10 miles on a treadmill makes you want to sleep

A lot. I have gone to bed early (for me) the last 3 nights. Like, oh, the kids are in bed, let's go to bed! So, I haven't had a chance to recap Monday's 10 miles on the treadmill.

CONFESSION: it wasn't horrible.

Truth: it went NOTHING like I expected, no matter how prepared I was. Check out Sunday's post to see how I got ready.

I got up at the normal time (7am), got the kids up and ready for school. After they left, I woke up a little while eating my breakfast: oatmeal (with a little butter, brown sugar, and cinnamon), banana, and a Chad-made latté (he spoils me).

Around 9, I got my running clothes on- skirt and tank. I gathered up my iPad, iPhone, headphones, running shoes, 3 Gatorade chews, and water bottle.

The gym was CROWDED. I wanted a treadmill in the back, but I didn't want to run beside someone else, so I went with this guy on the 3rd row.

 

Remember this?

Haha! Yeah, it completely went out the window within the first .25 miles.

The warm up of 5.8mph in the heat and humidity was pushing it for me. After that first quarter mile, I turned it down to 5.0mph.

From the best I remember, this is how it really went:

I refilled my water bottle more than I ever imagined, I'm going to bring another one next time. I was so thirsty. And sweating sooooo much. Gross.

 

I didn't expect to eat the 3rd chew, but I'm so glad I thought to bring an extra.

I did wear my heartrate monitor. Super cool random fact: the awesome hrm my awesome husband gifted me for my 30th linked to the treadmill at the gym. I was totally surprised. My heart rate stayed higher than what I intended, mid-160s to low-170s (83-86% of my personal max), but I went with it- after I threw the plan out the window and slowed down, I wasn't out of breath.

I ended up only watching TV. I watched 4 episodes of My First House on HGTV. I tried to read, but I think my glasses bouncing made the words bouncy.

The run, even though slower than I wanted, was good. I walked away feeling good about finishing. And I felt like I was going to explode from all the water I drank! Pretty sure 2 more minutes and I would have!

*****

Until today, I had some pain in my knee (rushing against the pause timer and turned the corner too quick when refilling my water bottle), so I stayed off the road/treadmill until today. I only had time for 2 miles, but was glad to get those mile in outside with Lydia riding along in the BOB. It wasn't a great run- but the sunshine alone was a mood booster. I am so looking forward to getting back to running outside again all the time.

*****

How were your workouts this week?

Anyone running long this weekend? 10 more miles on Monday, venue yet to be determined.

 

Tomorrow's big endeavor!

Tomorrow, I'm planning 10 miles on the treadmill.

<source>

I'm not especially excited about almost 2 hours of going nowhere. But, I think it's the best and safest way to knock out my planned training run. The bike trail is snow and ice covered from all the snow that fell this week, and dangerous without proper footwear. The road has huge piles of snow on both sides, so there would be no place for me to go if I have a car behind me and an oncoming car. Not to mention the probable ice close to the edge.

I plan to go after I eat my hearty breakfast of oatmeal and coffee. So I can be back for lunch. I have a date :)

I am not going to push it at all. Keep it slow and easy. I think I'll wear my heart rate monitor too, so I can make sure I'm keeping my heartrate down for the majority of the run.

I don't usually take water on my runs, but with the extra heat and humidity in the gym, I am going to take a water bottle and refill it as needed- there is a water fountain right in the treadmill area with a neato water bottle filler upper thing. I'll probably need to refill at least at the half way mark, if not more, especially during the last 5 miles

I will also take along my Gatorade chews along for after miles 4 and 8, and an extra incase I need to eat the others sooner. I'm not used to the conditions- when I trained for the my last half none of my long runs (6+ miles) were in heat. And really, last summer was extremely mild, so I can only count a handful of runs that were super comfortable hot.

Now, how am I going to keep from going crazy for 10 miles? I have a few things in mind: I'm going to take a few minutes and find a good channel on the TV (Food Network, HGTV, DIY network or something), tonight I'm going to find a book to download onto my iPad (suggestions welcome), and music on my phone.

