The Day & Wrap Up

I was surprised at how nervous I was the night before and the morning of the 5K. Part of my career (back when I had a career) was to take a series of very tough exams over the course of many years to achieve my certification. The night before the run, the feeling in my stomach was the same as the night before those exams. Too late to do any more preparation, wanting to have a bit more time to prepare and knowing that waking up in the morning, it was going to happen whether I was ready or not. Hadn’t felt that feeling in a very long time. But…

I did it! I finished the 5K without walking! Wasn’t sure it was possible even as it was happening, but after I reached the halfway point it felt doable. I had miscalculated my pace earlier in the week. Based on my last 35-minute run, I thought the 5K would take me 45 minutes. I completed the course in 44 minutes. I was happy and lucky as my 5K mix only had 45 minutes of music on it. That would have been tough to run the last bit with no music.

The day was perfect for the event. No rain, a bit warmer than it has been. There was a great crowd. We had about 150 registrants, fast runners, fast joggers, slower joggers, run/walkers, walkers, folks with babies, dogs and even a harnessed cat participated, so I was not alone. Having people cheer along the course and as I crossed the finish line was exhilarating, almost as exhilarating as actually being done.

All in, we raised just about $4,500 for the animals of MEOW. That also feels great!

If you’re wondering whether I’ll continue to jog, the answer is, I just don’t know yet. Part of me thinks it might feel good to train a bit more and see if I could pick up my pace a little. And, part of me says, you did what you set out to do, move on. Either way it feels like my journey from the couch to the 5K was a success!

I made it to the final week of training runs, just two more until the BIG day (Saturday, April 22). It’s been an interesting journey filled with uncertainty, confidence, more uncertainty, more confidence, etc.

Based on recent runs, it looks like it will take me around 40 minutes to complete the 5K (if I can jog the entire route). Given that, it felt like a final training run next Wednesday of 30 minutes might not be enough to make me feel like the whole 5K is doable. So, I upped my run yesterday from 25-30 minutes and will tackle another 30-minute run on Monday and then a 35- minute run on Wednesday. Fingers crossed that’s enough to get me over the finish line.

I’ve put together my run mix playlist to keep me on pace both at the beginning (to keep the adrenaline in check) and at the end to keep me moving! I purchased an arm band holder for my phone even (but haven’t yet figured out how to use it exactly during the run).

When we started, I thought we’d have more participants and fundraisers but perhaps next year when folks see how much fun we all had, we’ll see more takers. It will be great to see all the participants out there, and the volunteers. We now have 120 registrants, a solid number.Sign up today!

Hoping the forecast for Saturday holds…

Just A Few Reasons Why I Accepted this Challenge

A big shout out to everyone who has donated so far in support of our 5K Challenge. If you haven’t supported us yet, now would be a great time as it certainly will help keep us motivated for that 20 minute run coming up this week! Across all platforms, we have raised $3,788 (75%) of our $5K goal.

If you’re really not interested participating in the 5K, you may certainly be a part of our fundraising efforts (and my team of encouragers) by donating. If you’d like to offer me encouragement by supporting MEOW, you may donate via my Facebook or Network for Good fundraising page. Thanks!

Less than two weeks to the 5K! Where did the time go? Of course, with the weather we’ve been having it feels like we’re still in February!

Week 10 was a pretty good week. Got in 3 days of a 20 minute run. Some rain each day but I got myself out there anyway and it wasn’t too bad. Today’s run was actually 22 minutes because my timer did something weird and reset itself, so I had to start it over. Maybe I shouldn’t rely quite so much on technology.

I have to admit, I bailed on the yoga on off days. I’m walking on those days, but I realize that stretching and strengthening would be beneficial.

I’ve been pondering whether I’ll continue jogging after the 5K. It is a good way to get in my daily steps in a shorter amount of time. Hmm. I think I’ll hold off on that decision until 4/24 or so. Wish me luck as I tackle 25 minutes next week.

Whether you’re a runner or a walker, we’d love for you to join us on April 22nd at Marymoor Park. Registration is just $35. You’ll get a shirt and a bib number, and the satifsfaction of knowing you did something healthy for a great cause! Sign up today!

Just A Few Reasons Why I Accepted this Challenge

A big shout out to everyone who has donated so far in support of our 5K Challenge. If you haven’t supported us yet, now would be a great time as it certainly will help keep us motivated for that 20 minute run coming up this week! Across all platforms, we have raised $3,676 (73%) of our $5K goal.

If you’re really not interested participating in the 5K, you may certainly be a part of our fundraising efforts (and my team of encouragers) by donating. If you’d like to offer me encouragement by supporting MEOW, you may donate via my Facebook or Network for Good fundraising page. Thanks!

This week was a bit of a challenge (in more ways than one)! We were on vacation with family on the Oregon coast, so finding time to drive into town and run at the high school track was a bit difficult. Plus, if you’re familiar with the central Oregon coast, you know that rain is quite common.

