Yet Another Race!

I recently read a "classmate's" blog about the upcoming Marathon/Half Marathon. Just last week or so I was asking another friend if she had blogged lately. (The answer was no.) This has lead me back to the blogosphere :)
This weekend is the Lincoln National Guard Marathon/Half Marathon. After running the Lincoln Half twice and the Omaha Half this past September, I decided it was time to take the next step. (Well, maybe not RIGHT after the Omaha Half, I definitely needed some recovery time!)Although each time I completed a half, I'd think to myself how the full marathoners were just plain crazy, I decided to sign up for 2010! The YMCA class with Ann has been AWESOME!!! It's been a long (sometimes hard) four months. It's amazing what one can learn about oneself through this process. I have become a stronger and more knowledgeable runner that's for sure! I've met some great people and have had a great time. It's amazing to think that four months of hard work is all coming to a head this Sunday! I've such great support along the way and I just want everyone to know how much I appreciate them. My sisters were great helpers with Elijah during my weeknight runs. Marcus, my truly wonderful and understanding boyfriend, really came through when my Saturday morning runs awaited me. I know through much of this I've been a bit of a pain and occassionally self absorbed. I promise to be a better person in a couple of days. My glory is shared with all of you! The encouraging words have meant the world to me! I just want everyone to know how much you mean to me. I may be putting in the 26.2 miles on Sunday, but I couldn't have gotten there on my own!
I look forward to future blogs as I get back into the swing of things. I am looking forward to a great year of continued running and future adventures!

Committed!

So this high I was on after the Lincoln Half? Well...now it's got me committed to the Omaha Half! I mentioned making a weekend of it with my folks and son since my parents haven't made it to any of my runs since I started "racing" last year! So my mom booked a hotel in Council Bluffs for that weekend. We're gonna have our own little "Stay-cation" in Omaha! WOW!!! Next week I'll officially register for the race and order a couple extra plates at the Pasta-Thon. Anyone else feel like "road tripping" in Sept? Now that my son has running shoes (from Payless, no worries), I need to treat myself to a pair. Next month I'm heading to the Lincoln Running Co and getting some expert advice! I think taking that step may actually help make me an official runner! I think I'm ready to take that step! I look at it as an investment in my "hobby" and health. If I'm gonna be 29 for the next 10 years, I'm gonna have to put some work into it!
I admit I took almost a week off after the half. I've only run 3 times since then. But I think after this morning's run I'm back on track. I have runs planned for Sat (on my own) and Sunday with Karrie...yeah!!! Since I'll miss Goodyear next Wednesday for church, I'll probably run in the morning to make up for it. Sorry girls, you'll have to kick extra hard for me! Depending on when I have to head for Hastings NEXT Sat, I may try to take Anne's Body Power class to make up for it. Somewhere amidst all the crazy workouts I put myself through, I need to take a leisurely walk with my son and just take in some nature and relaxation. And that means NOT going to the gym that day...doctor's orders!!

Running High!!

Well, I successfully completed the Half Marathon this past Sunday and am proud to say I came in under my goal time!! I was seriously flying high the rest of the day! The last stretch seems to be the toughest, but luckily that's where all my "fans" were waiting. There's not better motivation! Thank you to everyone who may not be a runner, but can at least be a runner supporter! We need you!!! I'm so motivated that I am considering the Omaha Half in September! (Or maybe I'm just that crazy...the running bug has hit!) Plus if I have another goal waiting for me down the road, it's motivate me to stay "in training". Right now I need to focus on the Havelock 10k before I get too ahead of myself. I will be throwing in more interval training these next few weeks. I've also told myself once I complete the Havelock Run I will invest in some actual running shoes. (No more lectures from my brother about improper shoes!)
I also plan on attending the Y in the next few weeks and getting E signed up for swim lessons. Plus we will be working on bike riding lessons. I have us signed up for the annual Trail Trek at the end of June so we need to get busy!
My big plans for July is the Cornhusker State Games Triathlon with my sis and Wes. Nessa will take on the swimming portion, as I have not conditioned for that at all. Wes will take on the 12 mile bike ride, and I'll run the 5k portion. If I have something to "train" for each month, I'll get some good use of out my shoes and gym membership(s)...hee hee!
Here's to Spring and the quickly approaching Summer days!!

What a weekend!

I did not make it to the gym or the running group on Sat morning. I went with my mom and E to clean the church at 7am instead. Then I had MAJOR running around to do to get ready for the big birthday bash! Despite the weather, all the kids had a great time. Elijah kept thanking me for the wonderful surprise (bounce house)! He had so much fun! I didn't even mind (too much) paying the fee for bringing it back wet! It was VERY worth it!!! After all the kids left, Elijah and I went crazy in the bounce for another hour or so before we had to take it down. What a blast!!! I consider that better than any workout I could've gotten at the gym or otherwise!

