A Personal PR!

I DID IT!....

I finally ran a half marathon distance! I am so proud! I knew I could do it but I needed to prove it myself.

I was super tired after I finished and took a freezing cold bath for a half hour but my thighs are super tight and a bit sore.

It was run around my neighborhood in two laps and was recorded by my Garmin. I now feel confident enough to sign up or the Kelly Canyon Half (after all I have now officially completed 13.1 miles straight!)  The race is on July 17th.  I wont win but I will finish!  Anyone care to join me  :)   The Kelly Canyon Half will be my first official Half.

13.1 Miles

2:10:50

Mileage Breakdown
Mile 1  9:43
Mile 2  9:23
Mile 3  9:27
Mile 4  9:30
Mile 5  10:15
Mile 6  9:32
Mile 7  10:01
Mile 8  9:44
Mile 9  10:32
Mile 10  9:52
Mile 11  10:46
Mile 12  10:44
Mile 13  10:18
Mile 13.1  0:58


Overall not bad for my first time.  I can definitely see where I walked  :)  But....I was hoping for about this pace, although I would love to be under 2 hours.  With practice I think I can make that Goal!

And so....I FEEL LIKE A MILLION BUCKS!

Total mileage this year: 205.6+13.1=218.7

Ugh....

Tomorrow I am planning on running a half marathon (around my neighborhood.)  I have never run that distance but I am going to give it a try.  I am hoping to run the Kelly Canyon Half Marathon in a couple of weeks and am still trying to convince myself that I can do it.  I do feel like I can make it to the finish but I am concerned about being able to run the entire race.  Plus there is a significant hill in the race and I don't have any experience running hills.  Lack of training on my part.  Last Sunday I ran 8 miles and I was miserable.  It was hot and I didn't have any water.  Also I haven't been running as much as I should be.  I have been a huge slacker and I feel it when I do run.  Not sure what is holding me back besides me.  I still have the desire to run just cant make myself get out the door for some reason.  I know I am capable of running long distances I just need to convince myself and remember the reason that I run...for my personal joy and health.

So anyone running the Kelly Canyon Half in Ririe, Idaho on July 17th?

Mileage update: 205.6 Miles for the year.  Not as good as I would have hoped but every mile run is part of the journey for me.

In other news...Bear is all healed up from his neuter procedure.  Today he got the stitches removed from his head  where he had a small wart removed.  The vet said he is good to go and he will be joining us on the road again this week!  We are very excited as it is good for all of us to get out.

Also Tomm is considering running the Mesa Falls Half Marathon with me.  He is starting his training this week.  I know he can do it.  It will be super awesome to run this distance with him!

Furry Friends and a Skirt

My Buddy Bear and I went for a morning run today.  It was a nice start to our Monday morning.  We headed out for our usual loop.  Bear did really well and only pulled when he was nervous of cars or the kids behind us.  He also needed two, yes two pit stops (which I went back and cleaned up after I finished my run.)  Bear ended his run with an honorable 2.25 miles while I finished up with 5 miles.  I really enjoyed sharing my morning run with my furry friend.

Speaking of furry friends I am planning on hosting a virtual race in the near future.  It will be a run with your pet race.  I am still going over ideas and details so PLEASE stay tuned  :)

Now for the picture:  I have heard a lot about running skirts and have really been wanting one.  I finally bought the C9 version from Target.  It is comfortable and my legs feel so free when I run in it.  I love how light weight the skirt is.  I really want a super cute skirt from RunningSkirts.  I am hooked.  Hopefully I get one soon.

Meet our Newest Running Partner

Introducing Bear, our new Running partner.  He is an Alaskan Malamute that we are fostering through the rescue group Moonsong Malamute Rescue.  He is part of the Eight Above that were rescued from high in the mountains near Helena, Montana.  He is a very sweet dog, though very timid and unsure of many of the city sounds.  We are in the process of adopting Bear so that he can continue to grow and RUN with us  :)

Today we had took him out for a three miler.  Tomm and Bear ran 1.75 miles with me and I finished up at 4.5 miles for the day.  It was fun to run with our buddy.  He did really well and loved the new route.  We are so excited for him to join our family!

