5ks - getting addicted to running

M

midwestchick

Cathlete
I'm sold! The running bug has bitten dh for the last year and he finally got me to run a race with him last weekend. I've kind of been a recreational jogger/walker, but never took it too seriously.

Well, last weekend we ran a 7k (in 13 degrees the day after the Ohio blizzard on snowy,icy roads! Yes, crazy...)I placed 6th in my age group. Yesterday we ran a 6 k and we both placed first in our age groups! Now we are like fiends looking for the next race. It's so much fun - you're so nervous, the endorphins are pumping, it' wonderful exercise, and the kids are thinking about running in the next kid's race. It's really so much fun.

My only limiting factor is that I do have some knee issues (IT band syndrome) that has plagued me periodically. This can sideline me pretty easily, and it did flare yesterday, dangit. I've been trying some special stretches, using the foam roller, etc. If anyone has any experience with IT band and how to make it disappear, please let me know and you'll truly be my bff ;

Running fool in OH,
Heidi
 
Heidi,

I can relate to the "addicted to running" bug. I ran by first 5K in February and I'm hooked. I now have a list of all the races I want to do in 2008. I have 1 or 2 a month scheduled for the rest of the year, ending with a half marathon in December (if I feel I can do it).

I'm not sure about running in 13 degree weather though. I'm a transplanted Northern living in the South so I'm more inclined to run when it's 100 degrees outside!

Good Luck in your future races!!
 
Hi Jane,

You'd laugh, but running in the 13 degrees was actually more bearable than I thought. Yesterday's race was 40 which was PERFECT. Honestly, I'd take cooler over 90's anyday. Gets too dangerous in the heat for me.

We're planning about 1 race per month as well. We're avid campers so now we're finding ourselves planning camping trips near races. It's fun!

Happy trails to ya :)

Heidi
 
Congrats with 6th in your age group!! Racing can be so addicting...:)..I have had ITB a couple of times. The foam roller is great and there are some other exercises on runnersworld.com. I would also cut down the weekly running miles, stay off uneven surfaces and ICE the area for about 20 min 3 times a day....:)
 
Heidi,

I'm such a wimp now! I know if I was living in Illinois, I'd be running when it's cold. Nowadays when it's in the 50's, I'm freezing. The heat is just more natural for me now.

Good luck on all your races. My next one is a 5k on April 12 and then a 10K (my first) on April 26.
 
Thanks everyone! I was so proud of DH yesterday - he got first in his age group as well, but 5th overall out of 74 runners and ran a 6:48 pace. Holy cow!

Thanks also for the info on the IT band issues. It's really frustrating. I'm going to keep "rolling" with the foam roller (it's SO painful, but a good kind of pain...I guess...) and the icing,ibuprofen, etc. I should get fitted for some new running shoes as well.

My name is "Heidi" and I'm in RA. Thanks for letting me be part of your group ;) Me feels loved.

Heidi
 
I always say that my first 5K is what got me hooked on running too!! You've gotten bitten by the bug! ;-)

Great job on placing too!! It is fun and the endorphins get pumping. I have a half marathon in 3 weeks and am looking forward to it!! My kids also love the *fun* runs, it's great to get the whole family involved!

I had a bad case of IT band after my first marathon. The foam roller is painful but it really does help along with good stretching (sitting w/ *pretzel* legs helped me a lot). Also, make sure that you're wearing the right shoe- I have to wear a stability shoe (Asics GT-2120's are my favorites) and I wear an insert also.

HTH & happy running!
 
I run in the cold also. I actually don't mind, once you get out the door & start running it isn't so bad. ;-) The 40's.... I'm wearing shorts when it gets that *warm*. :)
 
Hey Heidi~

I am totally with you! I ran my first 5K last November in Detroit on Thanksgiving (with 8,000 people!!).

I ran my second 5K in January when it was 10 below zero and snowing like crazy...loved it!!

I ran my third 5K this weekend and got my best time (just under 29 minutes!). I was so proud of myself!

The best part is, like you, my DH joined me (for his first ever). I was so proud of him!! He ran it in 26 minutes! For a beginner, I thought that was pretty good!

We are also looking for more races, and shooting for one or two per month. I am amazed at how many races there are out there!

Great job! :) :)
Jenn
 
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