I also am going to use the plan below to mix up my speeds and inclines to keep it interesting but also to be sure to keep it easy.

Of course, I reserve the right to deviate from said plan :) But it should keep it slow and easy except mile 8, and hopefully that isn't too much of a stretch either.

Should be fun! I'll try to check in tomorrow evening to let you know how it goes.

*****

What's your longest treadmill run?

Anyone want to meet me at the gym to run beside me? Please?

 

Friday Favorites: week 6

 

I've been feeling pretty blah about the week. The weather has gotten the best of me, I've been slacking on my workouts, and it's just been a crazy busy week in general. I really needed this post this week :)

1. Favorite Workout

I have to say Monday's 9 miles. Even though I dodged snow and ice for a lot of the way, it was a good strong run. I'm very happy with it! And I am looking forward to my 10 mile run on Monday.

2. Favorite Article

Did you see the article about the Pittsburgh Steeler who just completed his first marathon? Since retiring in 2011, Alan Faneca dropped over 100 pounds and ran his first marathon and under 4 hours! Such a neat story! Plus, it's about a Steeler, which we know is always a plus at our house :)

 

3. Favorite Picture

A neat little heart in my fantastical hubby made latte.

 

4. Favorite Meal

A cookie counts right? I think every night this week we ate quick on the run, poor Chad probably ate more fast food than anyone should. Hopefully we can get back on our schedule next week. Or at least eat dinner all together as a family.

5. Favorite Moment

That moment when I called Chad defeated. The last straw was the crock pot wasn't cooking the chicken. And without taking even taking a breath, he said, "I'll pick up Chipotle, don't worry honey". Despite everything, I smiled. Love that man <3

 

9 miles in snow and ice

It seems like we have been going nonstop since after school Friday. But I'll spare you the boring details of my life.


*****

Yesterday, I ran a 9 mile training run. In this:

 

Ok, probably only 40% of my run was dodging snow and ice. I thought it was crazy, actually, the trail was either completely clear- as if it hadn't snowed in this decade, or like the picture- like it snowed yesterday and not 60 degrees over the weekend.

It was a great run, a little slower than I wanted to go, but I also didn't want to come home with a broken leg. I was pleasantly surprised that my last mile was actually my fastest mile.

According to Runkeeper, the last time I ran 9 miles was August 26th. It took me 1:37:49, average of 10:52 minutes per mile. I carved almost 5 minutes off of 9 miles. In snow and ice, I'm happy with the progress!

I was sore later in the evening and still pretty sore today. I suppose the lack of miles over the last few weeks is catching up with me. Hopefully this crazy weather will break soon so I can get some more runs in throughout the week, just strength and core aren't cutting it.

Winter is almost over, right?! (Insert a probable snow day for tomorrow)...

*****

How was your training run this week?

 

Polar Vortex? Just plain cold!

A busy day at home with the kiddos.

Snow day #6 here. Thankfully, Ohio came up with (and our district adopted) a plan to give us a few extra snow days without adding days to the end of the school year. Enter Blizzard Bags.

Busy working on their Blizzard Bags in their pjs:

 

 

Miss Lydia had to be in on what the big kids were doing:

 

So much so that we had a no nap day. Maybe she'll sleep tonight? Probably not.

*****

Funny story about the laundry today:

I was putting in the 2nd load of the day, I had a shirt and skirt of Lydia's on the dryer (pretreated with Dawn after an incident with a green marker). I started the water and tossed those 2 in, ran upstairs for the rest but completely forgot what I was doing. As in, I didn't remember what I was doing until I heard the dryer go off and went in to switch and noticed I forgot to put the lid down on the washer AND then I still didn't remember until I went to switch them to the dryer and whoops! There were only 2 pieces of clothing still in the washer. Oh, there's more- I switched them to the dryer and apparently forgot to turn it on. I may be losing it.

*****

Dinner:

Chicken philly sub and cheesy potato chips. The bun? Oh, just yesterday's bun from Jimmy John's. 50 cents. So yummy. It really made the sub. Go. Buy one or two tomorrow.

*****

Chad told Lydia to come say night night to Noah. She cracked up laughing and crawled into his bed. Cuties.

