It's been over a week since completing my half marathon. While my body was in a great deal of soreness for the better part of last week, it was also happy to get a much needed rest. Thursday was our practice 5K with our GOTR team - they did simply amazing. I can't believe the program wraps up next week already. I wondered whether or not this year's team would live up to last year's and they have. I'll miss these girls...
So, on Thursday last week I ran/walked with the girls. Felt pretty good but we were slow-going to say the least. Yesterday morning Husband got up with me to run 4 miles. A little slow the first two, but felt good after that. We've finally made it to the time of year when the sun is starting to peek out at 5:45 and we aren't running in total darkness. A 5K is scheduled for this Saturday in town, a 7K on Memorial Day and both of us are running the 10K at this year's Kalamazoo Klassic.
I had to retire my running shoes. They were actually far past due but by the time I realized that I was so far into my half training I couldn't change. I had to special order these shoes because the company "upgraded" the style and the new shoes were NOT just the same.
My new shoes I picked up on a whim for a pretty good price. I've had two successful days of running in them without wanting to tear my legs off so they'll do. The half was a big accomplishment and kept me motivated for the better part of the "winter" but I'm certainly glad it's over!
Everything about today was perfect...great weather, family and friends for support, bathroom visits out of the way early. If you remember I had 4 goals:
1) Raise at least $1000 for Girls on the Run
2) Run the entire time
3) Cross the finish line sprinting with a smile on my face
4) Beat my 2010 half time of 2:10:44
I was well-prepared to run about 8 miles. In fact, if the last 5 miles were as smooth, energetic and FLAT as the first couple, I would have done awesome, but that wasn't the case.
One of my good friends turned 30 today. She suggested I dedicate a mile to her. This morning I said I would do mile 9 in her honor knowing it was the end of a few miles uphill and that I'd only have a few more miles to go. I ran all the way through mile 9 and the last 4 were not so good.
The hill that was in mile 9 can not be described unless you ran it. I've run a few hills in my time, but this one was ridiculous. I kept telling myself to keep those legs pumping and I'd be good. I wanted to RUN that whole race. At the top, I had to take a break and walk.
The last four miles followed in the same manor. I'd run as long as I could and had to take a break to walk. This course was TOUGH!!! A friend from work met me with about 2 miles to go and ran in with me. A much needed boost to help me finish. So, here's how the goals went:
1) I raised $1,597 for Girls on the Run - mission accomplished!
2) I did NOT run the entire time :(
3) I did cross the finish line running faster than I had been for the previous 4 miles and was smiling because I was finally done
4) I ran 2:12:08 which was a minute and a half slower than my previous half
Overall, I'm totally proud of myself. This was a challenging run and I'm glad I did it. It has motivated me since after Christmas and given me something to work towards. Husband did awesome in his first half - 1:42:14, but we knew that would happen!
We've got a few 5Ks planned and I'm going back to the 10K at the Klassic to attempt to beat my time from last year. Thanks again to everyone who helped me meet my SoleMates fundraising goal. The best part of the run today is that I helped sponsor 10 girls who otherwise wouldn't have been able to participate in Girls on the Run.
Yesterday was my final long training run. I was fortunate to be home before it started raining for the day. Last week I slacked off quite a bit and only ran 3.0 miles on Monday morning. Miraculously my body felt amazing while I was out for my run and I finished with a pace of 9:13/mile! WOOO!
As I looked down at my watch during my first couple of miles, I noted I was moving pretty good. At that point I started questioning how best to attack my run and my half next weekend. If the body is feeling good and moving swiftly, should I ride it as long as I can? Or, should I slow it down to the 9:35/9:40 average pace that I hope finish the race with?
I don't want to sell myself short. One of my goals is to beat my previous half marathon time of 2:10:44. That's a pace of 9:59/mile. I've been training at a pace much better than this and I know how race atmospheres are - at this point I believe my goal is attainable.
In addition, I've been reviewing the elevation chart for the course. There's a steep downhill at the start of the race and it flattens out for miles 4 through 7. After that, it's going to be tough going. This leads me to the conclusion that I better keep those legs moving as best I can through the first 7 miles, build up a "lead" for myself and hope my legs can handle the last 6 on adrenaline. Cruise control it is.
It'll be calm and quiet around the house this week as we rest up for next weekend. Both sets of parents are planned to be in town and I'm excited for Husband to complete his first half. Earlier this week I achieved my fundraising goal of $1500 for Girls on the Run. I just hope the wind is at my back for some of next weekend's run. We are so ready for this!
My body is ready for this run. I posted my longest long run a couple days ago and miraculously felt amazing. Husband and I also took some time to go drive the half marathon course which also made me feel better about the daunting 13.1 miles we have approaching in just over two weeks. While it won't be a walk in the park, knowing what lies in front of me is more comforting than the unknown.
