The Zombies didn't get me!

I survived ya'll....the zombies were chasing me, but I just kept running! 

Today was the 3rd annual Run for Your Life 5K on campus.  This morning I got out of bed, looked out the window, and my first thought was...yay, it's not raining!  It's overcast today, but strangely "warm" outside (I'll put warm into quotations since it's all relative).  I think I may have dressed too warmly for the race.  I'm still learning about appropriate running attire and what my body needs.  I wore thermal running pants, a t-shirt, and a thermal running jacket  (all dry fit material).  It was too much thermal while I was actually running, but I was just happy that I wasn't getting soaked.

The group of race participants was pretty small again today.  I'm blaming the weather and/or too many people out partying it up last night for Halloween....no?  My main concern with small races is that it's hard for me to find someone to run "with".  I like to find someone to pace against and to push me a little bit, but no luck today.  I was again running the majority of the race alone.  I knew at least one person was behind me though.  That same older gentleman who ran the Care to Share 10K run with me.  He is a sweet guy :)

My goal today was 12 minute miles or less.  I was thinking I could push myself a little since this was only 3.1 miles.  I didn't have to save energy for a longer distance.  What I wasn't expecting though was the change in the course.  I assumed this would be the same course as the Campus on the Run, but they switched it up.  The course still went through campus.  However, to me it felt like it was just ONE BIG HUGE UPHILL. 

I know, I have said before that Pullman is uphill both ways....well, my legs and lungs felt this phenomena today.  I was having trouble with my breathing.  I couldn't catch my breath because there seemed to be no breaks.  I ended up walking twice....I know, I hate it!!  BUT my lungs were wheezing.  I just had to catch my breath for a minute. 

When we did have a few downhills, they were pretty steep and covered with leaves.  I took the downhills slow, watching each step carefully.  I was worried about slipping or twisting an ankle or something.  You have to keep in mind that this is all still fairly new to me.  I keep telling myself that it will get easier....right?

Another issue for me today was my right shin.  It was cramping for the first 2 miles.  I need to figure out what I need to do and/or eat to help with this problem.  It's difficult to run a 3 mile race when it takes the first 2 miles for your shin to loosen up.  I again keep telling myself that it will get better, it will get easier, my body will adapt....right?

Now for the good stuff about this race......

• I received a really cool T-shirt that glows in the dark (see the picture above).  Who's jealous??
• I met a really nice woman named Angie.  We talked for a bit before an after the race.  She could be a potential teammate for the next 100K relay and she encouraged me to sign up for the Snake River Half Marathon in March.  Hopefully I will see Angie again soon :)
• At the end of the race, I met Nathan.  He works for UREC and Outdoor Rec.  He said that he would be happy to run a race with me "at my pace".  What a nice guy!!  I might take him up on that! :)
• I met another guy (didn't catch his name), but he was dressed like Lance Armstrong.  We chatted for a bit while waiting for the awards ceremony.  He made me smile :)
• I ran 3.1 miles today.  It hurt, it was hard, but I just kept moving my feet :)

Oh, I almost forgot to mention....there were Zombies all along the race.  They would follow you, chase you, jump out at you....and they would say....Good job!  They were fun too!  One had really great, crimson shoes :)