So, its been a while since I posted last.  I managed to make it through my first 5k of the season, with decent results...

48:00 ! 

Though its almost a full 4 minutes slower than my last race, I'm happy with the results for the following reasons:

1. I'd been allergic and very stuffy for the previous two weeks - no running.

2. The course was much hillier than what I was used to and the roads sandy from winter.

3. It was COLD!! 

Hey - I did the race, I finished and I wasn't last! Can't ask for much more than that. :-) 

After recuperating over the weekend, I took a day to analyze my training and came to several conclusions, the most important of which was that my training wasn't helping me much. Yes, I'm pushing through the C25k training - which is fantastic and highly recommended - but that's not what I mean.  I realized that everyone I follow on Twitter, TFMF or Facebook and everyone I truly know put in mileage. They don't just stick with the interval runs and think that will save them. They are all doing at least 3 miles when they are out on a workout - whether walking or running. Additionally, they don't train on flat ground. They add hills to their workouts. 

That is key! If you can't do the mileage on a "regular" day, how can you expect to do the mileage on race day? 

So, I changed my workout plan. Now, whether running intervals or walking, I do a minimum of 2.5 miles. On my walking days, I'm adding hills to the workout. This helps build my endurance up so when I can run a full 5k, I am ready to do so. 

Though I've just started on this new path, I'm excited to see if this will also help me gain speed during my C25k runs. So far, I'm stuck at Week 4. There's something about that last 5 minute interval that I just don't seem to be able to complete without taking a break. 

Think Fast, Move Faster - building on my mileage during workouts will definitely help me!