I have an explanation

For once I have a reason for being away so long! I was on vacation this past week. My daughter and I flew down to Virginia to surprise my dad!! I haven't seen him in 7 years and he had no idea we were coming. Needless to say it was an emotional reunion. Jocelyn & I had an awesome time down south. I couldn’t mention the trip on the blog b/c I didn't want him to read about it :) 

Dad, Me & Jocelyn

The next time I’ll see my dad is in October for the Marine Corps Marathon!! I am going to stay with him since he is about 30 mins from DC. I’m beyond excited that my dad will be at the finish line of my first full marathon.

 

MARATHON TRAINING

Week 4 – Plan called for 11 miles @ 11:30.

Actual – 11.11 miles @ 11:02. 2:02:50.      

Start: 6am         Humidity: 80%          Temp: 72

• Mile 1 – 10:49
• Mile 2 – 11:29
• Mile 3 – 10:55
• Mile 4 – 10:23
• Mile 5 – 11:09
• Mile 6 – 10:39
• Mile 7 – 10:56
• Mile 8 – 11:11
• Mile 9 – 11:41
• Mile 10 – 10:43
• Mile 11 – 11:31
• Mile .11 – 11:07

This was another difficult long run! From the very beginning I knew that it was going to be hard. I ran with my friend Tami and I am so thankful to have had someone there with me. I don't think I would have finished if I didn't have her along side of me. The humidity was so thick – I felt like I was gulping for air. I stopped to walk more times then I could count. I felt defeated at the end and doubted my ability to run 26.2 miles.

 

Week 5 – Plan called for 12 miles @ 11:30-11:45.

Actual – 12 miles @ 10:39. 2:07:58.        

Start: 6:30am   Temp: 58 (!)

• Mile 1 – 10:59
• Mile 2 – 10:52
• Mile 3 – 10:59
• Mile 4 – 10:50
• Mile 5 – 10:31
• Mile 6 – 10:37
• Mile 7 – 10:29
• Mile 8 – 10:42
• Mile 9 – 10:42
• Mile 10 – 10:12
• Mile 11 – 10:09
• Mile 12 – 10:47

As you can see this was a PERFECT run. I ran with Tami again and we both felt fantastic. The weather was ideal and proved to us that the heat & humidity truly takes a toll on your body. I realized that I shouldn't feel so bad when I have a difficult run when the weather is horrible.  I know I ran too fast but this was the pace that we felt comfortable at. When the runs start to get longer I will pay more attention to slowing down. I wanted to mention that the routes I have been running are full of hills and I’m not talking little baby hills either. I figure if I can handle the hills of upstate NY I can handle whatever Virginia & DC throw at me.

Here is the elevation from yesterday:

 

I’ll be back in a few days with my July recap – I’m excited to share it with you because I was shocked when I saw the number! I also have a giveaway coming soon :)

I’ll leave you with a picture of Gus. He is the donkey down the road from my dad’s house and my daughter fell in love with him. He was so friendly and we fed him every day :)