 

*****

The temperatures today were not as cold as it was a few weeks ago, but still so bitter cold. This has not been good for the running. . . I know I sound like a broken record. I keep thinking that at any point this winter will somehow turn into last winter. Remember? 30s and 40s all winter long? Yes please.

I am excited for Friday though, the forecast says 37! A run with the BOB is looking good :) Hopefully, the bike trail is thawed out by then, I'd really like 5 flat miles.

Oh, and I'm really hoping that next winter is less brutal since I'll be finishing up marathon training in December and January. I'm still in denial I'm even saying that out loud.

*****

Are you looking forward to warmer days ahead, whenever they get here?




 

Winter Beach Vaca

We had a great extended weekend. At the beach. I have never been happier to see sandy beaches and clear sunny skies! Especially since it was like 11 degrees when we left Ohio.

And this beautiful sunset:

 

I was lucky enough to be able to get a few minutes away to run a couple times. On the beach. Without a coat. Or gloves. Or a hat.

Saturday afternoon, I ran 3 miles for Meg.

 

It warmed my heart in the final half mile to see someone else had written #megsmiles in the sand.

Monday morning, I ran 7.3 miles for my half marathon training run. Probably the hardest run in a long time.

*****

Let me tell you a few secrets about running on the beach:

1. Time matters: Saturday, I started out about 2:15pm, the tide was way, way down. I had a ton of packed sand to run on the entire way. Monday, I started about 7:15. The tide was up, but there was still plenty of packed sand to run on. It was softer than Saturday's sand, so a little more work, but that's okay right? Just makes you stronger :) what I didn't consider was it would continue to creep up on me my entire run and I would run entirely out of packed sand before my planned miles were completed. I'll definitely pay more attention to the tide charts next time.

2. It is windy. Like, so windy, you ask yourself, am I even going forward?

3. It. Is. Awesome! I'm so grateful that I was able to run on the beach, and would do it again in a heartbeat. Tomorrow? Yes, please! In fact I thought running on the beach was so awesome, I'm considering the MB marathon next year. Say wha?!

*****

 

Friday Favorites: week 3

 

It's been a seemingly busy week, yet when I look back I can't think of what we actually did. I do know there was a lot of coffee consumed.

1. Favorite Workout

I have to say it was my first training run for my next half marathon. 10k in 59:10. I originally planned 6, but decided to go the extra .2 to see if I could run it in under an hour. I've been chasing a sub-60 10k since my first 10k back in August, and check it- I ran it in a training run like it was no big thang.

2. Favorite Article

Why Runner's Need to Strength Train. I think the items listed are things we all know, but need to be reminded of from time to time.

3. Favorite Picture

I'm digging the closet this week. It makes me happy every time!

4. Favorite Meal

Wednesday night's dinner. I threw together "healthy" grilled cheese (no butter, olive oil spray in the skillet). I loaded mine up- avocado mashed up and slathered on like mayo, a slice of turkey, red pepper, spinach, and bacon. Does "healthy" go entirely out the window at them mention if bacon? It was so yummy!

5. Favorite Moment

Thursday morning. Waking up to the realization that I'm going to beach tomorrow helped me get through yesterday and today with smiles :)

Now I get all that last minute stuff ready so we can get out the door on time! And keep the kiddos quiet so Chad can get some sleep.

*****

What are your 5 favorites for the week?

 

#MegsMiles

Let's take a moment to talk about the death of Meg Menzies. Oh, you didn't know her? Me either. She was a wife, mother of 3, avid runner.

I have struggled the last two days with what to say, not wanting to gloss over it, or (worse yet) pretend that this tragedy didn't happen. Nothing I can say will ease the pain her family feels.

Facebook

>
You can read about her tragic death here.

From the moment I heard the news (here), it cut straight to my heart. Of course, my heart was broken for her 3 young children and her loving husband. But also, selfishly, I began thinking of my own 3 young children and how their lives would change without me to guide them. I hugged them all a little closer and a little tighter that day. I pray for Meg's family to find comfort in The Lord.