I also received some exciting news about the half marathon and other Borgess run events. Girls on the Run is doing a cheer section around mile 7 which is also up a hill...what great motivation! In addition, a local band which I LOVE is playing on the course, in a spot we'll pass by TWICE during the run - score!
So, things are looking up. On Monday I attempted to run on the treadmill after work. It has been ridiculously windy around here for quite some time and there was no way I was going outside. This "run", if you can even call it that, resulted in 2.5 miles of running and walking - my body was beat. Over time I have discovered there is a significant difference in how I run (and feel) in the morning verses the end of the day. My body is too exhausted to perform after being at work all day long.
Last night I decide I'll get up today for 5 miles outside. I tried to convince Husband to come with me but he had other training in mind. When my alarm went off I recognized how cold it was and my phone confirmed 35 degrees....brrrrrr! Here's some of the dialogue I had with myself:
It's chilly, I'll stay in bed.
I'm already awake, I might as well get up.
I can just run 4 miles instead of 5.
You said you were going to run 5, it's only 5 miles.
Get your butt out of bed and go run!
If you run, or do any other type of activity that you have to motivate yourself for, you've had similar conversations with yourself. I've heard it before but believe that the hardest move you have to make is the first one out of bed. After that getting ready is easy! I bundled up and hit the pavement.
I'm not sure if the darkness made me run faster or, like I said, my body is just READY for this run. For five miles I held an average pace of 9:19/mile and my fastest mile was my last one at 8:57! My hopes are getting up for actually beating my previous half time but I know I'll have to tell myself to have a good run and listen to my body. I may get a shorter run in on Friday morning and then Saturday is out for 9 - "only 9." I can't believe I'm to a point where 9 miles seems like it's nothing...
Day 52 - number of vehicles that almost hit me, 1 lady but she probably didn't see me at all
Day 52 - number of vehicles that got the wave, 0 - not too many people out and about at 5:30 in the morning!
As I start week 6 of training (holy crap!) I found myself hitting the pavement after a 4-day break. I decided I didn't want to hurt or disappoint myself so I'd head out for 4 miles. Simple enough.
1) I overdressed - the temperature said 49 but it felt about 75. Halfway through I took off my longsleeved shirt and was a little more comfortable.
2) I was sucking wind the entire way - again.
3) My entire body felt like it forgot how to run...legs, lungs, arms. Reflecting back I think I just lacked energy. A few days of REST should help, right?
4) I started to doubt myself. I shouldn't have taken so many days off to rest, how am I going to run 13.1 in a few weeks?
Such is the life of a runner. There are days you feel amazing and days you feel like crap. The fact of the matter is, there is always tomorrow.
I was slotted for my long run of the week - 10 miles! With some traveling this weekend and my preference for morning runs, today seemed like a great day. I glanced at the weather last night before bed and noticed rain - in the afternoon. I was set.
It was perfect "training" this morning. I had a horrible night's sleep, I woke up to poor weather but I still got my butt out the door and started running. The lightening lit up the sky in front of me on more than one occasion and I also swore out loud as I ran through puddles I didn't notice on more than one occasion. As I was approaching my loop point I started having a conversation with myself to determine whether or not I'd go the other 5 miles. I SAID I was going to run 10 miles this morning, I am already up and out, I can and want to just keep going!
I made the decision to do the other 5 miles and then in less than a half mile the rain picked up again. Already soaking head to toe and already with my Ipod in my pocket because it stopped working, I decided it would be best to head home.
"Some days you win, some days you lose, some days it rains." - Bull Durham
Of course now that I write this the sun is out and it's a comfortable 50 degrees...perfect for running! As I've stated before, though, race day may not be a perfect day for running.
Day 36 - number of vehicles that almost hit me, 1 and it was a guy on a bike! I seriously had to step out of the road into the grass so he wouldn't hit me...he then said "sorry"
Day 36 - number of vehicles that got the wave, 0
The other week at GOTR we taught the girls about positive self-talk. We also defined and gave examples of negative self-talk. It's easy to get down on yourself when things don't quite go your way. As runners we KNOW our body can do it, but often our mind gets in the way.
Today I was talking to myself outloud. I had my headphones on so it wasn't easy to hear myself, but outloud I found myself saying things like, "you're doing awesome, great job, one more hill!"
I ran 9 miles today and completed week 5 of my training - halfway done! My body continues to feel really good...I did wear my knee brace today and can feel some soreness in my calf but while I was running I felt amazing. This week will be a challenge because we are going out of town for a few days. I'll get my long run in but it will also be nice to have a few extra days off to rest.
Day 33 - number of vehicles that almost hit me, 0
Day 33 - number of vehicles that got the wave, 0...didn't encounter any cars in my path while out running today!
