What’s up everyone?
Overall my weekend went pretty well, with one event in particular being the highlight…
I RAN ANOTHER 5K!
I swear, from what I saw on Twitter on Friday, it seemed like EVERYONE was running in a 5k this weekend. Kat was, David was, Craig was, Ryan was, and I’m sure plenty of other people were! CRAZY!
I began to feel a little left out, and may or may not have even cried a tear or two…
…so I went and looked for a race, and lo and behold, I found one!
The race was the Finksburg 5k, put together by the Westminster Road Runners Club (who also did the Mighty Medford 5k). I found the race, but I wasn’t sure I really wanted to run it at first. I hadn’t really been preparing myself to run another 5k, but hey, any running will only benefit my training efforts for the Half Marathon, so why not?
The race took place on the grounds of Gerstell Academy, which is a private school in the area. It began with two laps around their track, and then you proceeded to run the grounds of the school. It was a bit hilly, but no evil death hills like at Mighty Medford, which was nice. Overall…I did okay. My time was 32:07, which would be great, if it wasn’t 1:08 slower than my 5k in January. The official results haven’t been posted yet, but I think I came in 34th place out of…45 maybe? I’m not sure. I placed 35th in Mighty Medford so I least I moved up a spot. WooT!
I was a bit discouraged about my time, until yesterday. I went to the gym in the morning to get some cardio in, and I was able to knock two miles out on the treadmill. In most cases, not a big deal, except that after my first 5k I couldn’t run, and could barely walk, for about a week. This time I was able to get back to my regular routine with little issue. So while my time may have been slower, I feel like that’s a sure sign of progress.
And if it’s not, well, don’t harsh my mellow. I’m going to keep telling myself that 
In a bit of other news, I’ve decided to incorporate some C25K training into my running routine. I’m doing this along with Jess and Anthony, and the primary goal is to try to increase our speeds, so we’ll be mostly sprinting during the “running” portions of the program. I don’t know if I’ll be doing C25K as 100% prescribed, because I’m going to need to get some more running in as well, but I feel like it’d be a nice addition and that I can do it without “overdoing” it.
ALSO!…I’m up to $280 in my fundraising goal for the Maryland Half Marathon! Thanks to everyone who has contributed so far (Erin, my mom, my Aunt Carolyn). You guys rock! There is plenty of time to help, and you can do so by visiting my fundraising page here. Donations go towards the University of Maryland Greenebaum Cancer Center. Thanks
That’s all I got for now. Hope everyone had a good weekend! Feel free to share anything awesome that went down, I’d love to hear about it
I totally had NO clue you ran a 5K this weekend. That’s awesome! It was so spur of the moment, that’s a great time and the fact that you woke up and ran the next morning, incredible!
We’ll definitely modify the C25K. I’ve got to do longer runs too (half marathon in June and 10K in May) so maybe we’ll stick to the first 3 weeks on rotational until the races are finished? That way we can track our week progresses too, compare w1 with w1 a week later.
Let me know what you think!
Jess´s last blog ..Day 77: C25K
I like the idea of rotating the first few weeks, and also incorporating hill sprints like David said. Man, we got our work cut out for us, eh?
That’s definitely a sign of progress my friend. The 5K was just like an early Saturday stroll for you man. I also think not having the pure adrenaline rush of YOUR FIRST 5K makes a difference. It did for me anyway. Glad you had a good time!
Ryan Sullivan´s last blog ..The Woman Behind The Bacon Cuts The Fat
I definitely think your right about the adrenaline rush. Sure, there was some, but not nearly as much as the first one. I think if this was a huge 5k with alot of spectators it might have been a bit different.
Hey, that’s great! Good job, Steve. Keep up the good work – progress is progress. I wouldn’t be too discouraged about the time – sounds like you’ve made good progress by way of your recovery the next day, so who cares what the official time was? It all “counts,” right? Way to go.
Donna´s last blog ..Sounds of Spring playlist
You’re absolutely right, Donna. Just like with the scale, sometimes a number is nothing more than a number.
32:07 is not bad at all. We’re going to get that sub30 5K time very soon, I can feel it. Good work!!!
Thanks, Anthony! I hope you’re right!
Running a race is much better than many other “bandwagon” things you can hop on. Like rooting for the Dallas Cowboys or something. I’m glad to hear that you were able to resume activities as normal. It took me forever before I could do something the next day. I have a feeling with what you’re planning with speed work and with the half marathon that the next time you do a 5K, you’ll break 30 minutes.
