8K sign up

The Warrior Dash was almost a MONTH ago. Know how many times I've worked out since the race? 5. FIVE TIMES at the gym. Granted, I've gone running/jogging a few times too, but nothing like how I was training in the past. I've come to the realization that, with workouts, I'm not a good "follow through" person. I mean, I train, I do the race, I win! then, I fail. I just forget everything and go back to my bad habits because I feel like I deserve a reward. My reward is sitting on my ass, watching Mad Men, eating ice cream and mozzarella-stuffed bread sticks. Not good.

So, I took a leap today. I registered for the Playmaker's Autumn Classic, an 8K race.  That's 4.9 miles for those keeping track. I've never done more than a 5K, but it's time to start working on distance. Matt has been trying to convince me that I should be working on endurance, not speed. He's probably right-- the time it takes to run the 8K, while important, is nothing compared to actually DOING the full 8K.

I'm a little freaked out. I feel like I want to vomit after most 5K races-- what in the hell am I going to feel like after this race?

As of today, I have 1 month to train. One can accomplish a lot in a month, right? My brain (which is in a doughnut-induced sugary haze right now) says to start training on Monday because, let's be honest, I don't do crap on the weekends. But, I KNOW I have to do something today. I was going to go to the gym at lunch, but that's not going to happen anymore. The new plan is to strap on the gym shoes and go for a run with the dog after work. Saves me a trip to the dog park too, I guess.

We're going running now? RIGHT NOW? OK! GO! 

I need to vent about the "running with the dog" thing. I love Daisy. I do. But running with her is disheartening, since she just trots while I run, sweat, cuss and try to concentrate.  It's like she is mocking me. "Come on, lady. Why are you not running? I don't understand why you're moving so slow. WHAT IS YOUR PROBLEM?!" But running without her is even worse- I get the guilt trip eyes, the whimpering as I put on the running shoes.. it's like I'm breaking her little beagle-sized heart.

My plan of attack for the month: If, by some miracle, I can make it to the gym over lunch- great! I'll do weights and my Warrior Dash workout routine. However, since that has become harder to do (and September really looks sucky schedule-wise), I will aim to run at LEAST 3x/week after work, whether it be outside or at the Y. I am allowed to do both the gym and the run on the same day if required/able.

I can do this. I will do this. Maybe I will buy myself a Beyonce if I survive the race. A big metal chicken is a better reward than mint oreo ice cream... right?