Life is Good

While training for my April Marathon, I decided I wanted to do a half.  This was a last minute decision.  I signed up 2 weeks ago, and with the full intent to run, then hurry home, get cleaned up, and head to church.

I'm going to briefly run down to race.  We got there in time for me to find a spot in the starting shoot around the 9 min/mil pace flag.  They didn't give any warning to the gun... no count down or anything... just "bam!".  We all looked shocked and then (eventually) started running.  There is almost a minute time different between the gun and my chip times.  I started pretty solid, pacing myself behind a gal in pink.  I passed the half way at 59:33.  It felt really really good after the turn around.  I passed pinky, but she seemed to pass me again at 10 miles.  I called Brandon at 11 minutes to tell him I was "closing in".  And then an emergency pit stop happened (at mile 12)... and it set me back big time. LOL.  Such a bummer.  But I didn't have a choice.  I finally came in at 2:11:49.  (see what I mean about the set back?)  But... it's a PR, and I am really happy with myself.  I kept a pretty constant pace, I fueled up good, and I didn't drain myself.  I made it home, got me and the kiddos showered, and everyone was sitting in the chapel before church started (which is amazing because we only had 30 minutes frmot he time we got home until when church started). 

I started the day with yoga to help stretch some of my sore muscles. It really helped. I didn't do my run until after my husband came home because my kids are sick and I didn't want to torture them by making them go running with me. While on my run, I saw a girl running ahead of me. I decided I was going to catch up to her and pass her. She had about a 1/6 of a mile lead on me. I am proud to say I passed her right before we hit the 1/2 mile.

So, I am sporting some sexy cold sores. I'm thinking they are from my race this weekend. I'm also thinking I want them to go away! Besides Abreva, anyone have any advice?

I almost didn't go.  I was coming up with a ton of excuses.  But then I decided I better.  There would be no way to make up the miles.  I'm so glad I did!  It was a good run, and with the marathon coming up (I'm officially registered), I can't afford to skip just because.

I ran up usery's pass and a little bit of bush highway to get to coonsbluff, then back to bush highway.  There were a lot of long climbs, but I felt really good about them.  I got to pass several runners, bicyclist, and a troop of scouts.  My kids went hiking with daddy at coon's bluff and picked me up when I was done.  I ran the entire length, non stop... and it felt great.  What didn't feel good was sitting between the two toddler carseats with no room to even lean back while we drove home. hmm...  next time I'll convince the hubby to bring the truck, not the jeep (just saying).