A Goal Reorganization - a 10k update and more.

Well, after talking to my brother, it looks like we might not be running the 30k relay in March. (10k each)

I'm disappointed and relieved at the same time. Disappointed because I want to do it, but relieved because I didn't think I would be ready by March.

So, to fix that, here's what I did.

I've set some new goals and taken action!

Jogging 

• I finally bought new running shoes that I love, love love! (I'll post about those later.)
• I've started to go jogging again.
• I plan to jog at least three days a week. Either outside or on the treadmill.
• I'm going to time myself at the 5k Run for a Cure next month. Donations to support my run and help fight against breast cancer can be made at www.runforthecure.com/goto/madeline
• I'll sign up for a timed 5k race somewhere.
• I'm going to look for another 10k race to do in the future. Maybe early Spring.

Learning a New Sport

• Remember that new sport I was talking about? It's hockey! Yes, I have signed up for women's hockey! Yup. I'm pretty sure I am a little crazy.
• I'm going to blog about hockey here and add the label "hockey @ 40". Note: I am not 40, yet, but I'm sneaking up on it.

Writing

• I've started my final course for my Technical Writing certificate. Technical Editing. Should be done by the end of October. I'm very excited!
• I'm blogging more.

And today, I am going to try to set some realistic writing goals, other than bloggin and my course. I need to pick one thing, focus on it, and follow it through to the end. 

So, there you have it. Watch for posts labeled "hockey @ 40", I'm sure they are going to be entertaining.

Doubting the 10km

I've have my doubts.

When I'm tired I think, "I can't run a 10K! What was I thinking?" Other times when I have had some rest I believe the Around the Bay Race is doable for me.  Here's why I flip-flop:

Negative actions/thoughts I have about the 10K:

• I have constant "what if" thoughts. What if I get sick before the race? What if I simply can't do it in the amount of time given? What if I can't breath?
• Lack of training/motivation.
• I shouldn't be running with the shoes I have. They have very little support left. This might also be why I'm not training like I should.

Positive actions/thoughts I have about the 10K:

• I went to the Running Room to buy new shoes. I didn't buy any because I am waiting for a sale, but the simple fact that I did the action must mean I think I can run the 10k run, right? Plus, if I get new shoes that wipes out at least one of the negative actions/thoughts.
• I spoke with the woman at the Running Room who said getting in shape to run a 10k is totally doable between now and March. Yay!
• I've committed to running a 5k in October: The Run for a Cure. I have other reasons for running this race but it's still a positive action for me. (www.runforthecure.com/goto/madeline)
• I've joined another sport which will help me get into better shape*. (I would talk about the sport but that's an entirely different blog post.)
• I have been going out for walks and did do a bit of a run last week.
• I figured out how long it would take me to WALK 10k.

Out of all the positive points, I think the last one is the most motivating. The race in March is a 30k relay with my brother and sister; Both who are in better, much better, shape* than I am. As a team, we have 4.5 hours to finish the 30k. This means we each have one hour and 30 minutes to run 10K.

On average, I can walk one kilometer in nine minutes. Let's round it up to 10 minutes for good measure. This means, if I were to only walk  my section of the race, it would take me 100 minutes (10mins/k X 10 k). That is one hour and 40 minutes. That's only ten minutes over my share of the time! Of course, I want to do much better than that but that relieves some of the stress and self doubt.

I haven't committed to the 10k race yet but I think I can do it!

*I am not that out of shape but I have been in better.