Almost time to start running again!

I'v been taking some time off, but it's about time to get back into the game. I've got some big goals for 2011!!

I'm taking a running break. Nothing major. I'm going to do some walking and some small runs. Nothing long or intense though. I'm trying to figure out the best way to go about increasing my speed. I learned from the half that I have bad posture(remember the back crackin' at mile 5?) I've heard there is a book called Chi Running that helps with posture and speed, so I'm going to look into that. So, no worries runners, I'm just taken a break. I'll be back :O)

So, I bet you wanna know how it went...

Overall, it was amazing! I will definitely do another one, and I still have my site set on a Marathon in 2012! Jason ran with me and that made it that much more awesome. To complete an athletic event with anyone makes you feel closer to that person, but to complete it with your spouse. It's like you've conquered the world! The first 7-8 miles went along quite smooth. During mile 5 my back started hurting pretty bad so we stopped in someones driveway so Jason could pop my back. The TNT girls right behind us were kind enough to stop and make sure I was alright, then chuckled when we told them what was going on. At 5 ish is also where I took my power gel and a cup of powerade and was pretty sure I was gonna spew all over those expensive College Hill houses. I told myself I was going to continue to run unless I actually started actively vomiting. I never did. After that, we rolled onwards for another 2 ish miles.

Then we hit 9 miles. Or as Jason and I like to call it, the mile of death! The mile was completely and totally walked! Let's be honest, it my even have been hobbled! AFTER the fact we had many runners tell us that mile 9 is your "break down" mile. The mile where you want to quit, and where your pain is the worst. I pretty much agree. It was sheer will getting through the 9th mile! Once I saw the 10 on the road though it all changed. Mentally, I kept telling myself, "All you have left is a 5k!" That made miles 10 and 11 a little easier. Mile 12 was almost like mile 9. You're so close to finish, yet it's SO far away! We could see the hotel that the finish line was in front of and it seemed a million miles away! Not to mention we had a slight(and I do mean slight) incline that may as well have been a mountain! My already screaming calves were completely protesting and quivering. You know the movie Aliens, where the alien pops out of the man's belly and dances on the diner counter? I was pretty sure my calf muscles were going to tear of my flesh like that. I could seriously envision them flopping on the side of the road. They hurt so bad!

Ok, so we get up the mountain, I mean mole hill, and we start running again. The bridge is in veiw! People are lined on the roads, we are near the end!! Time to step it up. The last 10th of a mile was the best! That's where all the spectators are. They are cheering you on, yelling for you. About 20 feet in front of the finish line, waiting for us to come through was my Grammie! That was one of the best parts of the race! Having someone there to cheer you on, is so awesome. I high fived her, then Jason grabbed my hand and we ran through the finish line together. It was one of the most awesome moments of our marriage!!

Today is the day!

I'm hoping for 3 hours and 15 mins or less....

A PR!

Nothing is more exciting than being concerned about your performance, then finding out you did great. I was very scared going into my 5k yesterday. I had not run 3 miles non stop since the beginning of August. My personal goal was to come in 42 minutes or sooner. Well, I came in at 40:38! Which is not only under my 42 minute goal, but 10 seconds faster than my previous 5k best. My next race my goal is to be under 40. This running and shaving time off is a long road, but so worth it. Races really invigorate and motivate. I feel ready for my 1/2 marathon now!

Accountability

I've found that in running, and probably all sports, there must be a level of accountability. I enjoy running alone, but since I stopped running with my team I've decreased by running to almost nothing. Who am I joking? It is nothing. 2 miles 10 days ago...

On Monday I'm meeting up with my old running buddy! I'm so excited. I will get out of bed and out the door if I know she'll be sitting on my front porch stretching. I have 4 weeks until the marathon. Plenty of time to whip myself back into shape :O) I know part of my recent frumpiness is not running. I've been going to the trainer, but nothing else. My weight loss is at a stand still. I need to get my ass back on the running wagon. I felt so awesome and fit when I was running on a regular basis. I want that feeling back.

I had the air knocked out of me

One of the vendors I work with on a regular basis donated to The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society on my behalf. Once I received notification of his donation I immediately send him an e-mail thanking him for his support. He replied back with this:

This one is important around my house. My sister had a double mastectomy today. Good luck on your run.

I totally had the wind knocked out of me. I had no clue(why would I?), but it was not the response I expected to receive. It almost instantly made me cry. It made LLS that much more real to me and made my wallowing in self pity over a sore foot so insignificant.