Personal Milestones in May

I've been a negligent blogger, but May was a tough/ busy month. At the beginning of the year, I posted about my workout goals. May turned out to be a great month for me as far as workout accomplishments went. First, I completed my longest run ever- 5 miles. My time was 56:52. I was proud of myself for not walking at all and really surprised I received a second place medal at the finish line!

Michael and my friend, Tina, ran with me for a while, but my pace was much too slow for them. I appreciated them running with me as long as they did! Overall, Michael ended up placing 4th, Tina placed 6th and I placed 9th. I was surprised by the final results... especially since there were only 12 of us that completed the 5 mile race. :)
I hadn't been doing a lot of running prior to the race. Luckily, Michael had challenged me to 30 days of squats. I was almost at the end of the challenge, plus I had been doing some cross-training too.

Initially, I didn't think it was doing me any good. I was frustrated because my clothes were fitting tighter and I was gaining weight, which I hoped was muscle. Michael said he could see a difference, but of course, I didn't believe him! He kept assuring me that it was making a difference. It took completing the 5 mile run to actually feel the benefits from this challenge.
A week after the 5 mile run and 4 days after completing the squat challenge, Michael and I went on a 3 mile run together. I was disappointed, yet encouraged that I missed my fastest 5k time by only 4 seconds! So I decided on my next run, I decided to try beat my fastest mile time. Goal= achieved! 
Michael and I also completed a 30 day ab challenge together. It turned out to be a bigger pain in the ass (literally) than the squats. I learned two things- I hate planks and too many sit-ups, crunches and leg raises can cause a blister on your tailbone!

I decided to try a run while on vacation in Colorado. I made it less than 3/4 mile and the time it took me is seriously dragging my averages down. The problem was I let Michael choose the route- straight up hill. (I should note he's become a cross-fit junkie.) At least the scenery was beautiful! 

We also went on a fairly strenuous hike on vacation. I carried Mayer in the Ergo Sport for 2.5 miles up (800 ft in elevation) the West Peak Trail to the timberline.The next mile up to the summit (top of the peak) is steep and rocky.

Physically, I was fine hiking up the West Spanish Peak. I almost made it (the mound in the top right corner is the top). Mentally, I got discouraged. I had a hard time staying on the "trail" and I had finally lost track of my hiking partners (my husband and brother-in-law). I figured by the time I finally reached the top, I figured they would be rested and ready to head back down, so I turned back.
I finished the month with an 11 mile bike ride, pulling at least 75 pounds. Needless to say by the end of the ride I was lucky to make it in the house! As an athlete, I'm thankful our trail isn't flat. The hills provide a good challenge, but man that extra 75+ pounds makes them even more difficult! Several times I thought it would probably be faster to get off the bike and walk it up to the top. Yet as I struggle up, I just keep thinking two things- #1- I am able to do some of my training in the company of my family. (The boys like to "help" by leaning forward when we are going uphill and often remind me to go faster.)  And #2- how much easier it will seem come race day without all the extra weight behind me!! :)