It's The Final Countdown!

(Don't pretend you didn't sing my title.....cause I know you did.)

Yes, the final countdown. I have less than 35 days until my very first half marathon. And although I have a little over a month, I am already thinking of what it will feel like to cross that finish line, to finally be a half marathoner, to have proven to myself (and others) that a morbidly obese person can do a half marathon.

As I eagerly count down the miles (75.1) until the big day, I also, as odd as it sounds, am trying to cherish them. I want to cherish the time before the big day, cherish those good (and bad!) runs, cherish the rest days. Why? Because this experience has taught me so much about myself.

I Don't Give Up - My training started way back in January, and I had planned to do two full plans before the big day. But I completely and utterly burned myself out from January to March. I was only averaging about 25 miles a month those three months, but I was on a treadmill, I was indoors, I wasn't eating enough, and it was hard. My last long run was in March, 10 miles, on a treadmill. I watched Grease all the way through and still had time left. It was sooo mentally draining. From April to July, I averaged 14 miles a month........14 miles. I could have quit completely, ate the run cost and moved along. But I didn't. Instead, I put on my big girl panties, found a 12 week training program, and got to work. I had a half marathon to do, I wasn't going to settle for anything less. Last month I ran 40.6 miles, which is only 15.6 less than I had ran April through July. I got back on that horse in a big bad way.

My Heart Is Stronger Than My Head - I struggle with negative thoughts, doubt, & lack of self confidence. About every other run I do, my doubts start, I tell myself I probably won't be able to do it, I'll probably exceed the time limit, I'll probably pass out half way through. But, than, my heart takes over, and my next run I get out there and believe in myself. In my heart I know I was meant to do this. Sometimes I just have to remember to tell my head that.

I Am Stronger Than I Thought -
This quote sums up my experience. Before I started this, I could have never believed I could run 7 miles in a row, or 8, or even 4. The old me "couldn't" run, "couldn't" stick with a training plan, "couldn't" run more than 30 seconds at a time, or more than a quarter mile. But the new me can. I can run for more than 30 seconds, I can run more than a quarter mile, I can run 7 miles in a row, and I can turn my dreams into a plans.

Another Week Bites the Dust

I am officially three weeks down on my 1/2 marathon training schedule! Let's review shall we?

Monday - Stretch and Strength - I took Monday to relax a bit, I did a little stretching but over all, I'd call it a rest day.
Tuesday - 3.5 Mile Run - My legs felt like concrete but I was able to get through all 3.5 miles before it started to down pour!
Wednesday - 2 Mile Run or Cross Train - I was soo tired on Wednesday, achy, sore, exhausted. I planned to rest but the guilt hit me hard (you can read more about it here) and I went for a walk.
Thursday - 3.5 Mile Run - My body couldn't take it anymore, I needed a full on rest day. So I skipped my 3.5 miles, took a 40 minute epsom salt bath and rested instead. I regret nothing!
Friday - Rest Day - Yes, I took two in a row!
Saturday - 40 Minute Cross-Training - Woke up tired but decided to hit the pavement, with my bike! 40 minute cross-training - got in almost 6 miles.
Sunday - 5 mile run - It was slow and humid, but because of my rest, I didn't feel any pain in my knees. Success overall!

This week will be the same, program wise, but I hope to have more energy and less pain so I can complete my days.


PS - I have some super exciting things coming up, so please follow my blog! Think giveaways!

Buh-Bye Week 2!

Week two is over....here is how it went...

Monday - Stretch and Strength - Spent 20 minutes doing some stretching. My body was tired, so I allowed it rest. It felt good to get specified time JUST for stretching.
Tuesday - 3 Mile Run - It ended up being a 2.45 mile run, due to weather. Some thunder and lightening started, so I headed back. Overall a good run though, no shin pain and not to much fatigue.
Wednesday - 2 Mile Run or Cross - Cross training again, a 2 mile walk. I have no guilt about choosing walking as my cross training. It's a legitimate way to cross train and I think it's ignored by a lot of people.
Thursday - 3 Mile Run - One of the most comfortable runs I've had in a long while, I even had negative splits! Felt good to run and not feel too fatigued.
Friday - Rest Day - which actually turned into peeling wallpaper day, so I consider it another cross-training day
Saturday - 30 Minute Cross - Used this day as a wallpaper peeling day. With the up and down of getting on a step ladder, and the scrapping with a putty knife, I can feel it pretty good in my triceps. Cross training/home updating success!
Sunday - 4 Mile Run - By far one of the best runs I've had so far this training program. Went smoothly, no pain, times weren't bad and I enjoyed it. Listened to a podcast, which is my new jam. If you've never tried running to a podcast before, I'd suggest it just for a try. I never thought I'd like it but come to find out, it's almost better than music sometimes for me!

So, I'm two weeks down. Somehow, even though I've been busy busy, I'm feeling pretty good. I've been sleeping great, eating when I need too, and making sure I take down time for myself. Looking forward to what this week brings!

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/