So, I’m running a 5K in eight days and it occurred to me that, hey, maybe I should, like, train for this, or something. I wasn’t even sure I could run 3.1 miles, so two weeks ago I hit the trail and was relieved to discover I could go the distance without sneaking in any walking breaks when the tree spiders weren’t looking. It took me 34 minutes, but that’s okay. It’s much faster than I’ve ever been able to travel three miles, at least without a bike or my mom’s car keys.

I looked over the 5K training programs on CoolRunning.com and printed out the beginner program. (Thanks to Debbi for the hook-up, who runs and runs and never loses weight but does it anyway because she is awesome.) I decided to start the plan at the end of week one since I’d already run a couple 2 and 3 milers during the week like the program dictated. Which means I’m only going to get to the end of week 3 of the 12 week [...]

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I have signed up for my first 5K and there will be bagpipes. And maybe kilts. There will definitely be beer. I speak of the Indy Irish Festival and its 5K Run/Walk (I have chosen to run). I will not be running in a kilt myself, but several people will be two days later in the Kilted Mile race which will give out awards for Bonniest Knees, Hairiest Legs, and Least Likely to Finish. I don’t think I could win any of those categories, not since I shaved my legs for my brother’s wedding, so I’m sticking to the 5K even though I doubt I will win anything in that either, but damn it I will finish!

I have never run in a 5K race. I’d planned on signing up for one this summer since it seems to be the thing to do when you have lost lots of weight and want to prove your newfound athletic abilities to the world. It seemed a lot less demanding than a half-marathon or triathlon too and didn’t [...]

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