Got the Gear!

Hey guys,
I just got a new job at Nordstrom and I picked up some work clothes/ race wear!  I got new capri's and a pullover.  I'm really excited for the race tomorrow but also nervous cause I haven't gone running all week except Monday.
So, after work Sam and I went to pick up our race day packets.  There were tons of race tags...in the thousands!  There are far more participants than I ever thought there would be.

Part of our package was a $500 dollar gift card to Red star world wear.  After googling it, we realized it was kind of a scam.  You have to pay the service fee which, is the actual price of the item.  We also got our race numbers and t-shirts.  I really hope that people will come support us and cheer us on.  Here is the race map.

http://www.fireflyrun.com/sanjosecoursemap.pdf

I would download the picture but it's a pdf and I don't know how to do it.  Once again here is the link for the red cross donation to support me.  I gave 5 dollars.

https://fundraising.active.com/fundraiser/TeamSerenity 

Any support will be appreciated!!

Great Timing

Nature has great timing sometimes....Sam and I have been sick all week.  The 5k is this Saturday!!  Plus, I started my new job on Tuesday.  I have only gone out walk/ jogging on Monday of this week.  I am really excited to pick up our packets tomorrow after work.  We should be getting some information, a new t shirt, and glow bands.  Sam is still undecided as to whether he will participate in the 5k.  He hasn't gone out running once! Ha ha.  He is strong, so he would be exhausted, but he would be able to do it if he really wanted to.   Personally, I feel that it completely defeats the purpose of doing these races.  You all know I would still love to have him jogging with me Saturday.  Here is hoping our colds go away before then.

A Better Jog

Friday was a very interesting day.  I forced myself to get ready for a jog thinking my stress would, once again, weigh me down.  Right before I left, I checked my phone and got a message from my mom.  Very long story but the short version is I received really good news concerning my family drama.  Then, I went for my jog.  I felt great.  I felt lighter and I went on the long jog and jogged most of it.  It was such a difference compared to the other day.  Part of all exercise really is a mental game!  

In other news,

Sam's parents were kind enough to take Sam and I out for new running shoes for our 5k!!  I am currently wearing them around the house to break them in.  

I really appreciate Sam's parents support.  It was really nice of them to take us shopping.   I think the 5k run/walk will be a great experience for Sam and I.  Its something we haven't done before as a couple.  I'm really looking forward to it!

Tough Times

Today was the first time in a week I went on any kind of run.  I am going through life changing family troubles and I was jogging with a heavy heart.  The stress weighed me down this week and Sam recommended I went out for a jog today.  Through all of this, I know I love Sam with all my heart because he is always there for me and he is my best friend!  My best girlfriend Tina is an amazing person as well.  They are my real family.

Anyway, back to the jogging.  I have decided to not be so hard on myself with the 5k run.  It has already served its purpose of getting me away from my couch and Castleville ( LOL).  I don't know how to properly train for the run.  I want to go, dress up with glow stuff, like glow sticks, and just have a good time.  I know Sam will beat me jogging but that's ok.  I love him for participating with me.

In the beginning, I feel like the jogging was a welcome distraction and now it is becoming stress relief and somewhat therapeutic.  Even going out for a walk is a nice way to break up the day.  I'm really looking forward to the race cause we are going to have a fun time!

1 month till the run!

We are officially on the countdown to the firefly run!!  1 month left!

When I started, I couldn't run the short end of a block.  I would wind up huffing and puffing, and end up walking the whole way.  I can now say that I can run almost a mile and a half without stopping to walk.  When I say running, I mean lightly jogging.  I still feel like a hippo with cement shoes on.  However, I still haven't lost any weight.  My goal has been to get off the couch and get a little exercise everyday.  There are a couple things I have learned to help with my running since my last post.  First and most important, I can't eat at least an hour before I jog.  I ate once last week and I felt like I was going to die and could barely jog.  My stomach hurt like I pulled a muscle.  Second, most of my problems have been from mental block.  I am not used to jogging so my mind freaks out and tells me I'm tired right away.  Lastly, no matter what happens on the official run, I'm already very proud of myself.  Granted, a mile and a half is not very far but I have improved a lot.  As far as the race goes, I do have a couple goals in mind.  The website said most people can walk it in an hour.  So my goal is to walk/ jog and hopefully come in 40 minutes or less.  The other goal is to not be the last person in my age group (30 -34) to finish the race.

The Team has been created!

Today, its official!!  I have registered for the run and I also created our team.  Team name, Serenity, Team member are Sam Hoult, Jason Hodges,  and Kimmy Nguyen.  I also create a website where you can sponser me in the run by making a donation on the web page.


https://fundraising.active.com/fundraiser/TeamSerenity


Please donate through the site for the Red Cross!

First Week of Training

My first week of training has begun.  I started on Monday May 7th with a very light walk/ attempted jog that almost killed me! lol. I felt like I weighed 500 pounds! Today, I went for a long walk.  I found out quite quickly some issues I would have to resolve.  First, my current sunglasses hurt my head so they will need to be replaced.  For the moment, my shoes are ok but I will need running shoes once this chunky monkey gets moving.  Second, I need a way to figure out how far of distance I am traveling.  While 5K is not that long, I have no actual idea how far 3 miles is on the creek trail.  Lastly,  I came home looking like a bright, red tomato on my face!!  I had a hat on and I wore sunscreen.  The problem is I got so hot that I kept putting water on my face.  I found out later how that effected my so called sunscreen.  Sadly, this means that while I am training in summer, this chunky monkey needs to go to bed earlier so I can wake up before the prime heat of the day for my walk/jogs.  This sucks so far!