Well, here goes nothing...

We made it to Disney! We went to the Expo, which was completely overwhelming, picked up our bibs and shirts, and headed to our resort.  We knew we were supposed to "carb load" the night before so I ate a po-boy with big thick bread... Delrose and Sami sat outside and watched a movie "under the stars" while Shaun & I got ready for bed.  We had to be up at 3 to catch our bus before 4 to get us to the "gathering spot" before 5.  I bought a "runners box" the night before from the cafeteria at our resort which had peanut butter, a bagel, a banana, a granola bar & a water.  I ate 1/2 the bagel with peanut butter on it, and saved the banana & bar for closer to race time. 

Since this is a princess race, I had on a red tutu skirt and black shirt (I was supposed to look like Minnie). I had my "cuff" for my knee and some KT tape on it too, hoping for the best. 

We get to the "gathering place" where there is a DJ set up and ladies are dancing and people are adjusting costumes everywhere.  I was just trying to sit and take it all in.  Honestly, at this point I was just terrified.

We started the VERY long walk to our corrals.  Shaun was in H & I was in O.  The last corral was P, so I had a little bit of a head start from the balloon ladies.  By the time I got to my corral, I had walked more than 2 miles! Seriously?

 I guess that was a good way of warming up- if I didn't have to wait more than an hour to get started! That's right... the race officially began at 5:30 & I went through the starting line at 6:29.  Right before it was our turn, my nerves were shot!

I was scared, nervous, had to pee, wanted to throw up, wanted to run away, felt completely alone.... there was pretty much nothing positive going on at that time. Our fireworks went off, people started moving... I started crying.  What was I doing? What was I thinking? I am crazy! I can't do this! I will never.... "Hey, are you ok?" It was a random princess next to me. "I don't think I can do this...." was my reply. She looked at me, smiled and said, "Sure you can! That's why you're here, now go!"
So, I went. 
I started running and I didn't stop moving for 3 hours and 24 minutes. 

That's right, I finished! I did it! I beat the balloon ladies! Honestly, I never even saw them or the end of the line! Every once in a while, I would look behind me to make sure they hadn't caught up to me, but they didn't!

I knew I could "easily" run a mile, so that was the plan, run the first mile, then just do what you can.  I knew I didn't want to get too tired too soon since I'd never done a long run...
One thing I wasn't prepared for was the amount of people.  It was more difficult dodging folks and trying to be polite and stay out of the way of faster runners. 

I was constantly checking my runkeeper app to be sure I wasn't going too fast or too slow.  I knew I had to keep a 16 minute mile to stay in front of those balloon ladies, plus I had a 5-6 minute head start... If I ran a 12 min. 1st mile, that would give me even more padded time....
This is what was running through my head the first 4 miles trying to convince myself I could finish this race. 

They had princes and princesses set up along the road for pictures.  I knew they would be there but I wasn't concerned about them.  I'm not a huge princess person, so I knew I wouldn't be tempted to stop.  However... when I saw Jack Skellington, I wanted to stop! I didn't - but I wanted to! I was able to take a pic while running. 

Once I got to my 5K mark, I was feeling pretty good.  I was averaging a 13:45 minute mile! I knew I wouldn't keep that pace, but was pleased with what I was doing- especially since I hadn't run in almost 3 weeks...

We were almost to the MK when I saw the busses! The busses that pick up the people that don't make it. We had to run past them on our way to the side of the MK.  Talk about motivation! I didn't want to see them again, so I started running again!
As we came around the corner on Main Street USA we could see all of the spectators. They were there to cheer for a family member or friend, but they were also cheering for us! I wanted to cry again! It was so moving for me! I just kept saying, "Thank you! Thank you" even though I knew they weren't there for me, they were helping me.  You couldn't help but run when they were cheering for you like that!

We took a right at the hub towards Tomorrowland.  We continued left towards Fantasyland.  The carousel was going.  I though it looked so beautiful.  We ran towards the castle with Elsa, Anna & Kristoff waving at us from above.

We went down towards the partners statue and took a right towards Liberty Tree.  This is where I forget.  I know we went through Liberty Square because I remember thinking, "I'm running in the poo river".... ( Disney inside joke)
We took a left right past Splash Mountain (where the parade comes in/goes out) and headed backstage.  More princes hanging out for pictures.  No time for that... I see the 10k sign ahead!
I'm still averaging under a 15 minute mile.  Hey, that means the 1/2 way point is close by, right? holy smokes- this is the farthest I've ever run! I might actually be able to do this!!!