If you are planning on running or if you have the chance to run or walk on Saturday, I would urge you to consider taking part in #MegsMiles (Facebook event here). Take a mile or two to run in silence to remember the importance of running safety. Think of Meg and her grieving family. Hug your little ones close after your run. Be sure to snap a pic and post it to Facebook or Twitter using the hashtag #megsmiles.

The last time I checked, over 58,000 runners have joined in the virtual run. Way to go running community!


 

KY Derby Half Marathon Training: Day 1

I am happy to announce that I had a successful first day of training :)

I ran 6.2 miles in 59:10, an average of 9:33 per mile. *hello sub-60 10k*

<insert Garmin photo here (if I had one)>

I had a good comfortable training run. I ran my first 3 miles in 27:40 and the final 3.2 miles in 31:30, can we say headwind? All together now: headwind.

I did determine, however, that I need new music. Like ASAP. I've been listening to the same songs since April, and I'm pretty much done with that. For a good long while anyway.

Race day countdown:

<source>

And many more miles to go.

*****

And I came home to a perfectly clean and organized closet. And a missing earring, courtesy of the Tornado Toddler.

<go hubs :) by the way! my side was already clean and organized>

Now, if I can get him to clean off his dresser...

*****

I have added a Challenges page to the blog (you can go straight to it here). As I add more challenges, this will keep them all in one place.

*****

Song suggestions? Give 'em to me!

When is your next race?

What challenge would you like to see in the months to come?

 

Deja vu, is it Thursday?

As embarrassed as I am to say I spent another day in my pjs, I loved it all the same. Miss Lydia is sick just a cold but it seems to be getting worse. Hopefully it won't turn into anything. That sweet girl has gotten the hang of the wait-until-mom-gets-a-tissue-and-don't-wipe-my-nose-with-my-sleeve thing. The kids and I spent the morning cuddled up on the couch watching "Game Plan" on Disney. And after lunch moved to YouTube and Rainbow Loom videos, but we learned how to make a fish tail bracelet. Not a bad way to spend the last days of winter break.

 

I did redeem myself slightly and go for a run this afternoon before the "white death" tomorrow. How redeeming is changing from pjs to running clothes, really? Three slow miles. I came back with the resolve to find a gym so I can run more than 0 times per week. I do have a half marathon to train for after all. 104 days to go.

After dinner and bathing and tucking in the kids, I did some yoga, squats and crunches.

And now, coffee and a cookie. Hubby is good to me.

 

Kick Monday in the teeth

Hello Monday!

Monday's are usually just an extension of our weekend, since it is Chad's day off. After we got the big kids off to school and took our time eating our breakfast and drinking our latté and playing with Lydia.

And then I headed out for my run. On the schedule today was my first Yasso 800 workout. My goal was to run the intervals in 4 minutes. I warmed up for 15 minutes at 9:54min/mi pace and then 4 half mile intervals (since I wasn't at the track) timed at 3:59, 3:58.5, 4:04, and 4:18. Each interval was followed by a 4 minute recovery walk. I finished up with an 11 minute cool down at 10:20ish per mile pace. All totaling 5.5 miles.

See that? Yeah, I completely choked on that last interval. I wanted another minute to recover after that 3rd interval- I didn't quite have my breath back and thus struggled through every second of the 4 minutes and 18 seconds.

I find it interesting that my legs are not as tired (read sore) as I thought they should be or would be. What held me back on this run was my breathing. Hopefully, as I continue with this workout, I will get stronger and it will get easier.

All in all, I pretty much thought it was a great workout. I look forward to taking the next step with 5 intervals in 2 weeks.

You can read about the Yasso theory here. I have adjusted it to measure my fitness for a goal of a sub 2 half marathon next spring. No special calculations, because of course, reality is a 2 hour half would not equal a 4 hour marathon.

And I'll leave you with these guys:

<behind the scenes Chad was acting out Wreck it Ralph, ha!>

 

The Cincinnati Half Marathon 2013

Saturday morning, my dad and I ran the Cincinnati Half Marathon.

 

I'm very happy with the choice of this little hometown half marathon for my first. And so glad my dad decided to run with me.