I really want to get one last long run in either today or tomorrow. Then, as Karrie pointed out, I will be tapering off this week in prep for the half next Sun. Just one week away!!!....AHHHH!!! I know I am more prepared for it this year than last, but I'm still a little freaked out! It will be great though and I'm glad to be doing it again. (Ask me how I feel about mile 7 or so!) At least I have motivation to stay in training afterwards as I am planning on joining Karrie's team for the Havelock 10k in June. Then after that, I can slow down a bit....but not too much. I'll try to stay consistent...

Now I have a late afternoon at work and won't be done till after 7pm. Not sure I'll be up for a run when I'm done. Guess it'll wait till tomorrow morning.

Distance blogger...I mean runner...

Ok...so maybe I'm both. I've got the distant blogger part down, still working on becoming a distance runner!

I am proud of my races so far this year and have been sticking with my training for the Half this time around. As opposed to last year when I stopped running regularly after the State Farm run! This year I did the State Farm 10mile with a 9min average. I shaved off 6 1/2 mins from last year's Novartis 10k with an 8 1/2 min average. This makes me both excited and nervous for the Half next Sunday! I ran last year in 2:23 and am confident I can beat that, I'm just wondering what is an acceptable goal to set for myself....

Been sticking with the classes at Goodyear also. Mary's Tues morning Body Power is going to end next week as we don't have enough participants to keep it going. Think I'll email Goodyear and advocate for that Sat morning class they've mentioned. Tried Intensity Step followed by Butts & Guts last night. (Followed by a 5.5 mile run at 5am this morning!) I don't think I'll be able to move tomorrow. I won't have much chose though, because Elijah and I are registered for the Extra Mile Walk to support/raise funds for the Backpack program for LPS. After that E's off to spend time with Grandma as I get his "surprise" bday party ready. I have a feeling that may be a workout in itself!! Which means I can grant myself a small piece of the awesome cake I ordered!

Tomorrow I am going to break out of my comfort zone and join a group run. The Northeast Y has a group that gets together Mon-Sat at 5:35am for a group run. I love being out and about at that time doing my workout, but don't feel safe running alone outside. Here's my chance! Wonder how long they run for? I'd like to get in 7 or 9miles in prep for the half. Guess we'll see...

I feel good!!! nah nuh nah nuh nah nuh!!!

It's been awesome getting back on the workout track! We had a few days of GREAT weather to add to my motivation! Also I've been eating much better and I feel good. I don't feel the urge to continue bad habits that may be dangerous. I allow myself the occassional treat and don't beat myself up over it, and I'm able to do it in moderation. I even threw away my weight loss supplements the other day tha I had at home. (Huge step for me!!) I still have a different type hiding out in my desk drawer at work, which I haven't even opened. Someday I'll bring myself to toss those as well.
I have signed up for the YMCA. I just need to schedule an orientation at each, so I'll feel comfortable with everything. I still need to take the plunge and give Gold's the official boot! Once I get in the groove of the Y, I don't think I'll feel so scared to let go of Golds. Making it to Goodyear the last two Wednesdays in a row has been great! I am looking forward to the Saturday morning class that Karrie advocated for...thanks K! I'll definitely keep with the punch card system with Goodyear-it's nice to be back in the class scene.
Otherwise things continue to be hectic, but in good ways. I am looking at closing on my first house next Friday and can hardly wait! It'll be so great to have our own space again!! Most of my life, I mean stuff, is in boxes now. Just a few more things to pack and I'll be set! Anyone up for a moving party? (hee hee!!) It'll make for a great workout.......

Well Deserved!

I took a day off from working out yesterday. At first I had planned to go over lunch and had all my gear with me. But then I figured I've been doing really well the past week, and had some different activity over the weekend, that I had earned a day off. I quickly got over my guilt! I evn had a healthy dinner of leftover "turkey tacos" with fresh fruit. I really need to be drinking more milk at meal time if I can. I usually have yogurt at lunch time, but I want to work on having more dairy daily.
Today I got back on it and was able to do another 4 miles straight. I allowed myself a little more time this round and completed it in 40 minutes. Who am I trying to impress anyway? Tomorrow night will be class time at Goodyear, which means a break from running. I am going to try and make it 4.5 miles on Thursday. Slowly building up those long runs to see what I am truly capable of. It seems we forget to give ourselves enough credit sometimes. I feel really good today and I'm okay with that! I sit up a little straighter and find myself smiling for no other reason than that it feels good! Anyone else need this kind of pick-me-up, let me know and I'll be there for you!