first 5K tomorrow..

[BonnieV]

I picked up my "package" today. I have a number and a timer for my shoe. I'm actually going to run with a number safety pinned to my chest. I can hardly believe it. I found out about the couch to 5K here years ago. I finally got it done and can now run 3.1 miles. My goal is to finish under 40 minutes.

[fatcat]

woo hoo! Let us know how it goes!

[frits]

I started running after I hit 40, so I know exactly what a huge accomplishment this is--HOORAY for you!! Have a great time, and be proud of yourself!

[BonnieV]

I did it!!!

I ran it in under 42 minutes... I walked up the huge hills I wasn't expecting. Who knew there were hills in Illinois????

The Morton Arboretum is really beautiful with the trees changing colors. It was a cold morning. The first mile was horrible. It always is for me and the hills didn't help. That said, I feel hugely accomplished and KNOW next year when I run it again I will be faster and it will be easier.

Next I want to do a 10K next May for my 49th birthday present to myself! I really don't love running but I LOVE how I feel when I'm done!!

Tomorrow I have to get serious about my food and 20 pounds that need to come off pronto!

Bonnie

[WasTarin]

Woooooooooo hooooooooooooooo

I love hearing you talk about running. Sometimes I think the first timers are more inspiring than the hugely accomplished runners.

And for the record, Bonnie V, the first mile sucks for everyone.

[lemonjen]

Good for you! That is a great accomplishment! Congrats!

[Guest]

Wow Bonnie - I live near the Morton Arboretum! (M)

I ran it in under 42 minutes... I walked up the huge hills I wasn't expecting. Who knew there were hills in Illinois????

The Morton Arboretum is really beautiful with the trees changing colors. It was a cold morning. The first mile was horrible. It always is for me and the hills didn't help. That said, I feel hugely accomplished and KNOW next year when I run it again I will be faster and it will be easier.

Next I want to do a 10K next May for my 49th birthday present to myself! I really don't love running but I LOVE how I feel when I'm done!!

Tomorrow I have to get serious about my food and 20 pounds that need to come off pronto!

Bonnie

Congrats on the run - fabulous job!!!!!! You and I sound like similar runners (I don't love the running, the first mile kills me, and hills are my enemy! And yes, there ARE hills in Illinois! What run did you do? There is a great Reindeer Run in Naperville (technically Warrenville I think) in December. My son and I did that one last year, and it was freezing, but so fun. I'd like to try a 10K too, maybe even a half marathon. I know there a bunch around here in IL.

Take care,
Terri

[BonnieV]

ok.. I've been away from here for a while Terri but..

when did you move here from california? You have a 2003 baby (well not a baby anymore) too, right?

I live in Bloomingdale and have a condo downtown. Where do you live?

I can't imagine running outside in december. This cold rain is driving me inside to the treadmill!

Bonnie

[Guest]

Hi Bonnie! (M)

when did you move here from california? You have a 2003 baby (well not a baby anymore) too, right?

I live in Bloomingdale and have a condo downtown. Where do you live?

I can't imagine running outside in december. This cold rain is driving me inside to the treadmill!

Bonnie

I haven't been around here much for a while... too busy! We moved from CA 2 1/2 years ago to the Fox Valley area. We are right by the river, and we really love it. My husband got transferred here (he works for the US State Dept), though he's in Iraq for the year.

And yes, I have a 2003 baby, Taylin. She's my youngest (I have a 10 yo, and 8 yo twins).

The Reindeer Run was actually really fun despite the cold wind blowing - everyone was bundled, and in fact, while I was running, I ended up taking off my gloves and hat since I was warming up. I think waiting to start was the hard part!

Anyway, do you have a race in mind for the spring? I'm still thinking about what I want to do! I hate treadmill running, but it's pretty much inevitable in IL winters.

Take care,
Terri

[AmyIL]

Oh I wanted to run that - was signed up and everything. Problem is I just had an emergency gall bladder surgery - so I'm out of running for a bit. congrats on the run!!
Amy