David H.´s last blog ..1 second
I’m not a huge football guy, but even I know not to root for the Cowboys
Hope your right about breaking 30 seconds! And great job this weekend with your 5k! WooT for PRs!
Who gets bored and LOOKS to run a 5k? You’re a crazy crazy man.
I’m still a little envious about your ability to do this seeing as we’re practically the same weight. If only my legs co-operated… *shakes an angry fist*
Great job though, dude!
–Ron
Ron´s last blog ..Oh! So THAT’S a Roncast!
Your legs will cooperate in time…if not, take a crowbar to them.
Oh, wait…thats counterproductive. Nevermind!
I think that time is incredible…I’d kill to have a time that good!!! You’re doing great.
You didn’t do too bad yourself
“Tis 5K season – really! Your time was great. Not sure I could do that sort of time right now and you outweigh me by many pounds. You must be strong like bull!
I always had muscular legs, so I guess that helps
I wish every other part of me were as strong.
Dude, congrats on the 5K. Your time is nothing to snub. You have me beat.
I look forward to hearing how much faster you get. In a year, I expect to hear you are one of those people running a 5K in like 22 minutes. 
22 minute 5k? Challenge accepted
Steve, that’s awesome! It’s definitely a good sign that you just wake up one day and say, “man, lots of other people are running 5k’s tomorrow, I’ll guess I’ll go run one too!” And even though your time wasn’t as good, the fact that you weren’t beat the next day I would take as a sign that you’re making some great progress. I just did W3D1 of C25K last night, and I had trouble walking when I first got up this morning!
Brandon´s last blog ..It’s POM-errific!
You’re rockin c25k though! Damn, dude! Hopefully you can walk now.
Seriously man, you’re a rock star. Any time is a good time!! YOU FINISHED!! =)
Elisabeth´s last blog ..Flashback Friday: Stranded.
I did finish, hopefully I’ll say the same with the bigger races
First of all, if I could run a sub 35 minute 5K, I’d probably die in disbelief. I’m always in such awe of your pace~! That being said, if you could run the next day without dying, you’ve made progress since the Mighty Medfod. Way to go, man!
WooT for not dying!
Congrats on a great result. It’s amazing how quickly our bodies adapt to the stresses we put on them eh!
AndrewENZ´s last blog ..Weigh-in #16 2010: Looking green
Definitely, especially when you consider how bad things were 6 months ago, as far as my fitness level was.
I think more energy after the 5k is a HUGE sign of progress! Well done, keep it up
Alison´s last blog ..Another 5 miler!
Thanks
I hope to keep it up, I have a lllooonnnggg way to go 
Steve, I’m completely jealous. Awesome job on running the 5K this weekend!
Thanks Matt!
Well done for getting out there and running that 5k! You’re doing fantastically in your progress towards the half marathon, you must feel so empowered!
Steve –
Way to go on the running. I ran my first 5k in 35 minutes. It was my gateway drug and have been running ever since. 5K is still my favorite distance. I have a free marathon / half marathon training guide on on my blog that may help, swing by and download it for free. I threw a tiny bit your way for your fund raising efforts, looks like your doing good there too. Keep it up and I’ll keep checking on your progress.
Great stuff
Joe
THANK YOU SO MUCH! I’ll definitely check out the training guide too, thanks!
Yeah, it did seem like it was 5K weekend, huh? Good job on yours. I think it’s awesome you ran this weekend and then were able to run again. It shows that your endurance is better. Keep up the hard work.
Thanks! I’m glad for the endurance boost, I’m happier to see that than to see a good number…although I’d still like to see a good number
Congrats on the run! Both you and Craig have me excited about my first 5K.
Anonymous Fat Girl´s last blog ..“Look in the damn mirror!”
Great job with that stealth 5K, Steve! And great job with your fundraising, too!
Chad´s last blog ..Nutrition Monday: Grandmother’s Goodies
DAMN
you are on fire.
since fitbloggin youve grabbed life by the tail and started swinging.
Miz´s last blog ..NO EXCUSES! exercise (part one).
SO awesome Steve! We had a similar week in that we both spontaneously joined a race. Was a great feeling too! I like your idea of sprinting through C25k. I’m gonna have to keep that on the back burner for when I’m ready to start sprint work. Have I told you lately how absofriggenlutely fabulous you are???
Josie´s last blog ..Valor: A Tale of Two Races (and Week 29 Weigh-In)