Race Week

Race week is finally here! I've spent the past 6 weeks working through my Couch to 5K training program in preparation for the Mutts and Monsters 5K run in Hays on Oct. 26. Am I ready? I hope so! But I think if I can survive the Warrior Dash 5K obstacle course J-Rock and I did earlier this year, I should be able to handle this.

Couch to 5K has actually been kind of fun this time! Bet you never thought you'd see me type those words! I tried it a few years ago to see if I could get into running, but just didn't enjoy it. You see, running has never, ever really been my "thing." I'm the girl who did all field events in track because I hated to run. I got away with it until that one meet when Mr. Brungardt decided to put me on the 4x400 meter relay team, just so I could have one race during my senior year. Let's just say that didn't go over so well...I'm still holding a little grudge over that. But I still have the medal to prove I did it and it's probably one of my most favorite memories from track. So thanks, Mr. B!

I've been doing most of my training indoors on the treadmill. This week, I'm hoping to train outside so I can get used to running outdoors. The workouts haven't been anything I have not been able to finish. I like the increasing intensity and distance each week - it's not too much, but just enough to make you know you have to push yourself a little harder to get through. Even though I'm a couple of weeks behind on the program (it's an 8-week program), I think I'm going to stick it out and finish my last 2 weeks after the race. Maybe, just maybe I'm turning out to be sort of a runner after all...who knows, perhaps I'll even try for a 10K. Yeah, right!

I am sad to say I won't be running the race with Tipsy dog, even though I really want to! I haven't been able to run with her so we can get used to running with each other. For some reason, she just doesn't like the treadmill. And, like her owner, she can be just a little high strung. So she'll just have to give me some good luck licks before I leave. Maybe we can make it work next year. For those of you wondering about why I'm not running with Tink, I'm pretty sure I'd have to carry her the entire race! Although, there's a good chance I might have to be carried for part of the race...

So, come Saturday morning, while you are still tucked into bed or enjoying a morning cup of coffee while watching College Gameday, be thinking of us Mutts and Monsters runners and say a little "Good Luck" for us! I really am truly excited for the race and even more excited about being able to help out the animal shelter. If it wasn't for a cause so near and dear to my heart, I probably wouldn't even be doing the race. Stay tuned for the race recap next week!