11 day forced break=I can run!!

Hey All,

It's been a busy and painful couple of weeks.  I managed to get two blisters, which caused me to stop running for 11 days, and then a little one between yesterday and today.  I really think it is due to wearing the same shoes for close to 2 weeks, simply because they fit.  For the most part, I have been fortunate in that I rarely experience the long distance running injuries (shin splints, blisters, chaffing, etc).

Today, I got to run 2.07 miles and it felt really good. I know that getting back to where I hope to be before my half marathon on November 2nd will involve quite a bit of work. I am ok with that. Running - even on the tough days - is better than being sidelined.

Happy Sunday!

Blisters and Recap of a Busy, Busy Week!

When I go completely silent for the most part, one of two things is happening:

1)Life is tough and I cannot work through it enough to talk about it.

2)Busy, Busy, Busy is the name of the game from sunrise to sunset.

This past week, I taught for four hours, which was fun and went well, and I gave a presentation on the same day. Between prepping for those and getting ready for two more presentations this week, I also got other things finished or at least closer to where they needed to be.

Also - I got a thumbs up and I have no additional doctor's appointments until March. How exciting is this?  Really, really exciting!

Tuesday's speed workout went well and Saturday's long run combined with first try at fueling went well. I did end up with a blister (big and nasty one) for the first time in years, but it did not keep me from running today and it amazingly did not hurt as much as I feared.

I am hoping this next week will be good and productive, but I am definitely learning to take it a day at a time.

Happy Sunday!

Race Recap of Sole to Soul 5k - WOW!

The credit for my improved times and no longer loathing a 5k goes completely to my coach. We both raced today and she was the top overall female in the race! She is amazing, down-to-earth, and keeps finding the speed, which I seriously thought would never ever return. Yesterday, I worked 11 hours. Lately, I have been averaging 9-10 hour days. Students are completing Orientation and we are in the busy stage of preparing as best we can for classes starting on Monday. Added to that - I am teaching next Thursday. It is a new program and it is exciting. Monday - my light workout did not go as I hoped. I figured this might happen, since I seem to be sluggish and not great on Mondays. By Tuesday night, I am good. My coach suggested a 9:45 minute pace and I was semi-optimistic that I could do it. I started my garmin but only made note of the first mile split on the course clock to see if I was overly fast or slow. Then, I tried to maintain or increase the pace for the remainder of the race. Overall goal - My coach thought I could do a sub 30 5k. I would have been pleased with a 30+ 5k, but she was pretty sure I could do it. She was right! Mile 1 - 9:33 Mile 2 - 9:36-9:39 (The record is a bit confused, but it is still quite nice!) Mile 3+ Split - 9:13 Average pace - 9:28 and chip time is 29:22. This is the first time I have had single digit splits in quite a few years and, overall, I finished sub 30. I am so astounded that I will probably be grinning or in awe the rest of the week. Granted - the long run on Saturday could be a bit challenging, but we shall see how it goes. Fueling - pre race - it did not go as I hoped, but I also had nothing to fear. I felt the best before and after a race, including the prescribed warm-up and cool down, than I ever have in my life. Rest, Sleep, Pre race workouts - These were not ideal, but I decided to give it my best and see what happened. Plus, I was thrilled to be employed, healthy, and ready to race! Happy Thursday!