The weather didn't really cooperate. I started raining around mile 4, and it seemed that each mile that ticked by, the rain continued to get worse. About 3 minutes after we crossed the finish line, it started pouring. We didn't have to run in it, but we did have to walk back to the car in it. If nothing else, it will be a memorable first half marathon.

Our finish goal was 2:15. We finished a strong 2:14:24. Well, my dad finished a few tenths of a second faster- couldn't let me win :) ha. Our average pace was 10:16 per mile. Looking back at my Runkeeper stats, we kept the pace pretty even- even at the end (ignoring the building blocking gps signal very fast mile 2 and very slow mile 3). We kicked our effort up a notch but the extra effort really only allowed us to keep pace. Those last miles are hard ones.

And so this finally went on my van (a birthday gift from the hubby man):



<found on amazon>

What's next? Oh, I'm so glad you asked! The Kentucky Derby Festival miniMarathon, baby! Who's in?!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I can't help but smile when I think back to the me from 6 months ago. Six months ago, I started C25k- aka I couldn't run more than 1 minute at a time, and 369 miles later, I just ran continuously for 2 hours and 14 minutes. It's been a full 6 months. Remember when I was on week 5? The week where you run 20 minutes with no walking, ha. It kind of makes me laugh that it psyched me out!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

What's up for this week?

Rest! Maybe a few easy 3 mile runs. Some yoga for sure. Constructing a plan for the time until I start training for the next half marathon on January 8th. I've got some ideas, and I'm excited to share them once I get it all worked out. A hint? Sure! It will include more than running!

 

Race anxiety & phantom aches?

T-minus 34 hours until race time. I was fine (really, I was!) until this happened:

 

But this made it better:

<thank you Cincinnati Half Marathon!>

 

Oh, and then I saw the weather for Saturday.

<maybe it'll change, right?!>

 

Hopefully, I can keep my nerves at bay and have a good run. After all, it's just another long run right?! Just me, my dad and 1200 of our closest friends.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Last week, we added a BOB to our family. It's pretty much awesome.

<Miss Lydia being shy with her cutie piggy tails, I think she likes it>

I ran with it last Thursday for the first time, and it was great- it added time to my pace, but that was ok, it was so light and easy to maneuver.

I thought it would be fine for this weeks easy runs. So Tuesday, Lydia and I headed out. About the half way point (1.5 miles) and my calves, they didn't hurt really, but got really tight. So, I've been stretching them like mad and going light on them (no running), crossing my fingers they are back at 100% for Saturday.

My question is, are my aches real, or race anxiety playing tricks on me?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

And I'm happy to have you back in my life coffee friend.

 

Where has October gone?

I can't even believe it is October 13th. October has gotten away from me.

We're down to the last week before the Cincinnati Half Marathon. My training runs have gone really well the last few weeks.

As a recap:

- on 9/28, I ran 13 miles with my dad in 2:21:42. This was an experimental run: I ran with a bottle of water, and I spaced out my fueling to miles 5, 8 and 11 with a swig or 2 of water. I drank very little other wise. This seemed to work, I finished strong. And no puking :)

- on 10/7, I ran 10 miles in 1:43. This was a weird run. My phone died at exactly half way. So I ran the last 5 miles with no music. Not something I plan to revisit. Pretty sure I said "I just have to get back to the car" about 70 million times. But I was pretty happy with my ending time, which ironically my average paced turned out to be the average pace I want for the race this weekend.

For this week:

Sunday: I ran 3 miles in 27:17.

Monday: 10 miles, holding a 9:45 to 10:00 pace for the first 5 miles and a 10:00 to 10:15 pace for the second 5.

Tuesday: rest

Wednesday: 3 miles

Thursday: 3 miles

Friday: 3 miles, probably walk 2, jog 1.

Saturday: race day!!

********************************

The kids are rocking school. We are very proud of both of them.

I went on a field trip with Noah's class to a local pumpkin farm. We had such a good time. I had a great group. Except Noah went to jail :)

 

And what about this awesome view on the hayride?

 

********************************

Madison got her braces off last week, this was a big day! She looks so old!

