June is Busting Out All Over

It has been a full month since our last post. As you can probably tell, we're busy. I was in Chicago (again) for the last 6 days for work. Getting ready for this trip, as well has half marathon training took up my entire life in May. I was so busy, I barely had time to think, let alone blog or even post pictures on Facebook. I traveled and I worked, and I worked and I ran. It was rough, and I am unbelievably glad it's over.

But let's get to the good part: I ran a half marathon!!!! :D

It was hard, and I didn't do as well as I would have liked to, but I did it, and I'm extremely proud of myself.

The race actually started out pretty well. I was super nervous, but I'd hydrated well, eaten well, and slept well the day before the race, so I knew my body was as ready as it was ever going to be. I was feeling good, but I knew I needed the extra push, so I asked my sister to run with me. She'd said all along it was going to be up to me if I wanted her to or not, and I am SO glad I asked her to. Not only was it great to be with her the entire time, but I wouldn't have finished without her. I know this for sure, because without her by my side I would have had to walk a lot more, and I would have been swept off the course for timing. But she kept me going!

We ran by my mom and the hubs for the first time at mile 3-ish. I was still happy to be out there at this point, and happy to see them. We had an out and back, so we knew we'd see them again around mile 9.

The out and back was rough. It was great to see all the front runners...and then the majority of the racers coming back, but it made it feel pretty long and slow. We ran for 8 miles straight before I needed a break...that's when the wheels fell off and I had a HARD time getting it all back together.

As you can see here....I was feeling rough....and there are people walking behind me...we fell into the walk-run crowd pretty quickly, and that's what I did from there on out. I tried to pull it together, but my leg hurt, and I was done. I kept pushing, and my sister pushed me with some tough love, which helped, but the last 5 miles were SLOW. When we got to 11, I wanted nothing more than to lay down on the road and be done, but I was too close for that. I walk-ran my way all the way to about 12.5 where my sister said no more walking. The finish was in sight and there was NO way we were walking that close...plus there were TONS of spectators at that point (mostly people who had already finished) so I got the extra rush I needed.

I was so emotional coming across the finish line. Much like at the end of the triathlon, I just couldn't believe I had actually done it. I don't know my time...I could look it up, but I don't want to. I forgot to stop my Garmin after I crossed the finish line because I was pretty much in tears. I just wanted to see the hubs and get my metal. I worked my behind off for the damn metal and I was not leaving without it. 

I learned a lot in training for the half. First, I am not good at following training plans. I didn't do it for the tri, and I didn't do it for the half either. I need to work on that. Second, I am NOT a long distance runner. I am going to focus more on getting faster at short distances. I like 5ks, and I am pretty sure I'd be good with 10ks too, but the half wasn't fun for me. I got really sick of running all the time, and I didn't like the feeling of having long runs hanging over my weekend. I am looking forward to splitting up my training this summer to get ready for the tri.

Speaking of training, I have taken an entire week and two days off from doing anything. Granted, when I travel for work I'm on my feet all day every day, so it's really only like I've been a lump of nonactivity for two days now, but I'm ready to get back into it. I've got to come up with a reasonable training plan for the tri (and stick to it) and I'm gym searching again. I miss my classes so much, so I bought a Groupon for Boston Sports Club to get back over there. Now that half training is over, I'll have time to get back to spinning and weight training, and hopefully get my arm tone back.

All in all, I am proud of myself for doing the half, and for pushing myself all the way to the end. I'm not happy with how long it took me, or how I feel apart near the end, but I did it. I'm not about to buy a 13.1 sticker for my car or anything, but I'm happy to brag about the fact I'm a half marathoner.

Just like Eminem, I Rock the 8 Mile

I'm not sure I'd say I rocked it, but I did it! I put off my long run this week until today (I was wayyyyy too hungover on Saturday to so it, and I tried on Sunday, but failed miserably).

So tonight, I set out, determined to do the 8 miles. The hubs started with me, to get me motivated and out the door. He stayed with me for just over a mile and half before heading home with a promise of meeting me later. I did alright for the first three miles, but not wonderful. My pace has really slowed down this week (more thoughts on this later) and I wasn't overly impressed, but I just kept going.