I did receive a bunch of texts while going.  Two were Bible verses:
"Therefore, since we are surrounded by such a great cloud of witnesses, let us throw off everything that hinders and the sin that so easily entangles.  And let us 'run with perseverance the race marked out for us' Hebrews 12:1"   Thank you Alecia!
" He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak.  Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the Lord will renew their strength.  They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary. they will walk and not be faint.  Isaiah 40:29-31"  Thank you Hannah!
Seriously, I could feel those prayers! I was getting strength from them and God was absolutely carrying me forward!

Although I'd been saying (sometimes out loud), "I can do this, one step at a time, I can do this" throughout the entire race, it wasn't until mile 7 I started believing it. 

I finally allowed myself to slow down a bit. I knew mile 10 was coming and with it, the big onramp "hill". I took it slowly, reminding myself that the slow and steady tortoise won the race.... 

Someone said at the top of the onramp that once we passed mile 10, they weren't "sweeping" anymore! I'd done it! I'd beat the balloon ladies! Yahoo!!! Now, I just had to keep moving so I could finish! We had 2 more hills ahead of us I didn't know about before heading into Epcot.  As we made our way through the huge parking lot, I remember thinking, "I will never complain about parking again!"  
There were more spectators along the road now.  Some of them holding signs, all of them cheering.  Again, they gave me so much encouragement! I saw Lou cheering and I said, "Lou! I'm Summer!" but I didn't stop! I kept going!!! I'm not going to lie... I have never wanted to get out of Epcot so badly in my life! Everyone was saying, "You've got this!!! You're practically there!!!" We ran almost to the start of the countries, and turned around, heading back towards the exit.  After we exited, I could see the 13 mile mark.  As soon as I saw it, I started crying again.  I tried to record myself going through the finish line. 

I'm not going to lie.  I ugly cried! I mean for real! It was so bad, I'm not even gonna share it...
I immediately called my mom. I said, "I'm done" She said, "Well, how far did you make it?" SERIOUSLY?!?!??!?
I said, "Uh, 13.1 miles!"  She was so surprised, "Oh my gosh, I can't believe it! Wow, way to go!"

Right past the finish line, I heard someone calling my name, I looked over & my friend Melissa was there cheering! I ugly cried again!

 I was so moved to know someone was there cheering for me! I couldn't quite reach her due to the barricades, but I squeezed her hand as best I could.  I walked a little farther where they were handing out the medals.  I heard a lady say, "Oh! She needs hers!" Obviously, I was still crying... She gave me a huge hug and told me how proud she was of me.  I just cried on her shoulder and told her thank you! I have no idea who she was, but I will never forget her!

I could see Shaun just beyond the next "gate" waiting for me.  He had been waiting for about an hour.  I didn't care how stinky we were, I just let him hug me. I know he was proud of me too!
So, there ya have it... My first Half Marathon! I'm officially a "half marathoner" No one can ever take that away from me!

I honestly didn't think I'd ever say this again, but... I think I want to go for a run today...
~Summer

Will we ever make it to the Half Marathon?

Well, after my last blog about running 5 miles, I was so excited! 2 days later, I went out for a "quick" 2-mile run.  I came home and my left knee was screaming with pain! I put some ice on it & took some Advil hoping that would ease some of the pain.  Two days later, it was still hard to walk on it! I couldn't straighten it out on my own, I couldn't put pressure on it, I certainly couldn't run on it!  I figured I would let it heal for about 2 more days, then get back out there. 
Then, I got sick.  I couldn't breathe, my head was always stuffy, I was coughing... it was ridiculous. This lasted a week.  I ended up with a sinus infection.  I went to the Dr, got a shot & a round of antibiotics and finally started feeling better- which was good, since the race was now in... one week!
That's right- One week away from my first ever Disney Run, first ever Half Marathon, heck, First ever any distance official race! You want to talk about negative voices in my head? Oh- they were there all right, only now they were SCREAMING!

