Numerous Milestones!

I am having a hard time keeping up with the blogging during the summer months. I try to spend as much time outdoors and away from the computer as I can! Once school starts I am sure my blogging will become regular again :)

On 8/19 I celebrated my 2 year RUNiversary. In 2 years I have gone from barely being able to “run” for 30 seconds to completing numerous 5Ks, 3 half marathons, , 180 mile relay race & training for my first marathon!

New Visions 5K Recap

This race didn't start until 10:30am! Too late for a mid august 5k in my opinion. My allergies were killing me from the second I woke up and I sneezed 68,496,376 times – seriously I counted.  I want a PR in every race and I thought that all the speed work I’ve been doing would help me achieve this goal….

• Mile 1 – 8:57
• Mile 2 – 9:19
• Mile 3 – 9:40
• .13 – 1:12
• Time: 29:09   Pace: 9:18

NOT A PR. I actually stopped approx 200 feet from the finish b/c I thought I was going to throw up and I had a shooting pain in my left shoulder. At this point 10 people passed me and I felt like such an idiot. Who stops that close to the finish line?!!? I know my time is good but shouldn’t I be getting faster with all the speed work I do?

Week 8 – 13 miles @ 11:00 pace

The day after the 5k I had to run 13 miles. I had plans to meet a buddy at a local bike path but unfortunately we had a miscommunication and ended up at 2 different bike paths! Did I mention it was pouring?  I didn't have my ipod with me and I didn't feel safe running on the bike path alone so early in the morning so I drove home. I actually contemplated NOT running at all.  I am so glad that I didn't let the negative thoughts get in my way and off into the rain I went. The rain wasn't that bad – I actually preferred it over the heat.

This was a difficult run. My legs felt like cement blocks the entire time. I decided from the beginning that I needed to do a run/walk to get through the run. Thinking back I know this wasn't true but I let the mental aspect of running get the better of me. I did a 9:1 interval the entire time.

Actual:  13.1 miles   Time: 2:27   Pace: 11:16

Although I didn't hit the recommended pace I am pleased. I ran a freaking half marathon in the rain (again) by myself when I had zero desire to run.

Week 9 – 14 miles @ 11:15 pace

This past Saturday I set out to run my longest distance ever! Thankfully I was able to run with my usual running buddy. She had to run 18 miles so she ran 4 before we met up. This works out good for us. She is faster then me so her running prior to us meeting tires her out so she is ok with running at my pace :) The weather was absolutely perfect. In fact I wore a long sleeve shirt for about a mile before I got warm! I love the sun & summer but I am looking forward to the cool temps when it comes to running. I made it a point to take it slow and run up the hills (which there are MANY!!!).  My buddy started to have knee pain towards the end so we made sure to take it easy.  I felt amazing when we were done!! I was so proud and excited to have finally reached a new milestone. I will admit seeing how much my friend was hurting after her 18 miler scared me!

Actual: 14 miles  Time: 2:38   Pace: 11:22

Last but not least…I lost my first toenail from running!

PS – Don’t forget to check back as I have a giveaway planned. I just need to write up the damn post!