Bring on the challenge!

Well, to start off, the weather couldn't have been better.  I was a little worried about it, as the day before had been hot and humid.  But, race day dawned cooler (60's) and overcast with a breeze.  Perfect weather.  

The race started out great.  I had gotten a pacer bracelet to help keep track of my time as I was shooting for a 4:00 finish.  Up until mile 15ish, I was 5 minutes ahead of schedule.  I kept trying not to think about it, but the thought of finishing below 4 hours sounded great!  However, I knew the worst of the race was still ahead and so I had to keep pushing that to the back of my mind.  After mile 15 I was starting to get tired, but I still was keeping a pretty good pace.  By mile 18, I was only 2 minutes ahead of schedule.  That was okay, but I knew I was fading pretty quickly.  The pounding of the pavement was starting to get to me.  My toes were hurting a little and I had to stop several times to stretch out.  By mile 20, I had lost my lead completely and I knew it would be a fight the last 6 miles just to reach my goal.  Unfortunately, I didn't have much left in me at that point.  The last 6 miles was just a mental game to finish.  My entire body was aching and I looked forward to the water stations so I could stop and walk, but even the walking didn't help.  I just needed to be done, and I had to tell myself the quicker I finished, the quicker I could just SIT.  I crossed the finish line at 4:15, which was a disappointment, but I hope to have learned a few things for next time.  

This race was also difficult in the fact that it was a double loop.  That was mentally challenging.  The first loop, finishing the half, you saw all the half marathoners going to the finish line.  I felt GREAT at that point and wished I could join them!  The second loop around the road was very LONG.  Seriously.  It was a long stretch and I know I made a comment to my husband on the first lap about how long it was and he told me if I thought it was long this time around, wait till the second time.  He was right.  It was nice to see all the people cheering, though, it seemed there was less on the second time around.  

Splits:

1 - 8:51

2 - 8:17

3 - 8:17

4 - 8:28

5 - 8:57

6 - 8:37

7 - 8:29

8 - 8:32

9/10 - 17:50 (somehow I missed the mile marker)

11 - 8:54

12 - 9:38

13 - 9:05

14 - 9:10

15 - 9:51

16 - 9:08

17 - 9:57

18 - 10:50

19 - 9:51

20 - 10:40

21 - 11:04

22 - 11:09

23 - 11:33

24 - 11:59

25 - 11:31

26 - 12:10

.2 - 2:14

I've got to figure out how to better train, I guess.  Obviously, I hit the wall at 18, and, although, 19 was better, never really picked it back up after that.  Advice??  I don't feel like I am going out fast in the beginning, it feels like a good pace, but maybe I am, I don't know.  As for the body aches, should I take ibuprofen before the race?  It was actually really bad those last six miles.  I felt like I had the flu.  And, I don't know what to do about my toes feeling slammed (only on one foot).  That was painful.  After the race, I discovered more aches that I didn't know about.  Apparently, I did something to my lower back during the race, too.  It's really sore.  Maybe more core strengthening?  

Glad it's over and just glad it was okay.  Give me a few day and I might start thinking about another one :) 

First day of spring break and first day back running since the marathon.  We were actually ready to go out last weekend, but it was raining so we bagged it.  

Decided to sleep in and go running after breakfast.  Invited my 12 year old to accompany me (he needs to start getting ready for cross country next year), then my 5 year old wanted to come so we invited him to ride his bike.  Next thing I knew, my 7 year old wanted to run and my 10 year old wanted to ride his bike too!!  So, we had a whole family outing for this run!  

The bikers did great, they had to keep stopping and waiting for the runners :)  12 year old did pretty good, but 7 year old went out too fast and was tired before we were even at the end of the subdivision!!  Now, my kids are good runners.  But, they are not used to running, running, running and not stopping.  Had originally wanted to do 4 miles, but knew that was going to be difficult with the kiddos.  Decided to just do 3.  After our turn around point, I stayed back with the 7 year old and kept encouraging him along.  I'd find goals for him to run to then he could stop and walk for a minute.  That's how we made it home.  

While it wasn't a great workout for me ( :) ), it was fun to go out and be with the kids this morning.  Glad they all decided to join us! 

Took the kiddos to the track this morning.  A little easier than yesterday :)  Controlled environment worked better for me to get a better workout in :)  

The kids had a good time this morning.  I did my track workout.

1 mile warm up (I actually did this at a faster pace, but neglected to time it)

800 - 3:45

400 - 1:50

800 - 3:50

400 - 1:49

800 - 3:49

 My legs still feel like I'm recovering from the marathon.  No big surprise.  But, it felt great to get out and run fast again.  Thinking of doing the track again tomorrow, but just not sprints, maybe something a little easier. 

Boy, I could tell I hadn't been out running in awhile! 

I've been dying to get out but between the rain and the lazy side of me after the marathon - :) - it's been awhile.  I did do Jillian 4 days this week, though, so I haven't been completely lazy ;)

Started my run this morning in gorgeous weather.  My phone said it was 48 degrees outside, but it certainly felt a little warmer.  Perfect temps.  The sun was just coming up, the birds were out, it just felt great to be outside!

Inner thigh muscles were a little sore starting out the first 2 miles.  Kept wondering what I did?  Then, I wondered if the bike ride with the kiddos yesterday caused it.  I had taken them to a dirt hill to ride their bikes and do jumps.  Of course, they want me to participate, too - lol.  So, I did.  Coming back up some of those hills got a little tough, but I managed to ride up them.  Think that may be where the soreness came from.

After the first 2 miles, I settled into a good pace.   I could tell I hadn't run for awhile, but it wasn't terrible.  I still finished in 53 minutes.  My first 2 miles were around 9:15ish, second two were about a minute faster, last two somewhere in between.  So, I averaged about 8:50 min/mile which felt good, all things considered.  

Now, the question is, how will next week go?  ;)