Well, I guess it is time for my first race of marathon training season. My plan has races built in, as my mileage increases, so do the length of the races. This one falls 2 weeks early, but because it was in my town, I couldn’t pass it up.
It was a nice day for the race, a bit warm, but not too humid. For July, I will take it! I didn’t really have any lofty goals going into this race. I don’t really consider myself a 5k runner. (It takes me too long to warm-up). This is was a SMALL race ( 65 entrants ).
My official finishing time was 22:21 (7:12 pace), 3rd female, 14th overall. Lily also came in 3rd in the 12 and under division. I won a $10 gift certificate to “The Chocolatier”–yum! I was happy with my time, but I do feel like I could have gone faster. I think I was conserving some energy knowing that I still had more running to do that day (and flying solo parenting-wise). This is a common thing with me, I don’t go “all out” because I “save” energy for other things (I often tell myself that I “still have to be a ‘nice’ mom when I am done!”). While I realize that this is true, I am also realizing that I use this as an excuse. I don’t race every weekend. This is something that I have to work on. I feel guilty even writing about it. MOM GUILT. It comes with the territory. I am not even sure if it is a fear of going “all out”, or if it is truly trying to find the balance. It is probably a combination of both. I think this topic probably deserves its own post!
My training plan called for 6+6, so I came home and ran 3 more miles at and 8:43 pace. I was wiped and really dreading the second 6. I bargained with myself and at 5pm I got myself going for just 5 more…I don’t know why I didn’t do 6, mentally I just fell apart. It was HOT by then, so my no brainer 5 mile loop was completed at 8:34 pace. I am kind of disappointed in myself that I shortened it. I was really having a difficult time motivating myself to get in the second run. I felt guilty about having to go out and get in another run. Normally, on a double day, I would do the first run before everyone else was awake. I was tired of being hot and tired! I think I was also feeling sorry for myself that Dave wasn’t here for the weekend.
When I came home we ate dinner, I showered and we headed out to see fireworks. It was a great show. My camera on my phone has completely died. I need to take it for a “genius bar” appointment. I think I will wait for my genius to be home first. It’s an hour drive to the nearest Apple store. I dislike it when things break.
Did anyone else race this weekend? How did it go?
What was your favorite thing about your weekend?
Do you ever worry about finding that balance?
Great job on your 5K!
I always worry about finding balance, I can’t imagine what it must be like for you having to do that with children! I can barely balance my own life most days…
The great thing about 5Ks is that you can go all out and usually not be wiped for the rest of the day/weekend. So I think this is one race where you can tell your excuses off and go out there and let loose!
You’re doing a great job, Cheryl! Just remember that. Sometimes it’s hard for all of us to give ourselves credit and see how awesome we’re really doing.
Thank you, Hanna. I think I was/am having just a hard time lately with the balance–
Congrats on everyone’s finish, I can’t wait for all the kids to run races with us. I’ve had rough days like that, more often than not it’s 100% mental. I throw it away and get ready for the next one. No race this weekend but favorite part was two solid runs. Feel really confident.
I am glad you are gaining confidence in your running, Richard. It is very fun to run races with your kids–
I am learning everyday just how mental running can be!!
Great job to your whole fam for completing the 5k!
I think you should go all out on your next one and not save anything. If you PR, you’ll be riding high in your PR glory and be the BEST mom!
Thanks, Meg. Yes, I think I need to have a friend yelling at me during a race to get my rear in gear!!
What a great race you had! Congrats on placing 🙂 It’s nice your family was all in. I have been there with the mom guilt, when my son was younger. Now I have hubby guilt, he will never be able to run because of his motorcycle accident, so I try to run when it won’t affect our time together too much.
Don’t beat yourself up about losing a mile, being the only parent home is bound to get to you! Maybe the double runs will get easier as you get a few more weeks in the routine. and it’s not as fun when it’s hot.
Thanks, Karen. Yes, this week’s double felt bad because both runs were in the heat. Next time at least one will be earlier!
I am the type of person where the guilt will probably always get to me. Hopefully, Dave and I can continue to run together (or at least at the same time, but separately, so we don’t kill each other competing!!)
CONGRATS on the 5K to both you and your daughter! Speed runs in the family <<pun intended 🙂
Congrats to you and Lily!! I love that your whole family runs together. I think you should go all out for your next 5k, I think you’ll surprise yourself!
Congrats on a great race! And awesome that Lily got 3rd in her age group! Sounds like a yummy prize too:)
Congrats on the 5K. That certificate sounds great 🙂
Wow can we get a new post please 🙂