In order to build up I started with a run/walk programme (posted on my blog) but now I just go running with friends which is really quite enjoyable!

When you guys started, how fast were you running after your initial warm ups? ( if you guys trained on the treadmill)

http://www.coolrunning.com/engine/2/2_1/106.shtml

My question is, how would I get back to my routine? How much or what would I have to do to get right back where I left off?

Well, first off I asked a few of my friends and family members to come and watch me race. I am an extremely shy person who gets intimidated easily and I thought having a social network in place would help boost my confidence. Boy was I glad I did this. Everyone else seemed to walk with their head a little higher than mine and this made me feel small and awkward (this was all in my head of course). I felt so sheepish asking about the “chips” that we had to attach to our sneakers. The only reason I even knew to ask for one was because I overheard people talking about how to attach it to their shoe. Anyway, my mom and boyfriend were there and they walked with e all the way to the starting line to begin my race. One of the race coordinators told us to line up according to our running pace. Since I was feeling so intimidated, I thought that the back of the line was a good place to go. Um,…unless you are going to be walking in one of these events, I do not recommend that you do this. I was so far back that it took a while before the people in front of me even started moving. There were about 600 of us there so you can imagine how long it took before those of us in the back even started to move. At first I was confused. Why were all of these people walking? Then it dawned on me. Duh, walkers start in the back! I got to a slow jog and I began to find little gaps in between people and as soon as these gaps widened, I blotted right thought them. Although it stinks that I started in a place I shouldn’t have been, it was kinda exciting to pass people. I eventually got to a place where I was keeping up with, but not passing, my fellow runners. It felt nice to be in a pseudo-group. The proceeds from the race went to benefit the families of police officers who had been killed or injured in the line of duty, so there were a bunch of cop cars all along the race. It was great to see these officers cheering us on while standing outside of the cop car with their red lights flashing. The race went through a residential area so a bunch of families were outside cheering for us too. I thought this was great because I wasn’t really doing anything special, I was just running. When I finally neared the finish line I saw my mother, my boyfriends, and one of my friends waiting for me at the finish line. Seeing them made me pick up my pace a little. It felt so good to cross that finish line! After I completed the race I was free to walk about the park and eat the free healthy food and smoothies that had been donated. I cannot explain the elation that I felt that day. I was truly a wonderful experience. Now that I have done one race, I want to do another. Next time I am not going to start in the back. I have learned that you need to believe in yourself or else you will never achieve your goal. I want to hear stories for you all too!

If you win a medal, wear it! Wear for however many days you feel like it. Think about the Olympic champions..they wear theirs for a while, why shouldn't you???

Uhm, what else???

P.S. Sorry about my typo in the heading. I meant "checking"

I try to do my race training and stretching, to cross train I do Pilates and a cardio video and then the other two days I do weights. In the summer, I throw in some fun bike rides. And then, you should take days off when you need them. Listen to your body.

I have no idea how you were able to run in 20 degree weather. I can't even handle the 70 degree weather we are experiencing in Florida.

Gongrats on your metals. :)

I enjoy racing. I HAVE to train, because I find it so much easier to work towards a goal rather than just working out.

Once you have a solid base of walking or running, staying race ready is really easy.

I live in the UK, so I can't use your race-finder but I know there is a 5K charity run near me in June and a 10K in August. Maybe I should go for both - what do you think?? Unfortunately I think my friends my get fed up with sponsoring me!!

Angela, I think going from a 2K to a 5K is a really great idea. It's definately about seeing the progression and I'm certain that's achievable! Good Luck everyone on here!