So, here we are, week of the race.  I'm trying to figure out what to do at this point- to run or not run? Then, as if I didn't have enough obstacles already in my way, Sami ( my 4 year old) gets bitten by a spider.  We go to the Dr. and she is very concerned.  It looks as if the bite is infected.  She wants me to come back in 2 days- which is Friday- the day we leave for Disney. 
We go back Friday. It's looking better, but she is still worried.  At this point- there is no way I'm leaving her here.
NOW WHAT??? Shaun (my sweet husband) and I try to figure something out.  We know for sure she's going with us, but who will watch her while we're running? We call a bunch of people to see if anyone can drop everything to go to Disney for 2 days.  Naturally, no one can.  Shaun suggests he stay with her & let me run.  I can't stand this idea.  We talk to my mom (who was supposed to be keeping the girls).  She and my Dad both say if only one of us can run, it needs to be Shaun since I won't finish.  (Yay for super-supportive parents).
So, there we are. Friday night, 2 hours after we should have left- feeling completely defeated.  Shaun walks in and says, "Did you call Delrose?" Now, Delrose is my godmother. No, I had not asked her because I knew it would be really hard for her to just pick up and go on such short notice.  Shaun told me to call her.  Reluctantly, I did.  I was still crying when she answered.  She already knew what was going on and basically, she said, "Well, it wouldn't be my first choice, but sure! Why not?  What time do we leave?"  "Ummm... 3 am"
So... 7 hours later, we pull out of my driveway (me, Shaun, Sami & Delrose) headed to Disney & my first Half Marathon...

I'm still here...

Believe it or not, I haven't quit! That being said, I still haven't made it very far.  Once I started working, my training took a sad turn from 2-3 times a week to 1-2 times a month! I was trying to figure out how to still run a household with 30+ less hours in a week.  I'm still trying to figure it out, but I am FINALLY making time for my runs.  I'm still not running very far, but that's ok.  I'm out there doing what I can.  I still think my biggest obstacle will be the negative voices in my head telling me that "I can't do this, I'm not a runner, what was I thinking, I won't make it to the finish line, I'm going to fail, everyone will pass me, I will get swept by the bus, I can't, I can't, I can't!"
It is really hard to push them out.  I asked a friend of mine to run with me to see if that helped.  It actually did! We talked during our 3 mile run which was nice- no room for that negativity! The farthest I've "run" (gone) is 3.2 miles & the farthest I've RUN without walking is just a little over 1 mile (at one time). I was so proud of that 1 mile! I was determined to do it.  Again- little victories.
Speaking of victories...

I "ran" 5 miles tonight!!!

 

I was on the treadmill (it's cold & I don't like running by myself at night) but it was good.  I had headphones in, but I was telling myself I can do it!!! I have to literally talk the negative voices away!  I was so proud of that 5.00 on the treadmill I wanted to cry! Yes, I do realize in 4 weeks (it may actually be closer to 3 now...) I will have to run almost 3x that, but that is OK!!!  I will be able to do it! Will I be anywhere close to the front? NO! Is that ok? YES!!!  I just want to cross that finish line to prove to myself, my parents and my family that I could DO IT!!! My body is strong and healthy enough to do it.  I might sleep forever afterwards, but that's ok too!
Ok, back to tonight's run: I ran the 1st mile since I knew I could, and pushed myself to go a little over. :)  After walking at a fairly quick pace, I tried to run again.  I did intervals the remainder of the time.  I wanted to run the last quarter mile, but I didn't make it, so I slowed down and decided to walk the last 10th of the final mile.  I did it! I could feel another serious blister on my right foot, but once I saw that 5.0 mile mark, there was no pain.  I am hoping for the same feeling at the end of the race...
Oh! I almost forgot about my stats: so, 5.07 miles, 1:9:24, Average min/mile: 14:06! They say to aim for a 15 minute!!! YAY!!! Now, I may not be able to walk tomorrow, but tonight I RAN and I felt GREAT!!!!!!!

1/2 Way Through C25K Training Plan

That's right! I made it through 4 weeks (with 1 week off while on vacation) of my 5K training plan.  The problem with this is that I am supposed to be running a 10K in 2 weeks! I think I've decided to not worry about my time.  It is really getting to me mentally. I don't have room for that in my head right now.  I just need to focus on finishing standing up! I know I can do that!!! I may not run the entire thing, but that is OK!!!
If I have to be put in the last corral at Disney's Half - then so be it.  Again-  I just have to finish. If I don't get any pictures with any characters, it will be ok.  I just have to finish!

