SUC Training: FINAL WEEK 11

Packets arrived, no backing out now

It's my final week and I am definitely ready. I thought I would honestly be afraid as I count down the final days but I am actually anxious with excitement. They have been releasing a lot more info on the challenges that will be involved in the 1st Annual Springfield Urban Warrior Challenge like running the stairs at Hammons Field, climbing through dumpsters and a dark 1 mile run through an underground tunnel. All of which, sound so much fun to me. Here's a video KSPR & the Newsleader featured:
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?v=866832658687&set=o.384958424912024&type=2&theater
http://www.news-leader.com/article/20130402/NEWS01/304020037/First-Urban-Warrior-Challenge-goes-underground?nclick_check=1

This past week we had a Biggest Loser-type Final Workout involving an hour workout in the pouring down rain on the historic Commercial Street foot bridge. We sprinted & did the stairs on that bridge all while braving the elements, I will never look at that bridge the same. While doing plyometrics at Cox North, one girl even busted her shin open and needed stitches, this training is not for the faint of heart.

I also got some pretty exciting news from Megan about Pitter Pat Results that made my night. Like I mentioned I was #1 in my age bracket but out of 113 runners for the 10 K, I was 24th overall and 13th out of all the females. I am pretty darn proud of that number!

Besides the final SUC training I ran my last long run Friday. I did 7 miles around southern hills in 60 minutes. I only had a little knee pain so I feel pretty prepared overall.

Week 11: Final Week Plan
Our trainer said to take it easier this week as to not injure ourselves right before the race. I did Body Pump yesterday and plan to run 3-4 miles tonight and then again Wednesday, then take it easy the rest of the week. I might walk the other nights just to stay active. Our race is bright and early Sunday April 7th at 7:00 AM. Can't wait to give an update of how we did.

Embrace the SUC

This is one intimidating moto

I have always loved a challenge; usually the ones that scare me are the ones that give me the most motivation. A coworker had asked me to join his team for the Springfield Urban Warrior Challenge (a.k.a. SUC) a few weeks back and at first I thought “no way can I be ready for that after taking so much time off “ but after a good week of thinking about it I changed my mind to “What’s the worst that can happen?” Plus, I have this new belief that if I can go through 12 hours of labor I can do just about anything I put my mind to. I still have fears of failing and letting my team down but decided this was a challenge I can take on. For those of you that don’t know, the SUC is a 12.4 K adventure race that involved challenges/obstacles throughout the course. MSU’s Army ROTC designed it and it is no joke going to be intense. We have a team of 4 (2 girls 2 guys). Thanks Team for asking me to be a part of this, I am excited to see how we do. Here is the site for more details: http://www.embracethesuc.com/

an obstacle from the website

I have run lots of 5Ks and even trained for a full marathon through Team In Training in 2005. Although, I ended up only being able to run the half marathon at the advice of my doctor due to my knee/plica issues, I finished the St. Louis Half Marathon at 2 hours and had no issues at all But that was 7 years ago, so I have a lot of training I need to do but at least I know I can set a goal, train and finish.

another obstacle option

I have 10 weeks until the race on April 6 and I decided blogging about my training would hold me accountable and help me stick to my plan. I stated yesterday and it honestly wasn’t as bad as I thought. My plan is to blog each Monday about my training the week before and how it went and with my goals for the current week. If anyone has suggestions or recommendation I would love to hear them. Plus I could always use the support. Luckily my husband has been amazing, agreeing to keep Sawyer when I go to train and even said they would be at the race cheering me on.

MY GOALS FOR WEEK 1:

I will do 3 days of running (between 2.5-3.5 miles) and 2 days of cross training (yoga, body pump, cycling, etc) for week 1.

Yesterday for my first day, I ran 2.5 miles at a steady 6.0 pace. Then did stretching, sit-ups and pushups. John, Sawyer and I also got outside and went for a 45 minutes trail walk since the weather was so nice. I am just a little sore today but not too bad. My knee gave me a little trouble when we were walking hills on the trail but it feels fine today.

I am planning on my week going a little something like this:

Tonight:  Run

Tuesday: Rest

Wednesday: Run

Thursday: Cross train

Friday: Rest

Saturday: Cross train

I’ll give a full update next week!