My Journey to a Half

A half marathon, 13.1 miles, 69217.5 feet. 

My journey started nearly a year ago when I decided I was going to do a triathlon. The thought popped into my head one day and BOOM, I was going to do it. I started running, biking and swimming. I started working on transitions between biking and running, and started to plan out where I could practice open swims.

and than, something happened. I fell in <3 with running. Forget the damn biking and swimming, I wanted to RUN! And just like that, the dream of a triathlon went by the wayside, and a new dream emerged, one that, even to me, was insane. I wanted to run a half marathon. Up until that point (around August/September 2013) my furthest distance was a 5k. But, screw it, I was going to do it! 

I signed up for my very first 10k, which took place in November 2013. I decided when that was over, my half training would begin. I knew what half I wanted to do, and I was ready. 

My 10k went as good as could be expected and now I was ready to train. I picked a Jeff Galloway training program and got to work. My goal was to complete the plan twice, as my half wasn't until October of 2014. And off I went, 3 miles, than 4 miles, than 5 miles, 6,7,8 miles. I was on a role, I ran outdoors in the cold and snow and when it got too icy, I headed indoors to the gym. Than the day came, March 8th to be exact, I ran 10 miles. 10 whole freaking miles. I was a champ! If I could do this, I could do anything.

And than.......I hit a wall. After my 10 mile run, my knee started acting up, so I started to slow it down. Than, before I knew it, I fell off my plan completely. I was still running but by no means keeping up with my program. 

Which brings me to now...since March I have done the Fight for Air Climb, a 10k in May, a 10k in June, and a 5k in July. But, I have been sticking to no sort of plan. I got lazy. Really lazy. But, I haven't given up.

This previous Sunday marked 12 weeks until my half. Only 12 weeks before I cross that finish line and become a half marathoner. *Cue slight freak out*

But not to worry, I have a new training program and LOTS of support from friends and family. This half marathon will be my bitch! I'm two days down and ready to prove that I can do this, if for no one else, myself. I have it in me, I know I do.

Race Recap: Escape to Belle Isle 5k

Race: Escape to Belle Isle 
Size: Around 350
Race Distance: 10k 5k
Time: 45:07

Another race on Belle Isle, it's a perfect place to run. The scenery is great and the course is nice and flat. 

This was my first time doing this race but it's in it's 6th year. When I registered, I registered for the 10k. I hadn't run a 5k since last September (I've been trying to keep my distances up), but earlier in the week I came down with some stomach issues, and instead of cancelling all together, I figured I'd just do the shorter distance. I emailed the race coordinator and they switched it over for me with no problem. 

On-site packet pick up was fine for me personally, as I don't mind a line, especially one that moves quickly, however, there was in fact a line, 1 for the 5kers and 1 for the 10kers. But I got through the line in about 5 minutes, so I didn't consider it an issue. The race started about 5 minutes late, but again, not an issue for me personally. All racers started at the same time and there was an hour and a half limit for both the 5 and 10kers. In a lot of ways, I am happy I changed to the 5k, because my 10k is JUST at the limit and I'd hate to be late. 

On the 5k route there were two water stations, but I brought my hydration belt so I didn't partake. The course was clearly marked and had pace cars going around so everyone knew where to go. The on-site volunteers were supportive and positive, with one even dancing for us. As you crossed the finish line, they were calling out your bib numbers, which was different; whenever I've been at a race where they called out, it's always been my name. 

Post-race food was the usual, bananas, bagels, oranges, water. They also had some apple and orange juice and I THINK I saw some McDonalds sandwiches (the race benefited the Ronald McDonald house). 

All racers received a finisher's medal and they were of really nice quality plus everyone received a Tech T, and although the color was a little bright for me, the quality of the shirt was nice.

For more information on the race - you can visit their website at - http://www.escapetobelleisle.com/ 

What I Thought About Crossfit

It's easy to find out what society thinks about crossfit - just look at the memes...

For some, Crossfit is a way of life, something that motivates them, pushes them, and makes them feel invincible. To some, it's a under-taught, aggressive form of working out that can lead to serious injury. 

My best friend recently discovered it, and I've never seen her so invested in something. So when she asked me and our other friend to join her at one of her personal training sessions, I decided to give it a go (and our other friend did too).

Background - The CF we went too is owned by a friend of ours we have known for years. He has always been an athlete and I'd trust him 2000% to show proper form and scale things so I could do them without injury.

Alright, back to the session. For the first 30 or so minutes, we did a warm up that consisted of squats, kettle swings, deadlifts, and some walking with bands around our knees (no idea what that was called). We spent a lot of time on kettle swings because our other friend and I could NOT get the form right, and he was not moving on until we knew what we were doing wrong. He even recorded us on his phone to show us what part of the form we were missing. So once we went through that, we moved on to the circuit portion of the session. Our circuit consisted of 8 wall ball throws, 4 ring rows, and 2 burpees. We had to do as many times as we could in 10 minutes. He was very patient, showed us some easier ways to do burpees if we struggled with them, and was motivating yet not pushy. I was on my ring rows of my 7th set and had about a minute and a half left, he came in front of me and said "You have a choice now, you can finish this set, or you can finish this set and get one more set in". That little bit of perspective allowed me to get one more set in, for a total of 8 in 10 minutes.

It was a good workout, and here I am, three days later, still feeling sore. I burned a lot of calories and felt pretty strong. But, I don't think it's for me. However, I do have a new respect for it, as long as it is taught properly by coaches who care about your well-being.

What has been your experience with Crossfit?