<ignore the yucky glue flakes everywhere!>

******************************

And a post isn't complete without a picture of Lydia:



<grouch face at its finest>

 

Goodbye 20s...

As the last day of my 20s draws to a close, I smile!

Nothing extraordinary happened today. Just normal mom stuff. A run. Big kids to the bus. Laundry. 6 loads of laundry. (Insert putting last load into the dryer). Farmers market for fresh produce. Big kids off the bus. Big kids homework. Prepare dinner. Eat dinner. Clean up dinner.

And then this happened:

<yes, I got them all on the first try :)>

 

And this happened:

<Super excited to run tomorrow!>

 

And then this happened:

<Ignore nasty husband feet!> <Amalia, I'll save you some!>

******************************

This morning, I ran my regular 3 mile route in 28:24, 6 seconds faster than ever before. My splits were 9:48, 9:09, 9:27 for an average of 9:28 per mile.

So, I'm thinking I might need a warm up routine to help that first mile. More than, oh-let-me-open-the-front-door-and-start-running warm up. Google might get a workout tomorrow evening.

I had to change my schedule for Saturday to accommodate an early reservation for birthday date night and other activities planned with my mom and the kids for the daytime. Priorities, you know. So, I'm moving my 12 mile run to Friday during the day, with a borrowed jogging stroller. And thus, upping tomorrow to 5 miles, so I can take it easier Thursday (3.8 miles).

******************************

Stay tuned tomorrow for ...Hello 30s :)

 

Happy Labor Day! (Plus a Birthday!)

I hope you all have had a great Labor Day, however you spent it.

We headed over to Indiana for a weekend full of worship and friends, I can't think of a better way to spend a weekend. I love that our kids are becoming friends.

< how cute are they?>

 

Miss Lydia had a big birthday Sunday. We'll be celebrating Saturday, so stay tuned! But I caught this cute one of her.

 

Friday morning, I worked on some speed using this guide. I ended up with 2.62 miles at the end of 30 minutes. Oh, and brilliant me, on the 5th fast interval Runkeeper somehow got paused and I got mixed up! I would add my times, but I can't figure out a way that would make sense.

 

Before services on Saturday and Sunday morning, I had great chatty runs with friend K. But those hills. No thanks!

 

This morning, my dad and I met at the bike trail for a 10 mile run, a first for us both. Total time was 1:51:12: 9:51, 9:42, 10:36, 11:07, 11:05, 11:32, 11:19, 11:55, 12:00; average of 11:07 per mile. I'm going to have to speed it up for a 2:15 half marathon NEXT MONTH (what?!)

After we finished up :)

 

I sure am looking forward to a rest day tomorrow!

 

 

After school pic and 9 miles! Woot!

As promised, this is smiley Noah getting off the bus:

This morning, I ran 9 miles. Around the neighborhood. It took 3 times. Most. Boring. Run. Ever. I'll never do that again. Except today I was glad I did because at mile 5.69, I had an urgent need of a potty break- and I just so happened to be running right past the house. Crisis averted.

Anyway, yesterday's goal pace was probably a little far reached after the little I ran last week, but I tried, and since it is my training, I can change the rules any time, including mid run :) 9 miles total in 1:37:49: 9:59, 9:50, 10:17, 11:09, 10:57, 11:44 (insert potty break here), 10:55, 11:30, 11:24; average 10:52 per mile. If you remember, I ran 8 miles 2 weeks ago (here) in 1:35:10, so today's run being only 2 minutes and 39 seconds longer (with a potty break) made me feel pretty good. I'm sore, so I know I pushed it. It hurts real good!


Miss Madison had school today, Noah had one last day of summer vacation so Chad took him to the pool. Lydia and I tagged along for a little while- but I took her home early for a nap.

<Lydia loved riding in the wagon- this was her first time>

<she loved watching Noah, but did not like to be in the water. Over all, not bad for her first time>

<Noah loves the pool!>

We're sitting here watching the end of the Restaurant: Impossible that was filmed close to us. Then it's bed time, running starts early.