At mile 4, I almost stopped. Because I fell. Yup, I took a huge digger. Luckily, I had the brains to fall onto the grass next to the paved path instead of right onto the pavement, but it still hurt. Badly. And it was slightly embarrassing. I picked myself up and had to take a couple minutes to pull it together. I was hurting already and the idea of only being half done was so sad to me. But I wanted the bragging rights. So I kept moving. It's just a little scrape anyway.

my elbow is in much worse shape, but taking a picture of one's own elbow takes more skill than I have.

The next four miles were less awesome than the first. I just kept trucking along, knowing that at mile 7 Johnny would be meeting me and I'd be almost done. But then my leg (the one I fell on) started hurting a lot. And a blister definitely started forming on my right foot. And I was thirsty. So mile 6-8 were anything but pretty, but IT GOT DONE. My goal for now is not about time, it's about distance, and I went the damn 8 miles. And I'm SO glad it's over.

Thoughts on my Pace

My pace today was SLOW. Like way slower than I've been in a long time. And part of it is that I've not had the best week of running leading up to today, but I got to thinking about it while I was running (not sure I can call it that at the pace I had lol). I've basically stopped taking my vitamins. Why? I dunno. Laziness I guess? Being rushed in the morning? I have to take them post-breakfast or they'll totally mess up my stomach, and I've been skipping out. Most people might think a multi-vitamin is no bigggie, and skipping it probably isn't an issue, but I also take an iron supplement. I have low iron, and the supplement helps keep my levels up and normal. Without it, I prone to feel the symptoms of anemia...like feeling tried and worn down...and quite possibly running slower than usual. It's not a solid theory, but I'm getting right back onto the vitamin wagon tomorrow morning...just in case it helps. 
  

Today's Eats

As I said yesterday, I'm going to post my meals during the week. I failed at taking a picture of my lunch (I'm still getting used to this idea, obviously) but it will be the same tomorrow, so even though I'll tell you all about it here, you can see a picture then.

Breakfast was Greek yogurt with peanut butter, a banana, and Trader Joe's high fiber cereal.

Lunch (the forgotten child) was a ham sandwich with light Swiss cheese on light bread, a side salad with balsamic vinegar, and 1/2 of a TJ's 100 Calorie Chocolate bar. Snacks at work were an orange, an apple, 1/2 a Luna bar, and 1/2 a sandwich thin with Dark Chocolate peanut butter pre-run.

Dinner, which was made for me while I was gallivanting around the city, was homemade veggie pizza and chocolate milk. Enjoyed while watching the Bruins' game.

It was a wonderful recovery dinner. And now I'm taking my sore, sore body into the shower to rise the stink off before I pass out.

Not being a very good runner is exhausting. I can't imagine what those people running the Boston Marathon in 90 degree weather today felt like. Some people are straight up crazy! :)

The 10% Rule Rules!!!!!

Back in February when I first found out about my ankle injury I wasn't sure I'd ever be feel the same about running and feel like me again. I know that sounds a bit drastic, but running has been such a huge part of my life for as long as I can remember. It's been my celebration when things are great and my fix for when things aren't so great. In February, my doctor told me that once my ankle was healed I'd have to start from scratch (I was marathon ready!) increasing each week's long run by no more than 10% and that felt a bit discouraging. I've been down this road before (see: previous ankle injury and minor knee surgery) so I wasn't sure I'd have what it takes to make a come back. I enjoyed the experience of training and competing in a fitness competition but just knew that one day I'd have to return to the sport that I've loved for so long. I'll be honest, I started out with 1/4 mile and increase by 10% up to a mile and then I skipped all the way to 3 miles - bad, I know but I was just anxious. I realized my error and decided a few months ago to start with my comfortable base of 3 miles and increase only by 10% from there. It has been a slow rebuild but I've been sticking to it. Uncertain of just how well this plan was working I signed up for a 5k with no intention but to have fun. I felt great the entire race- legs were strong, ankle was keeping up and my form felt better than ever. I ran a 27+ 5k and though I know it's not where I used to be, it is the healthiest 27 minute 5k I've run in a very long time. Better yet-

I finally feel like me again.

Now I know this 10% rule really is great and even though I'm eager to run those long distances again, I'll get there. I can almost taste that sub 2 hour half-marathon!!!!!