16 miles...done

Today's training called for 16 miles.  My longest run to date.  It is also my last really long run before my first half marathon on January 1.

As I started out on my run today, I felt oddly under dressed.  It was probably about 40 degrees when I started out this morning, I was wearing a short sleeve shirt and my pink skirt.  Every other runner I pasted had at least a long sleeve shirt on, if not gloves or a hat. But, I was hot and I thought they looked crazy.

About mile 9 I started to head north, this is when I noticed that the wind had changed and the front was moving through.  Those other runners must have checked the weather.  Oops.  But I thought it still felt kind of good.

It wad also at this point that I wished I had already done all my northward running.   Winds from the north at 20-25 miles per hour are a little tough.

During mile 10, I began to hit a wall.  I was tired of running into the wind.  My legs were tired.  I also was having to start and stop a lot because of all the cars that were arriving for the parade. (Way more traffic than usual.)  It was also during this time I had to call my husband to give him some advice on how to get to the parade and where to park.

I could see the road where I was going to get to turn and I was determined to get there thinking that the wind would be less.  When I got to the turn I realized it was only a little better.

I had less than 5 miles to go and I needed to make it back to the parade area before the parade started.  I was meeting my family there for the parade and, of course, then ride home with them.

I believe what helped me finish my 16 miles today was the fact that I knew my boys were waiting at the parade for me and I didn't want to miss it.  I finished 3 minutes over my desired pace.  I was able to finish 13.1 miles in under 2.5 hours, which is my goal for my race January 1.

In the next few weeks leading up to my first half marathon, I need to do a better job with hydration, nutrition and sleep.  A little less running might help also.  Hopefully improvements in all of these areas will have me ready to go January 1, 2011.
  
One last thing, when I met my family at the parade, my husband said, "I don't know if I am proud of you or if I'm worried because you are crazy."  He would not walk, he would not run, he would take a car (from a Dr. Seuss book.)

I'm excited

Tomorrow is a big day for me.  No, I'm not running in a big race.  No, I'm not getting a relaxing day at the spa.  (I'm not even sure I will be lucky enough to get a nap.)  I have a 14 mile training run planned.

To some runners (those fast marathoners, you know who you are), 14 miles is nothing.  14 miles is an easy day, its just another long run.  However, to me 14 miles will be a huge accomplishment.  14 miles will mean that I can easily complete my first half marathon in 4 weeks.  14 will be my longest run ever, by 4 whole miles.  14 miles will signify a great accomplishment in my running.  14 miles is also a great stepping stone to running a marathon (if I want to.) 

So I am oddly excited.  I know most people think I am crazy.  My husband quotes Dr. Suess, "I would not run, I would take a car."  Hopefully, everything will go well. 

I have a boat load of excuses ready if it goes bad.  This week has been long.  I haven't been to bed before 11pm any night this week.  I'm up nursing at least once a night.  Thing 1 is up by 6:30am every morning.  I was up until 2am last night.  So I know I am not as well rested as I should or want to be.  However, I'm not going to need them.  

I'm excited, I know I can do it, and it might even be pretty!  

I had an itch I had to scratch

Today was suppose to be my day off from half marathon training.  I had run 10 miles on Saturday.  I ran 2 yesterday at a very slow pace, even for me.  During my run yesterday, I was tired, my legs were sore, I was doing good to finish those 2 miles.

However, today I felt pretty good.  My legs were a little sore, but they felt remarkably better than they did yesterday.  I had decided to stick to my training plan this time and not get to ahead of myself.  I don't want to burn myself out because I have some really big plans for the next 6 months.  We went on a walk so, I could get some exercise in, we could get out of the house for the morning and it was a nice warm day, we couldn't waste it.

We then attended a fall potluck, where I indulged in too much pumpkin bread.

I continued to indulged once we were back home during dinner preparation.  (I need to make sure that what I feed the boys and my husband tastes good, right?)  So when my husband got home I needed to go run.  I felt gross and I knew it would make me feel better.  Just a mile.  Just to get out and sweat a little. 

So I went.  I ran 1.2 miles, pushing Thing 2.  (He has really been wanting to go everywhere with me lately.)  It felt good.  My time wasn't great, but that wasn't the point.  I just wanted to run.

When I got home I felt so much better.  It was almost like all my anxiety was gone.  It is amazing what just one little mile can do.

That was my itch I had to scratch.