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.