2018 3TV Phoenix 10k

This was my first time participating in Phoenix’s longest running 10k so I was super excited to cross it off my list.

The course is great–flat, fast, and PR friendly. And yep, I certainly benefitted from it finishing in 45:41, over a minute and thirty seconds improvement from my last 10k two years ago!

Thank you, Athlinks!

I was ecstatic, obviously, to PR and meet my time goal (which was 45:xx), PRs getting harder to snag and all. But, I have to admit that I was disappointed in my execution.

Oh, Helly….

The plan was to start at or around 7:25 and try to progress from there, but yeah, that didn’t happen. Of course, like most people say when they start out too fast, it felt good at the time, lol! And honestly, I didn’t look at my watch so I didn’t really know how fast I was going until the mile split rang. I knew 6:54 for a first mile was ridiculous, and I did try to slow down, and felt like I did–only to see mile two ring in at 7:01.

I knew I was in trouble then.

It never crossed my mind that perhaps I could maintain that pace. I knew I would slow down and I wanted to try my hardest to soften the damage, PR still in mind.

And sure enough, miles 3 and 4 were a struggle but nothing compared to miles 5 and 6 where I felt like I was running with sand bags for legs. I kept trying to surge, maintain frame, and not fully lose control. But it was hard.

When I turned the final corner (there were a lot of them), I saw the clock and saw that 45 was still there. I ran with whatever was left in me to squeeze in. And I did it!! Some how, some way I managed to not completely fall apart! #WIN

So while I am happy I met the 45:xx, 7:15 avg pace goal I had, I am a teensy bummed it was so ugly, lol! And not even pretty ugly–you know what I mean? I know the rules, I know better, so it’s hard for me to even say this is a lesson learned because I. already. know. this. lesson.

My husband, gosh I love him, told me, “Hey, if you reverse the miles and go backwards, you would’ve loved the splits!”

Which is true–so in my mind from now on, I’ll read the splits in reverse. Ha!

And yes, I will still gladly accept my new 10k PR, Athlinks! ❤

PR!!!!

–Have you gotten an ugly PR?

–Do you suffer from starting-out-too-fast syndrome?

Athlinks sponsored the 10k for me but I assure you, all thoughts and opinions and ugly splits are my own.

 

How Starting a New Job is Like Starting a New Training Plan

In my last post from a time long ago, I shared the exciting news that I am now a full-time realtor #yay! The past few weeks have found me immersed in all things real estate; it reminded of how I get when I start a new training plan.

When you start a new training plan:

…you write each workout on a calendar
…and cross off each day as you complete it
…you analyze each workout and have no doubts you’ll be able to nail it #igotthis
…you look at each week’s mileage and question if it’s not enough
…you buy new workout clothes because, well, it’s a new training cycle
…every run is exciting because you’ve. got. goals.

Similarly, when you get a new job:

…you start using the fancy calendar in your phone to track your meetings
…and promptly fill it up with events because you need to be at all the things
…you get motivated by all the new, cool stuff you’re learning
…you look at your daily tasks list and triumphantly cross things off as you do them
…you buy new work clothes because you’re #adulting
…every challenge is exciting because you’ve. got. goals.

All this lasts for about a month, right? And then…..

…the novelty wears off and all you really feel is TIRED.

Don’t get me wrong, I’m having a blast learning new things and getting the hang of real estate, but I def feel like this past month has been a bit of a blur. Things are finally beginning to settle down and I’m establishing more of a routine, which is super important to me because I thrive on structure. It’s been tough trying to manage my workouts to fit with my work schedule though, and I’ve had to move things around A LOT, but I’m proud that for the most part, I’ve only been moving and not skipping them.

Summer training was difficult, and now that fall has officially arrived and the weather has at long last shown us good temps, I’ve been able to get some more consistent running in. Of course, all the while, doing this new job thing, lol!!

I’ve got work goals, and I’ve got running goals.

Originally, I had decided to drop out of 3TV Half Marathon, but I’m feeling better about giving a race a shot. So, I’ve decided to give it a go at the 10k! I don’t remember the last time I’ve raced a 10k and I have a feeling it’s going to be painful, but I’m excited that I’m finally excited. I have a goal in mind for this race. You’ll know what it is if I hit it, LOL!! But really, I’m mostly curious to see where I’m at and have a better of idea of my fitness going into Boston Marathon training #omg.

That’s pretty much what’s up in my world. I had a friend the other day (who follows both my work and running Instagram) message me asking how I fit it all in.

One word: Caffeine

Lots of it. And in different forms. I like to go to the three C’s–Coke, Coffee, and Chocolate

Well thanks for catching up! I renewed this blog thing for another year so hopefully you’ll stick around ❤

xoxo,

helly

–Do you get excited about starting a new job and/or training plan? Do you think they’re similar in ways?

–What is your caffeine preference, if any? (If none, HOW??!!)

Pepsi=Ew

 

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Is It Fall Yet? And Flowers by Mail

No sign of it here…sigh….

Since I started this new real estate gig, I’ve found myself having to complete my workouts in the evening. Well in Phoenix, evening does not mean cooler weather.

I’ve been a little better about getting myself out there. I can feel my motivation climbing a little bit which is encouraging. I felt like I would never *want* to get out there, you know? The last few weeks I’ve found that I’ve been feeling bad if I don’t get my run in–where as before, I just didn’t care #realtalk

If you’ve been a reader for a while, then you know that I actually like warm weather. I loathe being cold. But man, this summer has been rough and I’m anxiously awaiting the arrival of fall.

I can’t wait for cooler weather.

There I said it. I *know* I’ll regret this when it’s 32 degrees out.

Speaking of fall, I received these beautiful flowers on Saturday. They appeared on my doorstep and I have no idea who the sender is. I also have never received flowers by mail before, lol!

The flowers’ fall colors made me smile and the note….I’ve been overwhelmed with everyone’s support of my career change and I’m just so grateful. Sender, if you’re reading, thank you ❤ It makes my home feel like fall is just around the corner.

–Have you ever received flowers by mail?

–Are you ready for fall and cooler weather?