 

Another first day and run recap of sorts

Friday, Noah started his school career. Kindergarten is scary stuff: away from what you know all day, not to mention with a bunch of people you don't know. They are just babies after all. But this guy was tough!

And so excited to be at school!

<love this cheese face>

When I left him, he was still smiling. So no tears! Better than I could have imagined :)

He got off the bus with Madison with more smiles (which I captured, but my iPad sd converter is in Lydia's room, and she's sleeping, and you dare not enter when she's sleeping, maybe I'll post one tomorrow).

He likes his teacher. Probably (right now) because she's friends with Philip, and Philip is about as cool as one can get to a 5 year old.

It should be a good year for both the kids. Madison is motivated to start the year on the right foot- we'll see how long the organization lasts! Maybe Mrs. S will leave an impression :)

We are looking forward to a great year for both of them. It will be really neat to look back and see how far they have come.

-----------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

This week, running has been hard. I think a combo of the race on Sunday, the kids starting school meaning a new schedule for me. But this week, I will work hard on getting my runs in, and enjoying them.

Sunday, I ran the Little Miami 10k, in 61:17, average of 9:53 per mile.

Monday was rest day.

Tuesday, the kids and I did C25k week 3, day 3.

Wednesday, I ran 3 miles in 29:45, 9:54 per mile

Thursday, the kids and I did C25k week 4, day 1.

Friday morning, I ran 2.71 miles in 30:03, I walked a lot of that last .71mi. I just wasn't feeling it, so I cut it short. First 2 miles were at 9:59 and 10:08.

This morning, I ran 3 miles in 31:06: 10:10, 9:46, and 11:07; average of 10:21 per mile. My breathing was off today. Like I was breathing like I have never run before. It was crazy.

This week, I am resuming my half marathon training with 9 miles tomorrow morning- my goal is the first 6 miles at 10:00 pace, and slow to 11:00 pace for the last 3. A recovery 3 miles Tuesday morning at 10:30 pace. Wednesday morning 3 miles at 10:00 pace. Thursday morning 3 miles at 9:40 pace. Friday speed work: 1 mile at 8:30, 8x400 at 1:45 each with 2 minute recovery walks in between. Saturday morning 3 miles at 10:00 pace.

It looks like a good plan, but I have trouble sticking with my goal pace. Any tips? I'd love a Garmin right about now :)

 

Race Day!

I felt bad about dragging Chad and the kids out of bed at the crack of dawn, but just a little. I caught a glimpse of them as I was starting. And then again about a mile in, after we went around town as we were getting onto the bike trail. But the best part: they were inches from the finish line cheering me on!

The weather was perfect this morning, 60 degrees and sunny. All in all, it was a good race. I didn't finish in an hour, but it will give me something to work towards next time for sure. My official chip time was 1:01:17, average of 9:53 per mile.

I hit it hard coming out of the gate, which was my plan, and then lightened up after mile 3, but lightened up just a little too much, and then I couldn't recover the time lost. My mile splits were: 9:09, 9:21, 8:58, 10:14, 10:52, 10:18; .2 in 2:25 (I think. . .haha- it sure felt a lot faster than that!).

I came in 141 out of 276 for all 10k runners, 77 out of 186 women, and 11 out of 20 women ages 25-29. Finishing at (or under) an hour would have put me in the top 50 women. Yeah. I checked. I'm pathetic.

A big morning, followed by an uplifting worship, a quiet lunch with my little family, maybe a little nap, an equally uplifting worship this evening, and then an end of summer hot dog with our church family. A great day.

I'm skipping my half marathon training run tomorrow, since technically I had a long run today, but I will resume my scheduled 9 miles next Monday.

It's also back to school week! Madison starts 4th grade Thursday and Noah's kindergarten phase in day is Friday. These kids are growing up. It makes this momma sad. I guess, at least I still have Lydia with me. Sadness aside, I look forward to the growth of all of them this year, it will be a big year for all 3. We have a big last week planned: we saw Planes last night, tomorrow we're going bowling, Tuesday we have sewing lessons and then lunch with friends and then our first annual back to school family dinner. Be ready for pictures galore this week!