10 miles

I met up with a sweet friend to ruin 10 miles this morning. It was my first time since starting my half training to do an entire long run with someone else.  It was also the first time I've run outside my neighborhood in months.  I couldn't sleep last night - I was as nervous as if it was a race!  The run went very well up to the last 2 miles.  My knee became super painful so we walked and ran just a bit to finish the full 10 miles in 2:11.  Not bad! 

I came to the startling realization today that I no longer make excuses not to run. I just know the next scheduled distance on my training plan and I go as soon as my schedule allows. I feel like I have finally made it a priority instead of a task.

8 MILES!

I had planned on running 7 miles this morning.  I made it 2.5 and a very hungry looking pitbull decided to terrify me by running up with his hair all spiked up, drooling.  EEK!  My life flashed before my eyes and I was running through my mind all the things I'd ever read about showing dogs that you are unafraid (even though I was shaking).  I was blessed to be near a friends house and VERY slowly walked there with my new "friend".  She distracted the ravenous beast long enough for me to leave and continue on my run.  It was a glorious morning!  I saw a momma duck with her little brood and she hissed at me to protect her precious babies.  After the pitbull incident, she didn't scare me a bit.  ;)  The sky was overcast, it was cool, and I decided that I don't like odd numbers - went for 8 and DID IT! Woo Hoo!

Week 4

I am still hanging in there.  My long run was 6 miles, and they were injury free, hallelujah!  I have moments when I think I'm crazy for wanting to run the full 13.1 miles.  But, when I finish a long run, I feel such exhilaration and accomplishment.  I'm almost half way there! 

I have discovered that I prefer running without my ipod.  I enjoy the quiet, uninterrupted time. Solitude with my own thoughts is a rare gift in my house with 5 daughters.

I've chucked the formal training schedule, shocking, I know.  I am doing a couple of short runs (2 - 4 miles), and one long run adding a mile to it each week.  I am rising my bike as cross training. 

Blah

I ran tonight, or at least tried to run. I tweaked my hip and couldn't finish.  Honestly, I felt just blah anyway. Running at night = bugs and super hot.  I'm trying again in the morning. 

I did purchase new socks made by  experia, love them!  I bought an under armour hat, that I also love (of course).  Trying out some new earbuds in the morning...

Motivations and Slogans

Reasons I run:

1. My sanity.  Seriously.
2. Fun.
3. Health.
4. To earn that adorable pink 13.1 sticker for my car.  ;)

My slogans (what I say to motivate myself when I'm feeling ready to quit):
1. Yes, Lord.
2. I can do ALL things through Christ who gives me strength.

Week 2 finished!

I ran 5 miles this morning, a total of 10 this week.  My 2nd week of half marathon training is complete!  I was supposed to take 2 days off before my long run, but I wasn't thinking clearly at 6 am and just got up and ran.  SO glad I did, and still virtually pain free.  Thank you, Lord!

I am going shopping today to buy some new "gear".  Moisture wicking socks are at the top of my list, along with a moisture wicking hat, and new ear buds.

A runner?

I have been running fairly consistently for 2 years now.  I'm still shocked that me, the lazy, unathletic, sweat hating girl ever started this hobby.  Here's the thing about it though, I still have trouble identifying myself as a runner.  I always feel it is necessary to explain that I'm very slow, or that I my longest run was only 6 miles.  But you know what I've come to realize?  It truly doesn't matter.  Even if I am slow, and I haven't run any distances further than 6 miles, I'm still a runner.  It's what I do.  

Week 2, day 2 of training

I actually woke up early enough to get my 3 miles in before it was steaming hot!  Woo hoo!  Unfortunately, I had to dodge tons of mud puddles, kids waiting for the school bus, parents running late to get their kids to said bus stops by driving extremely fast, and a dead rat being tossed across the road by an unsuspecting homeowner that didn't see me.  Thankfully, it missed by a few feet, but really?!  Eek.

I used my ipod to run this morning. I've gotten into the habit of running without any music, but I have to say, it was a great experience this morning.  I listen to Christian music and it is a time of worship for me like no other.  I've forgotten what a blessing it can be to have the music to focus on! 

As much as I love sleeping in, there is nothing like starting my day with a good run. 

My gear

I thought I would share some of my favorite running gear. 

First off, the most important purchase any runner can make, whether just starting out or seasoned is shoes.  I started out by purchasing a pair of Nike Lunar Glides.  They had the Nike pod holder and were comfortable, enough?  Not at all.  I had horrible knee pain.  After just a month I went to a reputable running store, Track Shack in Orlando, and was fitted for a great pair of shoes - Mizuno. Loved them.  They lasted a few months, my knee pain returned, and I returned for another fitting.  This time I bought Brooks.  Oh. My. Love.  These are "the" shoes for me.  A great pair of shoes really can change your life, my own Cinderella story :)

My Garmin is my next favorite thing.  The Nike pod was never accurate for me, and neither were the numerous apps I downloaded.  I always had to come home and map my run to check my mileage.  I dislike carrying my phone anyway, so the watch has been wonderful!  Perfectly accurate, and brainless.  It beeps every mile, which gives me enough feedback to keep me going.  I have one of the cheapest models - the 110, but it provides the data I need.  My next one I plan to upgrade to a HRT model. 

Running clothes make a difference.  I know it's girly, but a new outfit feels SO good to run in.  Makes me happy and gives a little motivation.  Moisture wicking, real running shorts, and SOCKS.  Socks can change your life. 

Week 1 training

The first week of half marathon training is complete!  2 miles, 3 miles, and 4 miles.  It was an eventful week of running.  I've had to run fairly late in the evenings since that's the only time my schedule has allowed, and since my alarm clock isn't enough motivation to wake me.  My 3 mile run was at dusk, and I was running on a dirt road in my neighborhood.  I jumped across a stick, and the stick coiled up.  It was a garter snake.  Yuck, but got my adrenalin going!  I had to stop to take a picture (of course).  A couple of blocks after that incident I took out the worlds largest spider web and set free all the bugs that were trapped in it.  They kindly took up residence in my shirt and proceeded to bite, sting, or whatever.  Love living in the country.  Really.  I'm sure I provided some comic distraction to anyone that might have driven by or watched me through the windows as I tried to wrestle the sticky web off me, and then tried to dig out the bugs.  I looked like Phoebe from "Friends" running. 

Tomorrow begins week 2 - 2 miles, 3 miles, and long run of 5 miles! 

Back again.  I've begun training for the pipe dream of a half marathon.  I'm on my first week, only completed 2 days.  But it's definitely a start!  It feels so good to have a purpose and a plan to my running again!  The race is November 11.