C25K Training -- Preparing For the Next Race

Over the past 4 weeks I have been running with some of my Sisters over at the Shrinking Jeans. We have been preparing for a Virtual 5K to take place on January 8th, 2011. It has been fun to train (virtually speaking) with all these other great women and I'm finding that although I don't really love running like most of the die-hard hard-core runners do, I am finding that I actually like to run. At least I like the challenge of it! On my first 5K that I ran with my brother on October 2, I was very ill-prepared. I had been running ONLY on the treadmill and I didn't know how to deal with weather conditions and hills, etc, etc. This time I am running outside and I'm learning (although sometimes not happily) to deal with different weather conditions!

As the January 8th Virtual 5K approaches I decided I wanted to "see how I was doing" and run in another race before this one, so I found one that was local (in Ft. Worth) and decided to sign up! The race I signed up for I was supposed to run with a friend but she couldn't do it because of some family obligations so I asked That Kid if he would like to run it with me. His response was "Ugh, No I hate running!", but on the night before I was going to sign up he texted me and asked me details of the race and said he would like to run the race with me!! Oh be still my heart!! I quickly signed us both us and now we are 6 days away from race day! The race is at 4:30 p.m. on December 4th and I'm beginning to feel ready for it! And besides I get to spend some one-on-one time with my oldest son!! A mom can't beat that (especially since he's 20 years old and is rarely around!!)

According to the C25K training plan I am supposed to run for 20 minutes NON-STOP that day!! Right now that looks pretty "out there" but I'm going to give it my all and do as close to that 20 minute run as I can. My plan from there is to do walk/run intervals and cross the finish line RUNNING!! My secondary goal is to do it UNDER 48 minutes because I want to beat my 5K from October!

This is also a fundraiser for the Arthritis Foundation, so although I'm not really trying to raise huge amounts of money I would like to raise some money for this great organization that does so much for so many! Here is the email they sent me giving some more information regarding the race and the fundraising necessary for the organization. I would love to have your support...either by having you there with me or with your donation!


This year, I am tying jingle bells to my shoelaces and raising funds for the Jingle Bell Run/Walk for Arthritis. Did you know that one in five Americans has arthritis? That's more than 46 million Americans including over 300,000 children – yes, kids get arthritis too.


Arthritis is much more than just aches and pains. For many, it significantly impacts their ability to complete simple tasks like dressing themselves or even walking.

Arthritis hurts. You can help. Please join me in the fight against arthritis by supporting me with a donation to the Arthritis Foundation.

It is easier than ever to support this great cause - you can make a donation online by simply clicking on the link at the bottom of this message. If you would prefer, you can also send me your tax-deductible contribution made out to the Arthritis Foundation. Any amount you can give will help!

Or, you can accept this simple challenge and join me at the starting line!

I truly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress.

If you can help by donating for this cause I would greatly appreciate it. Just click here and the link will take you to the donation page for me!

Thanks!!

I can't wait to write my race report next week!! I'm hoping it's a good one!!