My first training day, 2-10 minute runs, was tough, but it was dry. My second training day, 2 -15 minute runs, was a beast. 15 minutes seemed unending, and it was raining, and it felt like we were having gale force winds. But, I did it! Third training day, another 2-15 minute runs, was just drizzly and cold.

I must say, I feel quite proud of myself. Plus, my husband, who usually walks while I run, cheered me on from the car that miserable day and then donated $10 for every minute I ran in the rain, which was awesome!

Whether you’re a runner or a walker, we’d love for you to join us on April 22nd at Marymoor Park. Registration is just $35. You’ll get a shirt and a bib number, and the satifsfaction of knowing you did something healthy for a great cause! Sign up today!

A big shout out to everyone who has donated so far in support of our 5K Challenge. If you haven’t supported us yet, now would be a great time as it certainly will help keep us motivated for that 20 minute run coming up this week! Across all platforms, we have raised $3,586 towards our $5K goal.

If you’re really not interested participating in the 5K, you may certainly be a part of our fundraising efforts (and my team of encouragers) by donating. If you’d like to offer me encouragement by supporting MEOW, you may donate via my Facebook or Network for Good fundraising page. Thanks!

I conquered 2-8 minute run days and a 10-minute one this week. Part of me longs for the days of the 2 minute run (or even the 5 minute run). 10 minutes was not exactly easy and if it wasn’t for the timer (and the goal), I’m pretty sure I would have stopped. But I made it, and effectively jogged for 20 minutes (with a 3 minute break in-between).

Still not sure about how I get from here to the 5K but I’m going to trust the process (sounds a little like The Bachelor, doesn’t it? You’ve got to trust the process). I do get a tremendous sense of satisfaction when it’s over, a little like getting Wordle in 3 tries!

We’ve got a bunch of folks getting off the couch and training, there are even more folks already confident about the run. We’d now love to add the walkers!

If you’re thinking about it, why not join MEOW for a morning walk on 4/22? It’s an easy, almost completely flat route, no traffic. Spend a bit of time with other MEOW supporters sharing great stories about your animals and getting a bit of exercise. Then, on the way home, treat yourself to a coffee or breakfast. You will have earned it. Sign up now before the early bird discount disappears.

A big shout out to everyone who has donated so far in support of our 5K Challenge. If you haven’t supported us yet, now would be a great time as it certainly will help keep us motivated for that 15 minute run coming up this week! We are at 55% of our 5K goal.

If you’re really not interested participating in the 5K, you may certainly be a part of our fundraising efforts (and my team of encouragers) by donating. If you’d like to offer me encouragement by supporting MEOW, you may donate via my Facebook or Network for Good fundraising page. Thanks!

I now have a bit of momentum and it feels pretty good. I was able to do the training all 3 days this past week and able to run 5 minutes without stopping and without knee pain. Amazing to me on both accounts. I must say, I did pat myself on the back, just a little bit (and treated myself to Girl Scout cookies)!

The next hurdle, 8 minutes, still seems extremely daunting though. I know we should expect more cold and rain to come, it is only March after all. But, two days of training without a layer of long underwear felt pretty good. Spring is definitely on its way and I couldn’t be more excited.

Of course, for me, the coming of the warmer weather is a double edged sword as we are now less than 3 months from our annual fundraising dinner and auction on June 17^th. More details coming to our website on that soon!

Although our couch to 5K trainers continue to make progress and gain strength and stamina, our fundraising efforts have stalled a bit. A big shout out to everyone who has donated so far. If you haven’t supported us yet, now would be a great time as it certainly will help keep us motivated for that 8 minute, 10 minute, 15 minute run coming up in the next couple of weeks!

If you are already a 5Ker and don’t need help getting off the couch, why not register to run/walk with us? No additional training needed.

If you’re really not interested participating in the 5K, you may certainly be a part of our fundraising efforts (and my team of encouragers) by donating. If you’d like to offer me encouragement by supporting MEOW, you may donate via my Facebook or Network for Good fundraising page. Thanks!

I was able to get in two days of training this week. It felt pretty good. The sports doc worked my muscles a bit on Friday and wanted me to take it easy for 4 days. But, I’ll be back on the track on Tuesday. Fingers crossed that my knees and the forecast for some warmer weather both hold!

We are at the halfway point. It feels like the easy half is behind me and the tough part is yet to come. But the sports doc assured me that I don’t have a serious injury and further training should be very doable. The training goal this week is running for 5 minutes. We’ll see how that goes.  

Coach Steve updated the training program for me, for getting back into it, but it would also serve for you if you’ve decided to join us and need some help getting off that couch.

Halfway through our training and slightly more than halfway to our $5K goal for MEOW! Thank you to everyone who has supported us (and MEOW) so far!

Coach Steve says it’s still not too late to join us. It’ll be fun! Here’s the link to learn more.

If you are already a 5Ker and don’t need help getting off the couch, why not register to run/walk with us? No additional training needed.

