Week 5 Day 3

Workout:
20 min continuous run

I have been dreading this work out all week. I looked at day one on Monday and saw that I had 20 minutes coming this weekend, well I kinda panicked. I was confident there was no way I could do 20 mins. with no walking. Amazingly, I did it. I know my running route pretty well now, and I went this morning without the dogs, so I knew about how far I was going to run, so I didn't need to look at the time much. I just focused on my breathing and keeping my feet moving. I think I pysched myself out a little because I was worried about how hot it is supposed to be today and the distance that I started running really slow. When I run slow, I take these tiny steps that really don't get me anywhere. So I feel like I'm wasting a ton of energy and not going anywhere. So about the 10 min mark I realized I should be farther than I was, so I tried to focus on taking longer steps. That helped me to stop thinking about how far I had ran, and how much farther I had to go. Once I got to the 15 minute mark, I felt like I had the run licked. I knew if I'd ran for 15 minutes I could do another 5 with out a problem. It's funny, I've noticed that there is a point in most of my runs where I just accept it. It's like my body and brain finally get on the same page and decide, Fine, we'll work together and do this. Just seems like it takes forever to get there. When I finished my 20 mins. I threw my arms up in the air like I'd won a huge race...I'm sure the other people in the park thought I was strange, but I didn't care!

I had debated whether or not to take the dogs. I didn't start out until almost 7am, which by that time there is normally people at the park, so I decided with the daunting task of 20 mins I couldn't risk having an issue with the dogs. I know after the run this was the right choice. When I got to the park I saw the Boxer Dude. Boxer Dude lives down the street from us. He's one of the most dedicated walkers I see. I'm almost positive he walks both of his boxers every day. Jay and I have seen him many times. The problem with Boxer Dude is that his dogs are Big Abby's Arch-nemisises...is that a word? She hates them. We've encountered them on walks in the past and she would drag me through traffic to get to these dogs. For some reason she hates these dogs. We can't even walk by their house with them in the fence without her freaking out. So when I saw Boxer Dude at the park, I was relieved I hadn't taken the dogs. When I got home Jay told me that the dogs knew where I had gone and they were whining for me. I guess it doesn't take long to train them! The good news is that Annie went to the vet last week and she's lost 10 lbs. So we are getting her into shape too!