Resolution Run 5K

 

Earlier this evening I dressed up for the cold, and took part in the Resolution Run 5K. I had made up my mind one hot July day when I was out walking that this was going to be my goal for the year. My BR surgery totally waylayed any kind of preparation after October, apart from a handful of runs between then and tonight. But here I was, ready to meet my challenge to myself, and I DID IT!

I ran down those miles, and those demons of doubt, disappointment and regret. I pushed through. I ran my fastest mile yet, at 11:18 for my mile 3 split. (I love how the Map My Run app breaks down the run into splits and averages and so forth.). That mile hurt! I was keeping pace with another lady, who remained just a few feet in front of me. She was determined to not allow herself to be passed by me. She must have been tired, because she kept alternating between running and walking, but I just couldn't get enough 'oomph' in my step to pass her. It must have spurred me to run as hard as I did.

I reached all of my goals:
1. Finish.
2. Don't hurt myself....Although now, a few hours later, I can't walk.... :/
3. At least pass somebody...and I did! The most gratifying pass was a skinny-little-something that must of had noooo stamina because I passed her after the first mile. That felt awesome. Fitness isn't about how you look, but how well you are conditioned!
4. Finish under 45 minutes. I did! 38:25 was my time. I even had enough left in me to sprint the last little bit.
5. It was a goal to run the entire way. I had a nasty cramp develop under my diaphragm at about 1 1/2 miles, and had to slow to a walk for about a half mile so that it could work itself out. I still feel a bit of pain from it, even now... The good news is that after a short rest it felt better, so I picked up my speed and ran for the rest of the race. I am soooo proud of that. It means more to me than if I had run the whole way.

My goal for this coming year is to run a 10K, and improve my time in the 5K.

I hope you were able to meet your exercise goals this year!

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A quiet month...

It's been quiet around here lately. I came off that terrific run while on vacation in OKC, got some actual running shoes and then...nothing. Bitter cold came to stay for a long time, and frozen streets and slippery sidewalks didn't look all that appetizing. I have also been waffling about getting a good sports bra. My PS recommended a sports bra that would mash my chest so tight that nothing moves. Period. Otherwise, I would risk floppity boobs allll over again in a few years. :(. That is all fine and good, but in the meantime, I'm not shelling out $70 bucks on a bra when I have no idea what size to get. Finally, after a long, long ten weeks of waiting and recovery, I feel like my new girls may have settled on a size and I hopped online and gave Amazon a little business a couple days ago. They're hurting for customers this time of year, you know... I chose an Enell bra, based on reviews from other mother-runners who had been through the enlargement/lift/reduction/reconstruction ordeal. It looks like a evil-constrictive thing, which is exactly what the doctor ordered. It has a front closure, with about eight hooks. Geesh! It is on it's way, and I can't wait to try it out. In the meantime, I'm TRIPLING the sports bras when I go out. That is the only way it is semi-comfortable.

 

So far, I am absolutely thrilled with the results of my breast reduction. I *think* my right side is about a C, and the left is still making up it's mind. Probably a D, which means I will have to go with a D cup bra. I hope that with another 25 pounds or so of weight loss, this might change. Most likely not, since most of what is left is glandular tissue. They feel pretty solid, although the left side is considerably more squishy. I am happy to report that, as of this week, I am finally 100% scab free. The scars are really red and noticeable, it will take a years' time for them to fade as far as they conceivably will. Which isn't much. Things still hurt - any kind of bounce when I have little or no support is painful. But I can bound up the stairs or drive down a bumpy road and weather it just fine when wearing a bra. I can whole-heartedly say that this was the best decision I ever made. I feel like a new person! Years of self-loathing have sloughed away...I wish I had done this sooner, but with the pregnancies and everything, that would not have made sense.

 

I am also happy to report that despite a solid ten weeks of very minimal activity, my weight has only fluctuated by two pounds. And I've put away an OBSCENE amount of Christmas cookies in the past couple weeks alone! Maintaining has always been my biggest worry, and so far, so good. But now I am ready to start pushing hard again. Really, really hard. Like Jillian Michaels in-your-face hard. I make the kids exercise with me during commercials. I park in farthest spot I can. I've revamped my playlist. I'm running a 5K in T-minus 9 days! Aack!

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