I've been doing all kinds of running the past week and a half, getting ready for my move to Durham. I had a week off between my internships which involved a lot of packing, unpacking, moving things in and out of storage, spending time with my family, and running errands. While I was home, I got to catch up with the whole fam, including Laura and my grandparents. I even made it to one of Riley's soccer games. I even managed to stick to my gym/running schedule while I was home.
I ended up stopping in Richmond on my way to Durham on Friday and got to spend the afternoon with Kim. You would think after spending 3 months together, we'd get a little sick of each other. And while I'll admit it is nice to have my own room, I miss Kim a ton! So it was nice to catch up and do random things while we had the time.
I made it to Durham in one piece and unloaded my car. I spent Saturday afternoon unpacking and getting settled in, even making a Target run (which is conveniently 4 miles away). Friday night, we went to this great local restaurant and Retta (she's the lady who's house we're living in) showed me some good places to run, not to mention Whole Foods and a bunch of bakeries downtown that I should probably avoid. :)
Saturday morning I got up and ran my 20 miles. It went well, minus getting lost. But I found some great running trails/tracks to keep my somewhat satisfied for my long runs. Today I got up and ran my 10 miles - which felt like nothing compared to yesterday. I checked out a new church, which I love, and now I'm just trying to recuperate from this weekend. Joanna comes tomorrow and I can't wait. If only I didn't have to work...
Sunday, September 23, 2012
Friday, September 14, 2012
Racing Mania
I have a confession to make: I'm addicted to running races. Yes, there I've said it. It's out in the open and now you know my deep, dark secret. And if you know me at all, you've probably only heard me talk about running 23,454,545 times in the past year.
After running a very poor Rock N Roll half in Va Beach, you'd think the last thing I'd want to do, is sign up for another Va Beach race...so why not try 2?? I ended up running my farthest distance last week at a whopping 18.5 miles. And believe it or not, it was so much better than the half. I had perfect fall weather, strong legs, and a determination to do better than the weekend before.
At about mile 10, Kim met up with me and we ran the last 8.5 miles together. We took it at a good, leisurely pace and I actually felt great after. SOOOO, I convinced my mom to sign up for the Wicked 10K with me in October. Granted, it is only a 6 mile run and I'll still have to run another 6 miles to get my full 12 in, but what a fun run. Not to mention, you get a pretty sweet medal.
Right now, I'm looking at another one in December that's a 10 miler. While it might seems a little crazy, the more races I have to train for, the more likely I'll stick with a good plan. But right now, my marathon training comes first. And that means heading out for a short 12 miles tomorrow.
Bring it.
After running a very poor Rock N Roll half in Va Beach, you'd think the last thing I'd want to do, is sign up for another Va Beach race...so why not try 2?? I ended up running my farthest distance last week at a whopping 18.5 miles. And believe it or not, it was so much better than the half. I had perfect fall weather, strong legs, and a determination to do better than the weekend before.
At about mile 10, Kim met up with me and we ran the last 8.5 miles together. We took it at a good, leisurely pace and I actually felt great after. SOOOO, I convinced my mom to sign up for the Wicked 10K with me in October. Granted, it is only a 6 mile run and I'll still have to run another 6 miles to get my full 12 in, but what a fun run. Not to mention, you get a pretty sweet medal.
Right now, I'm looking at another one in December that's a 10 miler. While it might seems a little crazy, the more races I have to train for, the more likely I'll stick with a good plan. But right now, my marathon training comes first. And that means heading out for a short 12 miles tomorrow.
Bring it.
Sunday, September 2, 2012
Highway to Hell
An appropriate title for the "Rock n Roll" half marathon I just ran today. It was quite the event. And by that I mean it was one of the worst races I've run in a while. It wasn't my worst race, but it was far far from my best race.
Last year, at this time, I started my running adventure with my first race ever - the Va Beach half marathon. I thought it would be an appropriate way to start the racing season this year; to come full circle. And while I have improved greatly in my running, you wouldn't know it from my race today.
The next part of this blog is kind of painful and somewhat humiliating to write. My pride's been a little bruised and I've had quite the serving of humble pie. My time...wait for it... 2:10:11. Ugh, one of the not so greatest times I've run. Like I said, not the worst, but certainly far from my better races.
The day started with a 4:30 AM wake up call, lots of hustle and bustle (not to mention some parking traffic), and a quick jump into the corrals. And just like that we were off. I started off ahead of the 2:00 hour mile marker feeling pretty good the first mile. It didn't last long. By mile 3, I was struggling from the heat and humidity. I was already dripping in sweat and mascara just trying to put one foot in front of the other (I've learned some days that's all you can ask for). By mile 4, I was ready to throw in the towel.
I got through mile 4, but unfortunately slowed my pace. I watched the 2:00 hour mile marker drift further and further away out of reach (dramatic, yes). But at that point, I didn't care. My goal switched from getting a personal best to just finishing the race without walking. Around mile 7 or so, Kim and I randomly met up and ran together for the next few miles. We both were struggling, so it was nice to have the company. The rest of the race is pretty much a blur. Between miles 8 - 13 there were cuss words (in my mind), popsicles, sprinklers, one not-so-big-but-oh-so-tough hill at mile 12, a never ending boardwalk, and a whole lot of mental triumph.
BLAH. I totally just word vomited all over this blog post and I'm not even sure where that leaves me now. We spent the rest of the day lounging watching trashy reality tv, eating way too many calories, and complaining/justifying my poor race time. Will I be a contender next year?? Hm...maybe in the relay??
I'd post pictures, but honestly they're not that great and I just don't have the energy. Happy running.
Last year, at this time, I started my running adventure with my first race ever - the Va Beach half marathon. I thought it would be an appropriate way to start the racing season this year; to come full circle. And while I have improved greatly in my running, you wouldn't know it from my race today.
The next part of this blog is kind of painful and somewhat humiliating to write. My pride's been a little bruised and I've had quite the serving of humble pie. My time...wait for it... 2:10:11. Ugh, one of the not so greatest times I've run. Like I said, not the worst, but certainly far from my better races.
The day started with a 4:30 AM wake up call, lots of hustle and bustle (not to mention some parking traffic), and a quick jump into the corrals. And just like that we were off. I started off ahead of the 2:00 hour mile marker feeling pretty good the first mile. It didn't last long. By mile 3, I was struggling from the heat and humidity. I was already dripping in sweat and mascara just trying to put one foot in front of the other (I've learned some days that's all you can ask for). By mile 4, I was ready to throw in the towel.
I got through mile 4, but unfortunately slowed my pace. I watched the 2:00 hour mile marker drift further and further away out of reach (dramatic, yes). But at that point, I didn't care. My goal switched from getting a personal best to just finishing the race without walking. Around mile 7 or so, Kim and I randomly met up and ran together for the next few miles. We both were struggling, so it was nice to have the company. The rest of the race is pretty much a blur. Between miles 8 - 13 there were cuss words (in my mind), popsicles, sprinklers, one not-so-big-but-oh-so-tough hill at mile 12, a never ending boardwalk, and a whole lot of mental triumph.
BLAH. I totally just word vomited all over this blog post and I'm not even sure where that leaves me now. We spent the rest of the day lounging watching trashy reality tv, eating way too many calories, and complaining/justifying my poor race time. Will I be a contender next year?? Hm...maybe in the relay??
I'd post pictures, but honestly they're not that great and I just don't have the energy. Happy running.
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