Slow & Steady Wins the Race :-)

I might count this as a race report if I don't run next weekend's half marathon in less than 2 hours!  :-)  

Started out deciding to run between 12-14 miles, then about 3 miles in (after a weird sideache through mile 3) I decided to run a time trial of a half marathon and see if I could get under 2.  It felt HARD and its hard to believe I'll be able to do much faster next week, especially considering the course will likely be harder than this course (hard to not be harder, this was practically pancake flat).  But I DID IT!  It was hard, and I was really really tired afterwards, and my legs felt like lead.  But I wasn't nauseous like normal, so I guess I could have gone a little faster. :-)

Bad parts were that I had no water until mile 10, because the stupid park water fountains were still turned off, so I couldn't have the gu I brought either without any water. 

Started out at 35 degrees, ended about 40, but at least only a few drops of rain fell!  I tried to get the long run in yesterday but it was a hurricane and torrential downpour. I am so sick of this weather I can't take it anymore!

Splits: 9:25, 8:51, 9:06, 8:51, 8:36, 8:36, 8:22, 8:32, 8:43, 8:22, 8:35, 8:50, 8:26, (.1 - 7:37)

Total Time: 1:54:09,  Total Ascent: 1419

Weak sauce today.  Maybe ran 1 mile with cooper to/from/around the park.  Then came back and took the dogs on a walk with Justin around the neighborhood, then came back and walked another mile on the TM.  Left shin/side of calf is bothering me a little bit today after yesterday's run.  

Still taking it easy.  Too easy.  Making me worried.  Was starving when I got home and too tired to cook, so we went to get Panda Express, randomly when I was there I decided I woudl just run home while Justin ordered, thinking I probably wouldn't get any other run outside today!  Man was I right, the wind was AWFUL.  I wasn't prepared, so no watch, ipod, or ear wrap,and man my ears screammmeeed.  I dont know if they've gotten more sensitive because I wear that thing religiously, or what, but they did not enjoy the wind and were aching so bad.  That was probably 1.5 miles.  Maybe 2.  Then after dinner (during Biggest Loser - my favorite!) walked 3 more miles on the treadmill, then ran the last 1.  

Still taking it easy, but not on purpose.  Today had class all day, got home after 8, so tried to get a quick 3 in.  I'm going to try and do 5ish tomorrow, to at least have 1 semi-long run this week.  

Last .5 miles I did a quick mini speed workout of 3 repeats of .1 miles at 8.0.  

I ran OUTSIDE and I actually saw little bit of that big yellow ball up there... what's that called again?  Supposed to be more of it this weekend and I am PUMPED!  Golf course here I come!

Got in a quick 3.6 miles outside before we head to Portland for golfing and the Portland half.  Getting some race anxiety. Also wishing I had broken in my new shoes more, because after running in those the last 2-3 times the old ones do not feel good.  But I don't trust the new ones to do a long race in them yet.

The good news is that I tried to run super slow, except the last few minutes or so, and my average ended up being 8:59, which is less than my goal race pace.  I would say the goal is to stay under 8:45, but 8:30 averages would be my "big goal", in TFA talk. 

Now that the weather is turning nice all of a sudden I am freaking out about what to wear though!  I think I need to get some capri tights, I'm worried my long tights are going to be too warm but that its still too cold at 7am for shorts.  Hmmmmm......

Splits: 9:07, 8:59, 9:02, 8:41 (avg)

I saw the sun today and i loved it!!! I wanted to go for a run so bad today, the sun and a little warmth (60) was calling me but I settled for golf, figured its about 2 miles walking. golfed a 65, that's right, on 9 holes!! its hard to believe, but I am THAT bad! 30 over par is NOT good!

anyway, race anxiety time is here. just want to make my goal so bad! but I know I just need to keep reminding myself that I want this to be the slowest half I run this year, so if I don't make it this time I will next time. time to try to sleep. 5am is awful early for me!