If you’re really not interested participating in the 5K, you may certainly be a part of our fundraising efforts (and my team of encouragers) by donating. If you’d like to offer me encouragement by supporting MEOW, you may donate via my Facebook or Network for Good fundraising page. Thanks!

Pot of Gold Change Drive

Tuesday – Friday (3/14 – 3/17) 2pm-5pm

Another much less rigorous fundraiser is happening at the shelter this week. Our Pot of Gold, Silver, Copper (and Zinc) Coin Drive for Change is on. If you save coins and would like to donate them to MEOW, stop by the shelter this Tuesday – Friday (3/14 – 3/17) from 2pm to 5pm.

Leave your coins and take a treat! Thank you and Happy St. Patrick’s Day.

The sun was out this morning, the temperature was about 48 degrees, and my knees were no longer hurting, so I picked up where I left off and began to run once again. This time on gravel and grass in hopes that my knees wouldn’t object quite so much.

It went well. A little bit of pain but nothing that isn’t manageable. Yes, I’m still going to the doc later this week, but it felt good to be at it once again. And, it gave me some hope that I can still do this.

The good news, per Coach Steve is that I should be able to get to where I need to be in 5 or 6 weeks, so it’s still doable. That being said, since we still have 7 weeks left, even if YOU haven’t signed on yet, it’s not too late!! And, according to the forecast, we should hit 50 degrees later this week, perfect for a run in the park!

Coach Steve updated the training program for me, for getting back into it, but it would also serve for you if you’ve decided to join us and need some help getting off that couch.

We are still 18 members strong in our Facebook Challenge Group (no one has officially dropped out yet). We are now over half way to our goal of $5K!! Thank you to everyone who has supported us (and MEOW) so far!

Coach Steve says it’s still not too late to join us. It’ll be fun! Here’s the link to learn more.

If you are already a 5Ker and don’t need help getting off the couch, why not register to run/walk with us? No additional training needed.

If you’re really not interested participating in the 5K, you may certainly be a part of our fundraising efforts (and my team of encouragers) by donating. If you’d like to offer me encouragement by supporting MEOW, you may donate via my Facebook or Network for Good fundraising page. Thanks!

Well, the hiccup from last week hasn’t gone away, so my training is on hold currently. I still have quite a bit of knee pain, which is disheartening, but I did discover Kinesiology Tape, which seems like a bit of a miracle. I’ll be making an appointment with a sports doc in hopes that they can figure out what I’m doing wrong.

Coach Steve says that there is still time for me to get back in the game (but I know I’ll have to ramp up the schedule).  It’s definitely a reminder that I’m not as young as I used to be and need to be thoughtful about how I treat my aging body.

I’m anxious to get back in the game (didn’t think I’d ever be saying that). Hopefully soon. Until then, I’m stretching and doing exercises to strengthen the multitude of muscles which, when strong, help out those poor aging knees. Hoping for week 6!

We are still 18 members strong in our Facebook Challenge Group (no one has officially dropped out yet). A new fundraiser joined and we are now at 43% of our goal of $5K for the animals. Thank you to everyone who has supported us (and MEOW) so far!

Coach Steve says it’s still not too late to join us. It’ll be fun! Here’s the link to learn more.

If you are already a 5Ker and don’t need help getting off the couch, why not register to run/walk with us? No additional training needed.

If you’re really not interested participating in the 5K, you may certainly be a part of our fundraising efforts (and my team of encouragers) by donating. If you’d like to offer me encouragement by supporting MEOW, you may donate via my Facebook or Network for Good fundraising page. Thanks!

I made it through the first week of the running/walking training plan, but not without a hiccup. My advice? Don’t run on concrete! My knees are not particularly happy with me after running on the concrete path in my neighborhood park 2 out of the 3 days. I got a bit smarter and ran at the high school track for day 3. That was better. Thank goodness for Advil! I’m going to shift my training days a bit this coming week to give my old knees a bit more time to recover. Coach Steve says there is still plenty of time. I hope so.

I did increase my yoga time to 20 minutes and got into some tough stretches. You know, the ones where things start to quiver and you have to tell yourself “3 more seconds, 2 more seconds, 1 more second” and then feel the relief at the release. Adrienne, the YouTube yoga instructor is still very patient and encouraging, and Benji, the dog in the video, is still so chill!

The forecast this week looks like “bundle up to run” weather, but spring has to be on its way, right?

We still have 18 members in our Facebook Challenge Group (no one has officially dropped out yet). A new fundraiser joined and we are now at 43% of our goal of $5K for the animals. Thank you to everyone who has supported us (and MEOW) so far!

Coach Steve says it’s still not too late to join us. It’ll be fun! Here’s the link to learn more.

If you’re really not interested participating in the 5K, you may certainly be a part of our fundraising efforts (and my team of encouragers) by donating. If you’d like to offer me encouragement by supporting MEOW, you may donate via my Facebook or Network for Good fundraising page. Thanks!

“They seem so cheery. I don’t think they know what’s coming”.