2010 update

This year so far I have signed up for 1 half marathon - on April 10th and am failing miserably to prepare for it. This is my first time attempting to run in cold weather and frankly, while it's nice than humidity - the several feet of snow we've gotten in the past month hasn't helped! WAY back in January I hit my season high og 5 miles...this past Saturday should have been a 10 miler. My goal is to get back in gear this week - no more excuses for not running - even in 30 degree temps!
One of my coaches shared with me that spring runs are naturally faster than summer runs due to the temps. So I have high hopes for my time in April. I'd at least like to look and feel prepared by then, so it's back to running for real this week!
Other races I'm considering -
Frederick Douglass 10 Miler in May
Philly Rock N Roll 1/2 marathon in September (I was too sick to run this last year and it is a beautiful course...I have to do this one to prove to myself I can do it!)

almost there...

Tonight I printed my final instructions for Sunday and my race confirmation. I am runner # 22213 in case anyone is interested in tracking my progress. :o) Hotel is booked, directions are printed, car cleaned out, laundry done, Tuesday's lesson plans written (so I don't have to think about school while away) etc.

Still to go:
HYDRATE and Eat well
Pack - although i guess first I need to list what I need!
Do some more dishes and pick up around the house so I can return to a clean place!
Teach 2 more days w/ back to school night
find my watch! I can't run w/o that thing and I can't find it!!!
Then Friday...It's packing the car and picking up my traveling buddy and we're on our way to VA Beach!!!
:o)

PS - My right knee is bugging me today...what's up with that?? Hoping that goes away!

blessed

I received an email today from Coach Lea Ann telling me that my fundraising is DONE! Someone annonymously donated $101.14 - which gives me the exact amount needed to run next Sunday. So, in an effort to thank someone who wishes to remain annonymous - THANK YOU! It's such a relief to know I do not have to write that check out myself! Now...7 days and just a few hours away from race start! :o)

Slacker

It's been almost 3 months since my last post. Apparently I'm a slacker blogger and somewhat of a slacker runner this year. Last year I followed the rules line by line because it was the unknown, however now that I know I can run a half marathon I've somehow relaxed a bit. I haven't been super at getting in my maintenence runs (ok so I've only done a handful of them all season) and I've even missed some saturday runs. My first half marathon of the season is only one month away and there are no more travel plans for the summer so I have no reason to miss anymore runs.

On a fundraising note - I have some of the best family and friends ever - I've already raised about $650 and only have $100 left to reach my goal! In these tough economic times it amazes me that people are still willing to donate. I've also been a slacker on thank you notes - I promise they are coming!!

I recently bought new running sneakers so I'm in the process of breaking them in on my short runs (which I'm now forcing myself to do) so that they'll be ready for the 14 miler in 2 1/2 weeks. This saturday is the 2nd 12 miler - desperately hoping the humidity is lower by Saturday!!

The schedule for the rest of the running season:
This Satuday - 12 miles
8/15 - 7 miler (I think)
8/22 - the BIG RUN - 14 miles (I missed this run and celebration last year for my Adams family reunion - I am SO looking forward to it this year)
8/29 - 6 or 7 miler
9/4 - I leave for Virginia Beach, VA to spend Labor Day weekend getting ready to RUN!
9/6 - VA Beach Rock N Roll 1/2 Marathon - My personal goal is finishing in 2:45 (last year's time was 3:09)
9/13 - 6 mile run on my own
9/20 - Philly Distance Run - my 2nd half of the year! I can't wait to do this on my own - I'm excited to run something different but am slightly intimidated that there will be hills - especially since I run in FLAT Easton!

After my 2nd half I plan on being lazy for a bit them getting back into a serious routine at the Y - lifting and doing cardio that does not involve running for a while!

I am SO SO SO thankful for NO injuries and relatively little pain after long runs. I love being able to encourage our newer runners. It's so nice knowing that I can do this!!

Timed Run

Today I did a "make up" 3 mile timed run since I missed last week. I ran the entire 3 miles, only walking for 30 seconds - 3 times - in about 35 minutes. I felt great at the end and had even better news when I was placed in Marian and Indra's pace group That was where I was hoping to end up. So...that means I'm training at a 13 minute mile (that was where I started last year before I dropped back to a 13:30) and running a 4:1 run walk ratio (which is 1 minute longer run ratio than last year). If I run the 1/2 marathon at that pace I'll come in around 2 hours 49 mins. I'm hoping to be able to finish quicker than that - under 2:40 is my goal. That should not be too far off of a goal based on where I'll be training. I have to say that I am SO excited to be starting this again. I don't feel quite as prepared as I was last year regarding gear etc but running wise I feel great. This week I need to get some new socks and sports beans. I have to dig out my water belt and make my meat sauce for Friday night dinners. It'll be tough to get back in the boring friday night routine - no going out late or eating out - pasta w/ home made meat sauce and early bed time will make for good Saturday runs. Feeling great so far...can't wait to see some fundraising money come in and have my fundraising Cookie Lee party in 2 weeks. :o)

Let the running begin

I skipped out on Pilates today and decided instead to go running. I set out to run a 3:1, my old ratio that I trained with last summer. I wanted to run three miles to just see what time I could do it in. After a few minutes I decided I would just try to run as much of the three miles as I could instead of doing a run walk ratio. 36 minutes and a few seconds later I stopped running. I did three miles without stopping which for me is a huge feat. Only once did I ever run 2 miles without stopping and today, after not running for months I did 3 miles without stopping and averaging slightly over a 12 minute mile which is a minute and a half faster than what I trained for the 1/2 marathon at. My goal is to do my 3 mile "trail" and finish with my 2 mile corbin loop to make 5 miles. If I can do 5 mile maintenence runs without stopping throughout the week I will be thrilled. It is amazing what running minus 20 pounds will do! Thinking ahead to my two 1/2 marathons in September - I should be running with at least another 20 pounds off my body. I cannot wait to see what I will be able to accomplish without all the added weight.
Today just showed me that I am indeed a runner and got my excited to start running again...bring it on!