Rockin These Socks

Today I ran a 10K for the Racing with Babes: Rock Your Socks Half/10K Virtual Race

After a couple of weeks of looking for a super cute pair of socks, including browsing a few shops in partly sunny San Diego, I finally settled on a pair that a friend got me from Pac Sun. 

Not nearly as cute as the ones that Racing With Babes mom wears but they will have to do. I really want a pair of socks from Little Miss Matched though. They are on my wish list ;)

Back to the run info:  First off, whoever ordered a heavy dose of wind in Idaho should call and cancel.  It has been blowing for days and since today was the last day of the run I had to bear with it.  It must have been at least 20 mph.  I started off good and strong but when I turned directions and had to run into the wind I didn't think I was going to make it.  

I always look forward to these trees on my run.  They smell so good!  Crappy picture as I was running when I took it.

My run consisted of 3 medium laps and 1 short lap around my neighborhood. Total distance was 6.2 miles with a total time of 58:39.  I sure was tired by the time I was done but alas I had completed my run.  (I haven't run for almost 2 weeks.  I am blaming it on laziness and my vacation, although we did do a ton of walking including hills in San Diego.) 

Thanks for the challenge from Racing with Babes!  I enjoyed it (except for the wind.)

Virtual Run for the Cure Recap

Tonight Tomm and I braved the 15-20 mph winds to run a 5K for the Virtual Run for a Cure presented by Tall Mom on the Run.  It was tough with the wind working against us but we felt great during the run.  I was surprised that it was over so fast  :)  I tried taking a few pictures during the run but that was working against us too as the batteries were dead after a couple of shots.  We tried new batteries and they were also dead.  Argh!

Stats:
Distance: 3.29 miles
Time: 31:47
Course: Two "medium" laps around our neighborhood.
Wind: 15-20 mph  COLD!

A fun run completed. Time for relaxing!

Rock Your Socks Half/10K Virtual Race

I am in love with virtual races!  They are good motivation plus you meet a lot of people from around the country with the same goal.  And it is so easy to sign up.  Here is the link for anyone that is interested.

Racing with Babes: Rock Your Socks Half/10K Virtual Race

The race can be run on May 21-23. 

I am officially signed up!  Now I just need to find a super cute pair of socks  :)

Challenge Recap and Goals for week of 4/26/2010

After much arguing with myself I made it outside for a run this morning.  Tomm ran 2.5 miles with me and then I was on my own.  No conversation or iPod=boring! It was kind of nice to just run and listen to my body and breathing.  I am frustrated with myself for being so lazy this week and not getting my 15 miles in.  I did run 6.57 miles today but had hoped for at least 8.  I also did 30 push ups! (All good ones, and 10 without so much as a standing rest!)  I will be back on track next week.  My excuse to myself: long days at work.

Results from 3 Challenges for week of 4/18:
1)Run 15 miles:  Only did 10.75
2)Cross Train: Nope
3)Less sugar: The scale said I did better....Pass! (Sugar Free Jello Pudding and Lite Cool Whip=Yummy!)

I think I will be attempting the same goals for this week April 26-May 2:
1)Run 3 times this week, 15 miles or more.
2)Cross Train at least one day a week.
3)Less sugar!
4)Drink more water....I don't drink much water so even a bottle per day will be an increase!

Totals for the Week and Year: 4.18+6.57+147.75=158.50

Destination: Sno Cone Shack

Yesterday Tomm and I went for a Destination Run....that is we ran to the sno cone shack!  It all started out as an idea Tomm had  (he had read about the idea in Runners World) and before we knew it we had decided to try it right then and there.  Before Dinner!  So Tomm strapped on his arm band for our money and I grabbed a few bucks and off we went.  It was so fun as we usually just run laps in the neighborhood.  It was a great run and we were there before we new it.  It definitely seems further when we drive the same distance. 

We were super excited to see that they were still open when we arrived.  Just before we got to the parking lot a car pulled in and a girl jumped out to get her sno cone.  Her mom followed and stood in line puffing away on her cigarette.  It smelt so horrible, and it made it even harder to breath.  She continued puffing away as she scoured through her purse for some change for the sno cone, pointing out all of the interesting coins she came across.  So annoying!  Pay for your sno cone and get back in your car! 

Our total distance was 4.18 miles.  It was a great distance and the neighborhood we ran through was so quiet.  Hardly any cars passed by us.  We cant wait to run this route again!


