in sweat! LOVE THEM! just now getting back into it after a LOOONG hiatus! good luck, charla!!! i'll be cheerin you on!

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  10. Hey Char,

    I have to jump on the Asics bandwagon! Good/snug in the middle, and give a little extra room in the toes/ball area.

    I think the order you are doing this is BEST! My best motivator to run is to enter a 5K. We had a corporate challenge a few years ago, and I got roped into running. I was terrified of looking like a failure, and just shot for being able to run a 10min mile. I ended up beating the guy who organized it, and staying close to the 'good runners'. Your adreneline will be pumping - you will love it and be sooo proud of yourself.
    Next step - sign up for another one!

    I am going to look now and see if there is one going on soon here!

    Love and miss!
    You'll be a-mazing!

    Sal

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  11. OHHHHHH! go girl!
    i am a nike girl thru and thru.
    i have the ones where you put the chip in your shoe and it is connected to your i-pod. everytime you hit a mile marker it interrupts your music and tells you how far you have done. LOVE.IT. it makes my runs so so so fun!
    you are going to do great. you will be surprised at how easily you will be able to run 3.1 in a couple of weeks.

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  12. Hey Charla,
    I saw the link on Amy's blog about the same time I was getting the bug to start running. I just finished week 4 of the Couch potato to 5k plan. I was really shocked that I was able to do this week but will be even more surprised if I am able to do next week.
    I need new running shoes too so I will be checking back to see what other people say. It looks like Brooks is the winner so far.

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  13. I'd just like to say that I think you'll do AWESOME in OKC. You'll love it and I can't wait to hear how you do.

    Proud of you!

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  14. One more thing... make sure you have a good pair of running shoes ... a newer pair, not one you've had for a couple of years. That's the best advice you can ever take.

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  15. Jason and I will be at the OKC Memorial, too! Jason ran the half last year and will do the same this year. I will be waiting for him at the finish line bc I am NOT a runner. I did start the couch potatoe to 5K this week. We'll see how that goes!!:)

    As far as shoes, I went to Lukes in Fort Worth on Saturday and they fitted me for running shoes. It is awesome!! I love my new shoes!! They are so comfy!!

    See ya soon!

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  16. About shoes....I know there is a shoe/athletic store in Ft. Worth that will look at you walk and suggest the best type of running shoe for you. They don't even always recommend brands that they carry in their store. I am sure there are other stores like that around. I don't know about in Ctown, but maybe in WF??? Worth looking into if you are serious about it. The right shoes will probably help!

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  17. You will do great, I had not run in over 5 years when I decided to do a half marathon for the diabetes association. You will be surprised at all of the shapes and sizes of people that participate. We had a 90 year old woman one our team who walks half marathons all the time. Keep up the good work,you will do great. Oh by the way I finished, definitely not first but no way near last, have fun!

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  18. My shoes are Asics Gel Cumulus 10. I have a really strange shaped foot apparently. The front is wide and the heal is very narrow! Who knew? Anyway, my last pair was the Asics Gel Nimbus 10, but I bought them too big so when I went to Luke's she said these would work better for me and THEY DO!! I know they have a store that fits in Norman OK. We went throught there for Jason last year after his half. But I don't think they have one any closer to us than Ft. Worth or Dallas. Jason swears by them and has looked for one closer with no luck!

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  19. I came to your blog from Kelly's. I love running and started a few years ago to "destress"(I have a 6and 4 year old). I will be running my third half Sunday but trust me I started just like you. I will never say 3 miles is not hard bc it is when you first start out. If you are like me you will become addicted to running and want to strive for more (longer distances). One bit of advice I have is to buy your shoes at least a half size bigger. I promise you it makes a huge difference. Also visit your local running store bc they will watch you run and tell you what kind of shoe you need according to how your foot hits the ground. Unfortunately I can no longer buy running shoes according to "cuteness," but it is so worth it to have a good shoe that will keep you from getting injured!

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