Today was graduation day from the Couch to 5k program. I ran the Chocolate Miracle 5k race this morning in Hershey. Proceeds from the race benefited the Children’s Miracle Network.
I started my preparations yesterday by updating my playlist and charging my iPod, charging my Garmin, and laying out my clothes for the race. Registration for the race started at 7 this morning with the actual race starting at 8.
Breakfast this morning was an English muffin with Dark Chocolate Dreams peanut butter and a banana.
I wanted something that would keep my full enough to get through the race but not too full that I felt like I had lead in my gut. This worked perfectly!
I left myself plenty (probably a little too much) time to get to the race location this morning and I was able to catch a few pictures before many of the participant arrived.
Registration opened and I picked up my bib – #105.
I met up with Lauren just few minutes before the race and we wished each other good luck. She is a faster runner than I so she took her place towards the beginning of the pack.
After waiting around for a while, it was finally time to start the race. I started out the race at a pretty steady pace. I used the Garmin to help pace myself to make sure I didn’t start out too strong. The course for the race took us through some of Hershey – right past the Reese’s plant – and the air smelled like chocolate! There were a few hills on the course but nothing that was majorly challenging.
As the finish line came into view, I picked up my pace to finish strong. I crossed the finish line in 30:04 minutes!! I was stoked! That is 10-minute miles! I never run that fast!
I had such a great time running this 5k race and can’t wait to sign up for another! I think I’ve fallen in love with running!
After the race, I headed home to see my family and tell them all about the race. I also squeezed in a quick shoulders and back workout:
| Set 1: |
| Dumbbell Shoulder Press, 3 set |
| Seated Cable Row, 3 sets |
| Set 2: |
| One Arm Dumbbell Row, 3 sets |
| Front Dumbbell Raises, 3 sets |
| Set 3: |
| Side Dumbbell Raises, 3 sets |
| Deadlifts w/Barbell, 3 sets |
Another great smoothie!
In the mix today:
- 1 cup almond milk
- 1 scoop Chocolate Peanut Butter protein powder
- 1 frozen banana
- 2 handfuls spinach
- 1 Tbsp. cocoa powder
I had to make a second one for the munchkins – they love smoothies now!
Lunch today was quick and easy – fried eggs and steamed veggies.
We have spent the afternoon enjoying the great weather outside, playing in the backyard. We are going to celebrate Father’s Day tonight and head out to dinner. I better go get ready!
Question: What have you fallen in love with recently?
4 Comments
You did great Karen! It was so great to see you again today.
Thanks Lauren! You had a great race too! It was really great to see you too – we definitely need to get together again soon : )
Great job on the race!! I bet you feel absolutely awesome!
I’ve fallen in love with zumba AND an awesome stretch AFTER an awesome run!
PS I know I tell you this all the time but I am so glad you are committed to feeding your kidlets so well…It gives me something to look forward to when it’s my turn to do the baby thing!
Thanks Katie – I do feel pretty awesome : )
You would be surprised what kids will eat! There are some things that my kids won’t touch (mostly fish – tilapia, salmon, tuna) but for the most part they are pretty good eaters. We stick to pretty “healthy” foods in our house – there are no chips, cookies, “junk foods” etc anywhere in our house. I know they have had it before and that’s okay, it’s just not food we prefer to spend our money on.