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.