runnin.
Sunday, Jun. 07, 2009 - 7:41 p.m.

I haven't been very stringent about going to the gym and having long 2 hours workouts as I was before. Right now, I'm focusing less on losing weight and more on preparing for this 4 mile race that is coming up on June 20th! I'm pretty nervous about it. My weight lingers around 202/203. It would be nice to get to 199 before the race, but I don't want to pressure myself for both things.

My workouts now are basically runs, 3-4 miles. Yesterday I ran 4 miles, today i ran 3.5. I think I'm going to alternate mileage. I want to be used to running the 4 miles. The great thing about running is that you can just do it in your neighborhood. I mapped out a 3.5 mile course that starts and ends at my house. I'm feeling a little relieved because I haven't been getting up at 5am to hit the gym and take classes every morning - I just go, give myself an hour to warm up/run/stretch and then I can shower and go to work. I used to be at the gym from 6am-10am 4-5 days a week. I'll probably go back to hitting the gym and taking classes 4-5 days per week after the race to get rid of these last 40-50 pounds, but again for now, I'm just working on running. Hopefully, I can keep running a part of my workout.

I've run the race course and that's made me feel better, knowing I can do it. I am at an 11.30 mile. Not great, but not horrible. I can only get better from here. I am hoping to finish the race in 45 minutes. Then I can focus on speed and such and aim to do much better next year.

This race is a pretty big deal in my city - elite runners from all over the world come to this race as a part of their practice. Thousands walk or run this race. Last year this time, I told myself I'd run it and look - I'm about to! I'm having problems with my right foot - the arch is constantly sore/tight and the outer part of my foot is very tender. I'm okay when I run, but any other time, especially in shoes other than my running shoes, I have a bit of a limp. I just need to get through the next 2 weeks, then I'll have it looked at, do any therapy I need, and get back to running! I hope to do a few 5k's within the next year to keep me going for the 4 mile race next year!