I sure wish that I had a small camera so we could have taken a picture.  May have to make a minor investment  :)

Virtual Race for the Cure

One of the Running Blogs that I enjoy Tall Mom Runs is supporting a Virtual Race for the Susan G. Koman Race for the Cure. I am going to join as well as Tomm and I encourage anyone to join!  It is for a great cause!

3 Challenges for week of 4/18/2010 to 4/25/2010

I am going to try to make 3 goals per week and report on how I do at them.  Maybe this will keep me on track  :)

1. Run 3 times per week. (This will always be my number one goal!)  One has to be my long training run.
2. Cross train at least once (biking, Jillian Michaels video, yardwork)
3. Eat less sugar!

I also hope that I have a better week at work with less stress!! 

A day of firsts

First off it was a beautiful morning. Chilly (for me) when we headed out but I warmed up quickly. Thinking I may have to get some capris or a running skirt that I have been eyeing, soon!

Tomm ran with me for a while and then I headed off on my own.   

On to the firsts:

Today I tried a Gu energy gel. I was pretty tired during my 7.5 miles last Saturday so I decided to try something to help. I hated the texture but the taste wasnt so bad. I think it did help me with my energy level but I had better consume the entire packet next time. I would give them a thumbs up!

Most impressivly today I ran 9.5 miles! I did take a very short break after mile 5 but I continued on. I wish I would have finished up at 10 miles but I am still impressed as I only set out to do 8. Last longest run was 7.5 miles.  Felt pretty good but was glad when it was over. The Gu must have worked. Total time: 01:30:34   Not too shabby! In fact for me its a PR!

Last first for the day...I took a super cold recovery bath. I have been having some soreness in my legs from the mid-calf down so considering I ran a long run today I decided it was time. I turned the water on as cold as it would go, but no ice. After a while my legs just went numb so it wasnt so bad. I did wrap up in a towel on my top half. :) I feel like a "real runner" now!  Also have residual blisters on the toes on my left foot. Cant figure out how to prevent them.

Totals for the week:3.0+4.5+9.5+130.75=147.75

Summary 03.21.2010

Today was the end of the first week of my training. It was a super nice day for March. Much to warm for our usual layers. I ran 7.05 miles. I have run 7 miles but it has been a few weeks. I was trying to keep my head clear so that I knew I could do more. After today I have no doubt that I will be able to finish a half-marathon.

We are back

Tonight Tomm and I ran together...AGAIN! It was so awesome when we walked in the house. It felt like we were back. Back on the routine that we started last summer. I am so glad that the weather has been nicer so that we can get back outside. It was pretty windy tonight but we ran through it.

3 Miles: 29:55

Super Fast

Super fast post about a super fast run. I ran 4.25 miles today and got in some speed work. I ran 200x4 at speed work pace (MPH minus something and something. There is a formula for finding out how fast you should be running speed work.) It was a bit windy so I felt like a ton of bricks but I made it.

Times:

1 Mile: 8:51
2 Miles: 17:24
3 Miles: 26:22
3.25 Miles: 28:36
4 Miles: 35:?
4.25 Miles: 37:25

I hope that adding speed work to my training will help my overall performance.

Today is the first day...

Of my new training plan. I have recently decided that I am going to train for a HalF-MarAthoN. Yes, all 13.1 miles of it. It is something that I never thought I could do, or that I even wanted to do, but now I have the courage. I used to look at runners and say that they were outright crazy for wanting to run any long distance but now I find myself in their shoEs. Now I know that we are all CraZy! I am looking forward to the challenge and have a plan in place.

I am planning on running the Personal Best Performance RoCk, RoLL and RuN Half-Marathon in August. I have a good base to start from as I already run 7 miles with only minimal discomfort. I am planning on running 3-4 times a week and taking on some cross training. I have about 18 weeks to get my distance up but I know that I can make it. So here it goes....

Today Tomm and I ran 3 miles. Technically it was a rest/ easy run day on my training plan so we took it easy. It was nice to have a running partner :) Tomorrow I am going to run 3-4 miles with speed work. Haven't done much speed work in the past but I am going to give it a try. Seems it is a must.

This blog will document my running and I will also post other health/exercise related information.