Pain of Discipline

I have no idea who Sarah Bombell is, but I love this quote. I had my second long training run this morning, 17 miles. I repeated this quote several times during my run. I'm most proud that I ran this run mostly solo. And finished in just around 2 1/2 hours. I was right on target most of the time. I reached 13.1 right at the 2 hour mark and was still feeling very strong. I'm still experimenting with energy gels, blocks, & liquid. I only consumed 1 GU before I set out. Tried to choke down a shot block, but won't be doing that again. I took along de-fizzled Pepsi with me and that seemed to help a lot. 

It's been a good training week. Taylor and I will probably ride tomorrow for about 20 or so miles and that will put me over 60 miles of training for the week. 

I have another long run this upcoming weekend, then a 5K race the following, and my Duathlon in 3 weeks. No rest for this girl!

Train insane!!!

Crazy 8's Roadrace

This was my first 8K road race! And it just so happens that the World's Fastest 8K is ran in my hometown of Kingsport, TN! So I ran in this year along w/ my brother-in-law Austin and two great friends, Rachel and Sarah! My official time was 48 minutes. Not at all what I wanted, but I'll take it. I got a pretty nasty side stitch at about mile 3 that lasted till the end...that was no fun at all running through that. But HUGE shout out to my girls Rachel and Sarah who ran strong and finished even stronger!

Rachel and I before the race!

My BIL and I.

 Only 1/2 mile left...I can do this. Not really, I'm dying!

 Yay, we got medals!

Let the training begin...

I've never been good at just making myself exercise, especially if there isn't a specific "goal" I have set. So naturally after completing my half-marathon, the next logical step is the full. The only problem is, which run will I be running? One out in San Diego or will I still be here on the East Coast and run the Suntrust Richmond marathon. One is in October, the other in November. I've been extremely lazy with my running/training schedule since my half, but NO MORE! I do love running, but I need motivation. So even though I have no clue which marathon I'll run, I've made my training schedule for the next 16-20 weeks and I'm going to run my little heart out!!

So you'll know where to find me this summer!

Thank goodness I have found a babysitter to help me out 2 days a week for my longer runs. So between the open road, treadmill, and the babysitter - hopefully I can accomplish a full marathon by the end of this year! I have my next race in a few weeks...an 8K!

Run this town.

As many people know a little over a year ago I started on a quest to "get fit". Long story short, I lost 40 lbs in about 8 months and maintained my "goal" weight along with building muscle. After reaching the goal I of course started setting new ones...one of them being - running. I've never considered myself a runner (at ALL). I could never pace myself and therefore never really enjoyed it. But I was determined to run. So in January I signed up for a Half Marathon...crazy right? I couldn't run more than about 3 miles at the time, but that didn't stop me...only 10 more to add on. Easy! I joined a gym and started training. My timing has never been perfect. I decided to take on running while my husband was away training. So my daughter joined me on most of my outside runs...that was hard. I didn't enjoy those runs pushing her...but she was always perfect, so I shouldn't complain. She made me faster and stronger! My first "training" run was 2.25 miles and my average pace was 11:29...27 minutes. Just 2 months later I ran 6 miles at a 9:11 pace...I was getting better/faster and was so encouraged by my progress. Shortly after that I ran my first road race, a 5k (3.1 miles) benefiting The Wounded Warriors Project. I averaged an 8:06 mile and couldn't have been more happy with my 26 minute finish.

The Wounded Warriors 5k Race

Just 2 months after that race, I finished my first ever Half Marathon!!!!! And I'm proud to say I ran EVERY step of it. Up until the race, my longest run had only been 10 miles. But I felt that I would be able to finish it and tried not to worry. My goal was 2 hours, that didn't happen, but I really don't care. I finished in 2:15:58...I was thrilled. Just 4 short months ago this was just a dream. Running has changed my life. It's helped me live healthier and I hope I'm setting an example for my daughter. I hope from my running/training that she learns to work hard towards her dreams and strives to be her personal best. 26.2 here I come!!!!!