Week 27: Day 7 - Firecracker 10K Race Day Update

Race Day Update - Firecracker 10K Chinatown Los Angeles


8:30am - 10K (6.21 miles), time = 1:12:29 pace = 11:32 Official finish time

It was too warm, I forgot to take my caffeine and I attempted to run with a DSLR camera. I don't know how much a DLSR camera weighs, but it was heavy and I never figured out how to efficiently run with it without getting tired. I switched betweens arms, but I still got tired. After mile one, I gave up trying to figure how to run efficiently, so I gave up trying to PR (personal record). I ran this race in 2009 and my time was 1:04:34. Today's race was my slowest pace. I didn't care anymore. I just wanted to run whatever I could and take pictures along the way. They changed the course route to which I liked better...we got to run through the Dodger's Stadium parking lot and run the perimeter of the stadium for a short distance. I think because I didn't bother trying to run fast or beat my original time, I had a nice time and I enjoyed the run. This was what happens when the photographer kicked and took over the runner.

Next time I run this race, I'm bringing a smaller camera...and no, I will not be running a half marathon with a camera, no matter what the size is.

Week 20: Day 5

cardio:

• trail/road run = 3.2 miles, time = 34:08, pace @ 10:40/mile

strength training:

• squats on bosu ball (platform side up) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 30lbs (one dumbell)
• one legged sqauts = 2 sets x 15 reps x 35lbs (two 17.5lb dumbells)
• wall sits = 2 sets x 1 min hold
• hip aDductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 180lbs
• calf extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 140lbs
• hip aBductions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 180lbs
• prone leg curls (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 55lbs
• leg extensions (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 60lbs
• leg presses (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 390lbs
• hack squats (weight machine) = 2 sets x 15 reps x 200lbs

I finally bit the bullet and made the plunge...I signed up for this 10K race in hopes that this would motivate me to get out for a run. I do really like to run, but sometimes I need a specific goal...something to train/prepare for. Running for the sake of running, just for fun, just to stay fit, or even just to lose a few pounds, just doesn't cut it for me. I think signing up for a race would help and all those other reasons would follow through.

Just in case you're wondering, visit this website and use the $2 discount code "fckrfan" when you register online.

Anyway, I made less stops in the run this morning compared to yesterday. I'm not in running shape, so I don't have the endurance like I used to. Somehow, signing up for the race helped a bit because I didn't feel as bored or unmotivated. I was worried that signing up wouldn't help. In the last half marathon that I ran, I was bored and unmotivated during the first half (one and a half months) of training. My motivation didn't kick in until the second half.

I have seven weeks to train for this 10K race, so I still have time to work on my running and pace. Worse comes to worse, if I'm undertrained/unprepared, I'm still going to show up and alternate between walking/running. Whether I'm prepared or not, I'm going to be one of those crazy athletes/participates with a bulky, professional looking camera taking pictures during the race.

Since the gym is open until 2pm today (and is closed tomorrow), I went there after my run to finish off the rest of my work out. I almost didn't want to go, but I made myself go and figured I would feel better if I did (it worked). I think I'm not used to doing lower body strength training after a run anymore because I have been so lazy/unmotivated/bored to run.