Dark Scary clouds from heaven and dead dog

Finally got a day off or two. Didn't get out to run until 11 am due to me "catching up" on some sleep. I started out with a humid, bright, sunny day, and then this big, black scary cloud blocked the sky. At first, I was afraid it was going to rain or a huge lightning bolt was going to shoot out from that ugly cloud, but instead it turned out to be a blessing. It blocked the hot rays of the sun, and made my run much more enjoyable. Since I didn't get much running in earlier in the week, this weekend will be "catchup."
I decide to do 2 - 5K runs. One at an easy pace and one at tempo pace. First was in 33:15(10:43 pace) with 2min recovery and second was 29:55(9:40 pace.) I finished with another recovery run of 0.8 miles. With runs, recoveries, and 1/4 mile walking I managed 7 1/4 miles in 1:16:30. Very happy with this run since I did my tempo at the backend instead of the more manageable frontend. Much more challenging. As I blog this, I am a little sore.
This morning I searched all over for my amphipod. I asked my youngest son if he knew where it was and he hesitantly told me that the dog had it a couple days ago. My son brought it to me and I inspected it. The dog ripped the top off and put bite marks all throughout it.

Well, that sucks! So needless to say, I had to stash water on my running route today. I guess that I'll have to buy a new one.

Post Race and WIR

I ran my second 5K, a new PR of 29:20. Slow, but good for me. This was the hilliest course I have ever run. After the 1/4 mile start, we hit a huge hill; which was just the first of 5 significant hills. It was a tough test, but I was able to beat my best time by a minute. I was encouraged that I beat my previous time, since the first race was flat and this was very hilly.

The race was fun with lots of entertainment and fellow friends running. No more 5 K's planned until March. I 'll just keep up my long/tempo/speed work runs.
I ran 4 times this week equaling over 16miles and biked >12miles. I don't feel tired, so I keep it going. I do have a sore throat today and hope that I can fend off cold/sickness.

Knees Back Oh My

I am running in a 5K race this Saturday. It will be my second race in January. I signed up for 2 more races in Feb. ,
one 5K and one 10K. Unfortunately my February 5K race was cancelled- reasons unknown.. I'm a little bummed out about it. I'm loving those 5K races - they are short and fast, easy to train for, and are fun!
I'm still continuing to have mid, upper back strain while running. It seems to be a conditioning solution though. The farther I run, the more the pain kicks in toward the end of run. It use to hurt at the 1 - 1/2 mile mark, now at the 3mile mark. Okay 1 more gripe...My knees are killing me. I know it is due to my weight and the amount of running I am doing. I want to increase my mileage, but my knees don't. I run 3times/week now and want to incr. to 4.
Stick to the plan and keep losing!

New Years 5K

I did it!

My first 5K race in over 15 years. It was exciting and exhilirating!

I finished in 30:15. That's a 9:47 pace. Great for me.

I ran in the Clydesdale division >200 lbs . I finished 7th in my division.

The race was along Neyland Drive by UT stadium. There was 450 people in the race. A little chilly 35 deg, but sunny. There was a strong headwind for the first 1.5 miles, approx 15 -20 mph. On the last 1.6 miles it was at our backs. Thank God!

I ran with Chris, Robert, Pam and Brandy. Chris finished 2 mins ahead and Robert 2 mins behind me.

I sprinted the last quarter mile passing about 8 people, it was sweeeetttt! I had a big crew cheering me on including my 2 oldest sons as I ran through the finish line. Chris handed me a gatorade when I finished. I had to decline quickly, because I was about to barf...LOL! That lasted about 5 seconds, then I was good to go.

Today was a great day. Satisfaction..