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.