Today's Run:
I was worried since I haven't run in 1 week.  I started out slow, but then was able to get a good pace going.  I did my first 3 minutes pretty easily.  The first 5 minutes weren't too bad either.  The 2nd 3 minute jog was a little tougher & the last 5 minutes was pretty tough- but I didn't stop! Literally- I kept going! It "ended" 2 houses down from my own, but instead of turning left, I went right and jogged/walked around 1 more block.  It wasn't much more, but it was more of a mental challenge- I knew I didn't have someone in my ear telling me it was time to walk or run.  I had to make myself go. Once again, it was tough- but I did it.  So, here are my stats:

Time:  28:29
Distance: 2.11- yay! I finally went 2 miles... ha ha
Min/Mile: 13:29- not bad considering I did a bit of walking in my "extra" stretch
So there it is... I didn't fall out or throw up, so I guess it should be considered a good morning. :)

~Summer

Uh Oh...

Hi there!

It has officially been more than 1 week since I've run! Aaaaggggghhhhhh!  I went to 6 Flags last Saturday with the youth at our church.  Sunday morning I woke up at 4, drove to Disney and ended the afternoon at Animal Kingdom.  I was so exhausted as we were leaving, I thought I was going to die.  I went immediately to sleep.  Needless to say, I did NOT wake early the next morning to go run. I actually ended up sleeping 14 hours.  Yes, you read that correctly- 14 hours! I know because my fitbit told me. 
So, my plans to keep running on vacation were foiled.  boo!  I walked more than 31 miles last week, but  I ran 0 miles. At least I walked, right?
So- tomorrow I ABSOLUTELY have to get up and go running.  I am a nervous to run after such a long break.  I also found out today, I'm not supposed to wear any ear buds while running in that 10k! Oh yeah, did I mention that was in 2 WEEKS??? I haven't even run a 5k yet! I'm so dead!
Speaking of earbuds- I need a really good running mix.  Any thoughts? I obviously like faster songs to keep my pace up & my brain thinking positively. 
I guess that's all for now since I don't have anything to report...
Til next time...
~Summer

I've begun week 4!

Week 4 has officially begun! Yay me!
In case you forgot- I'm all about celebrating the small things. 
Today I decided to take my run outside again (3rd outside run in a row!).  It was a little warmer than I expected, but I did get out there about 30 minutes later than I wanted.
So, today's "schedule" was run 3 minutes/ walk 90 seconds; run 5 minutes/walk 2.5;  run 3/walk 90; run 5- then begin your cool down.
I am proud to say I did it! Now, I'm not going to lie.  That last 5 minutes, I was not sure I was going to make it.  Had my final 1 minute warning not come up, I probably would have stopped jogging in exchange for a brisk walk.  But oh I was beaming when I made it.  I was talking myself through it too.  But, for the 1st time in a while, I ran 16 minutes (non consecutively).  GO ME!!!
I also didn't watch my pace, but tried to do what I was comfortable doing. I didn't really push myself until that final 5 minutes, when I tried to actually pick up the pace a bit.  Here are my stats:

Time: 21:55
Distance- 1.58 miles (Yes! I finally ran a mile & a half!)
Minute / mile: 13:52- again faster than the 16 minute mile I have to maintain for like- 3 hours. 

I'm still nervous about the 10K, but I'm just going to do the best I can do.  If I don't make it into a "faster" corral, then I'll just have to push myself to beat the bus. 

Next week I am a little worried about my training.  Saturday, I'm going to be out of town (6 flags with my church youth group). Sunday, I'm taking the girls back down to Disney and to visit a friend for a few days... so- When am I going to run? I'm going to be exhausted from 6 flags & the drive down.  Our plan is to get up early to hit the parks, come home for lunch, then go back at night.  I am NOT going to run mid day in Orlando.  There will not be a treadmill available to me.  What am I to do? Right now, I'm just thinking I'll get up extra early & go outside and run my friend's neighborhood.  The only problem with that is even if I do it 1 day, the odds of me doing it after 3 days in the parks are falling quite significantly.  I am going to have to motivate myself and remind myself of the BIG picture... and visualize that finish line!
I'll let you know when I finish week 4... :)
~Summer

Week 3 in the books....

