If you've been following my fitness journey since the beginning, you know I'm a runner—it's that spark that fuels my fire! If you've been following me since I joined the Air Force, you've seen some big fitness changes happen—and some big goals get set (and achieved!). The Air Force has seriously re-ignited my love for running.
When I joined the Air National Guard in November of 2013, my 1.5-mile time was a 10:53—which I determined by jogging circles around my neighborhood on a snowy day, just to see my starting point. I made it my goal to achieve Warhawk (the highest PT standard) at BMT and earn the title of Top PT (given to one male and one female in each graduating class). In June of 2014 when I graduated Air Force Basic Training, I ran an 8:47, BMT's 5th fastest female run time in history, awarding me those coveted titles of "Warhawk" and "Top PT Female." I had done it!
Fast forward to almost a year later (how did that happen so fast?), and I'm now back to my civilian job at the hospital and working at the Idaho Air Guard one weekend per month. My annual PT test is coming up in June, so I'm beginning to train for it. This morning, I decided on a whim to put myself through the Air Force PT Test of a 1.5-mile run, 1-minute of push-ups and 1-minute of sit-ups. While my push-ups and sit-ups need some work (47 and 58, respectively), I finished my 1.5-mile run in 8:33. Eight thirty-three! When I graduated BMT, I thought I'd never beat that run time, but here we are, almost a year later, and I'm feeling like I'm in the best shape of my life. It feels darn good!
In addition to training for my PT test, I'm also focusing on speed and distance work and learning how to run fast for longer distances—like more than 6-miles. I'm trying to figure out which distance I like best—5K's, 10K's (I've never competed at this distance but run it for practice often), half marathons, and full marathons. Full disclosure? I don't have any desire to do another full marathon anytime soon. Yuck. But the other distances are open for discussion. I have one half marathon coming up next week, in which I'll try to PR (my best is a 1:48—I know I can beat it), the Famous Idaho Potato Half Marathon scheduled for May, and the Sawtooth Relay in June.
I know a running update might not be everyone's cup of tea, but it's super-exciting for me lately. I'm enjoying challenging myself and pushing my legs to the limit. I'm not sure where they'll take me next, but I can guarantee that wherever they're going, they'll be running there!
26 comments:
I wish I had your motivation when it comes to running, I just hate it, even when I get those maximum support sport bras!
Good luck on your upcoming runs, you'll do great!
Love seeing your bare sexy legs, stroking my hard cock
I'd love to eat that sweet ass of yours
Recently started reading your blog and love it!! I just joined the Army reserves and similar to you, that helped re-ignite my passion for running. For the first time ever I didn't stop running in November when it started snowing and got really cold out. I ran all winter through snow storms and temps in the single digits. Still want to improve my time/distance but that is a work in progress. Hoping to run a half marathon this year. Thanks for the continual motivation and inspiration!
That's amazing, Aunie! Congrats!
Our base had a color run 5k today, and that was the first time in over a year that I actually ran. What a rude awakening that was! I have a lot of work to do, lol. :) You are so beast, lady. Congrats on your progress. You're such an inspiration!
GO AUNIE! Proud of you!
That's awesome!! You look amazing and by the results you're achieving you must be feeling amazing! Way to go girl!
Your running is SO impressive. You are such an inspiration. Now that my metatarsals are healed, I am going to get back into running. . . . I have no expectation for speed or distance, I just want to do what I love again.
Keep rocking out!
good for you! im trying to get more into fitness
Hi Lauren! So good to hear from you :) So my fitness routine -- I don't think I'll post about it because I don't have a specific one. I just "move" 30-minutes per day, alternating between cardio and strength days. I try to run every other day and mix in gym workouts on the alternating days. Nothing fancy! And then each day, I walk for 30-minutes on my lunch break.
Would you prefer a specific post? I could probably come up with something :)
Also, they're Nike Flight headphones. I'm not sure if they make them anymore.
You're so sweet. I wish I could use a max support sport bra -- I'm totally flat. Boo!! Thank you again, I appreciate it!
Thanks Jenn!!! I really appreciate it!
Good for you, Meredith!! That's so good. I know running in the cold was probably miserable, but didn't it feel GOOD mentally? I know how much I love it! Keep it up girl and keep me posted on that half! :)
That's so fun! Those color runs always look so cool. Keep up the hard work and it will all come back :) like riding a bike! Thanks again, April!
Thanks Lindsay! Proud of YOU!!!
I know what you mean. I'm excited for my half--in two days! Crazy. Will send an update when it's complete :)
They sure do feel great! Thank you so very much, Sarah!!
Shoot, slowly but surely! Good for you. That's totally the path to take. And I love your reasoning behind it--that's why I do it, too!! So proud of you, girl :)
It's so addicting :) Good for you, Laura!
I love following your fitness updates. I find such inspiration in it!!! I started running last year, end of the summer maybe. I've now gotten my fiance into it and we have signed up for some 5k's this spring! I personally think I max out at a 10k but have a goal of completing at least one half-marathon in the next year. This coming week, we're starting a fitness journey by completing the Insanity workout program. I want to get wedding-dress shopping ready :)
I found your blog through Instagram. You are one speedy women! I also love running and love seeing people enjoy it as much as I do. Congratulations on making your goals happen and working so hard. I'm currently training for my second marathon (can't decide if I like the distance or not) and also learning to love weight lifting. I'm 27 with 4 kids so my house is my gym but it works. Thanks for your fun and inspirational posts!
congrats on the half PR!! your gams are killer in those photos!! yea, maybe a strength training post would be good :) I'm always looking for new/different strength workouts for in between my runs. I loved how the Insanity program improved my speed/lung capacity, but those take 45min-1 hr sometimes!
dang it...I'm in the market for some good wireless headphones
Freya! That's SO AWESOME!!! 5K's and 10K's are so awesome. My only advice is don't be intimidated by a half marathon. They're not so bad, especially if you take your first one nice and slow :) Good for you for doing Insanity, too! Those are really hard!!
Nancy! Thanks so much for reaching out. I'm so glad you did. Whoa baby, 27 with 4-kids? You're a rockstar! I feel so behind with none!! :) I work-out at home often, too... it's so convenient. I don't know if I like full marathons either -- the training runs are great but the actual race isn't quite so fun for me. But halves? Halves are my piece of pie... I totally enjoy them! And weight-lifting is like a second hobby. So good you're getting into it! I'm so glad you left a comment. It's really nice to meet you! :)
Lauren, thank you!! Gams... I love that name :) My favorite thing for strength workouts is to pick 4 exercises and superset each two. Like do squats and deadlifts as a superset and then do lunges and jump squats as another. I do each circuit for about 20 minutes. It's so simple and really helps up my game! :)
Oh yeah, those are definitely not wireless. But wireless sounds nice!
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