3M Half Marathon Race Report!

Let me start with two facts: (1) Worst training/prep ever (2) I PR-ed.

Oh yeah.

One of my 2011 Fitness Goal was to run a sub-2:15 on a half in April. That was before I signed up for this half...so now I have the one in April to PR on!

So 1 goal accomplished!  I finished with an exciting time of 2:13:44. I was so excited.

So fact 1, worse training ever. As I noted in my last post, allergies have been killing me. This Sunday is actually the first time I haven't fallen asleep on a weekend afternoon in 3 weeks. And I don't nap. I have felt awful, which means I did a whole 15 miles training this month, 2 of which I was walking on the treadmill. So 13 miles actually ran in January. Then to top it all of, yesterday contained a horrible headache, a 2 hour nap at 5pm, and general ickiness. I tried to relax and read in the evenings, and finally got hungry around 10:30pm. So the guy and I went to McDonald's. Carbo load anyone? I had fries and a cheeseburger, mainly because I really felt like I needed some iron.

Then the alarm went off at 5am. I hit snooze... and finally got out of bed at 5:17am. Magically, my head didn't hurt, and I felt okay. I made coffee and half an english muffin with almond butter (yum) and got ready to race. I changed my mind on my outfit, showered, and got ready to go.

I got there was time to spare... said hi to a friend pacing the 1:55 group, and stretched. I started strong about 7 minutes after the gun time. I felt good... it was 73 degree out, but overcast. The course is know as a PR course, with an overall downhill throughout. This doesn't mean there weren't some hills here and there, but it was nice. I hit a hunger wall a little before 8 and again after 11. Felt like I was running on empty. Luckily there were Powerade stops shortly, and I made it through.

When I hit 10 and realized I could hit 2:15, I pushed myself the most I could. Perhaps a little much, hence the wall at 11. But I rebounded before 12, and ran my hardest for the last 1.1 Wow, that felt good. I was SO proud of myself.

It's races like this that remind me why I want to keep running. :-)

Happy Week to You All!

Mileage: 28/1000

My Awesome New Customized Shoes

One of my Christmas gifts from T was Nikes he designed himself just for me!  Orange is my favorite color, and I'm a firm believer that if you have something custom, it and better be noticeable!  And if you can't read what they say, the left shoe says, "Go Fast" and the right shoe says, "Laura." I LOVE them.

Allergies + Cold = Minimal Running

Despite a great first week of 2011, allergies hit me, and I think a good ole cold as well. In the first week, I ran those 3 miles already mentioned, did an awesome 4 milers, a slow run/walk 3 miler, and some elliptical and biking at the gym.

This week I finally was able to get sufficient sleep to feel semi-okay, and went out for an evening jog on Thursday. I ended up doing 3 miles at a 9:47 pace which was exciting for me. Yesterday, I went for a short little over 2 miles at a leisurely pace. Then I came home, showered, and fell asleep. :-(

Having no energy is tough... I have a half marathon in one week. Oh boy. I'm not expecting to PR; I just want to make it through.

My friend and I are supposed to have the final personal training today. I did 4 of the 9 sessions with her... it was a nice kick in the butt to do more strength training. I also need to do more stretching.

Have a wonderful Sunday everyone; I'm off to make more tea!

Total Miles: 15/1000

2011 Fitness Goals

This year my guy and I are really trying to focus on fitness, among other things. We are both big believers in everything in moderation, so we aren't going on any crazy strict diet, or exercise regime, but making a concerted effort to get back in shape, and do so together. My personal fitness goals are as follows:

* Set a PR in Austin Marathon on 2/20/11

* Run a sub 2:15 half on 4/16/2011

* Set a PR on a half or full marathon after the above

* Run a sub 55 min 10K

* Run 1000 miles (trying again after last year's miserable fail)

So far, I did 3 miles at the gym yesterday

Total Miles: 3