Confession:
I have not wanted to run the past 3 days, so I didn't.  This morning I knew  had to get up and go though, so I did. As a "punishment" to myself, I didn't go to the treadmill, I ran outside.  It was only 75 when I left the house, so it wasn't too bad yet. 
I am really starting to worry about this 10 K.  I don't even know if I'll be ready to run a 5K by then! The most I've done is 1 1/2 miles! What have I done?!? Shaun keeps telling me I need to run longer, but I'm trying to build my endurance, not just go all out and run a long distance. I don't know. 
My "Plan" is to do as well as I can in this 10K in August, then maybe sign up for another one in October or November.  By then I will be better prepared.  Shaun says there isn't another one anywhere around here anytime soon.  What a Debbie Downer.. Just kidding- I love him.
If there isn't another one then..... ROAD TRIP!!! I'm sure I can find one somewhere.
Ok, my morning's run:

Like I said I was outside.  Surprisingly, I didn't feel worn out or too hot or tired.  I think the break was good for my body.  My leg wasn't even hurting!  Instead of looking at my pace on the phone while running & walking, I just tried to pace myself.  I am trying to learn how to jog at a slower pace.   I did it today.  I was able to run a fairly slower pace without tracking it while jogging.  Here are the results after my run:

Distance: 1.21 miles (not very far)
Time: 18:13
Minute/Mile: 15:06*
My elevation was only about 20 feet if I'm reading that correctly. 
So, my average mile is under 16 minutes- without tracking myself! That's good.  Even though it's not great- I decided today that a slow jog is better than no jog.
With that, I think I will sign off !
~Summer

A Whiney Little Post

Hi there,
Fair warning: I might whine a bit. 

Today was a struggle.  I got up at a decent time, went outside to run & was pleasantly surprised it wasn't too hot yet.  (77°) I did my warm up walk & then began my jog.  The first jog was 90 seconds- I did fine on that one.  I knew the second jog was going to be 3 minutes, so I didn't want to tire out so I was trying really hard to keep a slower pace.  Of course as soon as my job time begins, I start up a small hill.  I pushed through & was able to run the entire 3 minutes.  Obviously, I was not as fast as when I'm on the treadmill, but I did run the entire thing.  The last 3 minute jog I was mostly going downhill.  It wasn't until the final 45-60 seconds I began going back uphill.  I did it though! I was proud of that... BUT

This is the first day I'm questioning myself & my ability to do this.  I'm proud of my measly almost 1.5 mile run... great! Only 11.6 more miles to go! I know I have all fall/winter to train for the half, but I am feeling a little discouraged.  I guess I'm starting to worry a little about this 10K I signed up for in August.  My 5K training won't even be finished by then.  I'm going to have to start adding a running day to my schedule.  Either do 4 days a week of the training to speed it up, or just take long runs on Saturdays (this is Shaun's suggestion). 
While I'm on the complain train... my leg still hurts! It is my right leg & it hurts while I run and throughout the day after my run.  Like, right now, it feels like someone is squeezing my calf with all their might.  Hey! Maybe that's the fat squeezing out.  Ha ha..
Ok, no more complaining... I promise. 
Here are my stats according to runkeeper:

Time: 18.59
Distance: 1.37 (not nearly as far as on the treadmill)
Min/Mile: 13.49
Calories: 214

It doesn't give me the mile/hour but the minute mile is helpful.  I use this to make sure I'm running at a pace I can do.  The problem is when I hear, "Begin running", I take off.  Obviously, I can't keep up that pace for very long at all.... So, I'm trying to learn to pace myself.  It just feels so unnatural and I feel so sluggish & slow.  I can only imagine how I look out there. 

 



Honestly, the dog probably has better form!
Anyway,
There is today's run... I know my next one will be better.  I didn't want to write this post, but I feel like I need to be able to look back and see that every run is not easy. 
Have a great Wednesday!
~Summer

The beginning of Week 3

Hello There! Happy Tuesday to you all!

I have not been sleeping well lately- which is NOT like me.  I usually am asleep less than 10 minutes after my head hits the pillow.  Sunday night I was up tossing & turning until 3 something.  Last night, I was up until after 1.  Needless to say, I'm not super energetic in the morning, but I knew since I skipped yesterday, I HAD to get a run in today.  I chose noon as a good time, so obviously, I was inside on the treadmill.

My right calf is still a little sore so I didn't add an incline today.  But, I ran faster than I have previously! Yay me. 
Since today was the beginning of Week 3, it means new training times.  I apparently read the description wrong.  I thought it said, "90 seconds running/90 seconds walking"- which it did, but then it added, "3 minutes running/3 minutes walking".  I have to say, during that first 3 minutes of jogging, I was thinking, "This is a really long 90 seconds... Maybe I missed the 'walk' cue.... Whatever, I can do it.... Seriously, when am I supposed to walk?" I finally got my phone out to see if I was going crazy right as it told me to start walking.  I noticed the remaining time was 2:58.  That's when I read the description a little better.  I was ok though! The 2nd 3 minute jog, I pushed myself to run faster than normal & I was able to keep it up! I had to talk myself through it a couple of times, but I was proud of my mini accomplishment.  And yes- I'm one of those, "I can do it!" girls.  I have talked myself through a LOT of workouts. 

I think I am going to start taking & posting a pic of myself at the end of my run.  Here I am right now (post shower & a good 45 minutes after my run), but it's a start. 

 



This way, I'll be able to go back and say, "I was able to smile after that little run..."

Ok, here are todays stats:
Total time: 18:32 (not counting my warm up & cool down)
Distance: 1.41 miles
Calories: 172
Avg MPH: 4.5
Avg min/mile: 13.51

Yay! Again, I know it was a short, inside run, but I also know it will help me get to where I want to go: The Finish Line of the Disney Princess 1/2 Marathon!!!
My "I can do it?" is turning into "I think I might be able to do this..."

I'm not sure when I'm going to get my outside run in this week.  It's REALLY hot here... Hopefully, I will fall asleep early enough to get up super early tomorrow or Thursday morning.
Til next time,
~Summer

Week 2- In the books!

Week 2 is officially finished! Woo Hoo!!! I know it's still early in my training, but I'm celebrating the little steps!
I think this was the longest break I've had from running.  I took Thursday & Friday off. I definitely felt it today! This was the first time my legs have hurt.  Actually, it was just my right calf.  It felt tight & really sore & didn't get better as I ran.  Even after my shower, it's still hurting.  I must not be stretching right.  I'll have to look up good pre & post running stretches, I guess.  So- leg in pain- here are my workout results :

Total time: 24 minute;
Distance: 1.64 miles;
Avg MPH: 4.0;
Avg Minute/Mile: 15:58- this is the important one! I have to keep at least a 16 minute mile in the Princess Half.  This is including a warm up walk, so it is probably a little better than this...
Vertical ft: 190
Avg Grade: 2.1- I'm wondering if these last 2 are my incline.  I set it at 2.5 for the 1st half & then dropped it to 2.0.  I'm just trying to be a little realistic regarding hills. 

Anyhoo... That's all for now!  I will start week 3 Monday (unless I get a wild hair tomorrow morning) which is 90 seconds running/90 seconds walking.  The overall workout is shorter, but so is my "recovery" time. I think I can do it!
I guess we'll see... ;)
~Summer

I'm already spoiled...

What is this? 2 posts in one day??? Yes, well... I had to post a quick running update.  Yeah, that's right- I got up extra early on my birthday & went for a run. Why? Because I can! 
Today was my outside day!  It wasn't super hot yet, but the pacing is still messing with me.  I get winded a lot faster outside than on that trusty old treadmill.  I didn't go as far today, but my time was much better.  According to Run keeper, my average min/mile was 13.53! That's amazing! I only need a 16 min mile for the Disney Princess Half.  Granted, I'll have to be running like 20 times longer... Anyway- I did it! That's what is important.  I only felt like I wasn't going to make it (through the running part) once, BUT, I felt like I could keep running once.  So, it evened itself out.  There were a few small hills on my path this morning too, so I'm sure that had an effect as well.
So there it is- Week 2/Day 2 & Week 2 Outside Run is in the books! Whew! Now, I'm going to go enjoy my birthday coffee!

Well, It's official...

I am officially signed up to run the Disney Princess Half Marathon February 2016!

I honestly am not sure how I feel about it- excited, nervous, confident, NOT confident, disbelief...
Anyway, I AM going to do it! My goal is to get into a faster corral so I will have time to stop and take some pics with the characters.  In order to get in a faster corral I will have to submit an official time from a 10k between August & November.  So... that being said:
I have signed up for my first 10k! 
Shaun & I are going to run it together.  Well, he'll be running much faster, but we will be in the same race. It is the 3rd Annual Moonlight Dash 10k. 

 

 

I have done a 5k, but never "seriously".  My C25K will be "finished" the week following the 10k, so we will see how that works out...

 

Speaking of my program, I started week 2 today.  It felt like I hadn't run in a few days, but I only took 1 day off.  Today, I ran for 90 seconds, walking for 2.  I felt really good, but again I was on a treadmill.  I'm going to try to run at least 1 day a week outside so I don't get too spoiled on the treadmill.  Tomorrow is my birthday, and I am going to try to run outside early in the morning.  We shall see!

I'll let you know!