And so it goes

Erin wanted me to detail our long run from last weekend that we did in NY while visiting my grandma. But I don't think there is way to make the story interesting without being completely politically incorrect, so I will refrain.

Suffice to say that upon returning from our run, we were discussing with my grandma the park that we ran through...mentioning the...crowds that were there. She did say that on weekends people from the city pile up into cars and drive out to this park. The park charges by the carload. And Erin and I can attest to the fact that this does indeed happen. Because when we were trying to leave we had to sit for a good 5 minutes while about 15 people piled out of a van parked next to us. Including a teenage girl whose purse scratched up against the car (which may have added to the scratches I mention in my other blog). A man from the van checked the door and waved his hand that no damage was done. I clearly took his word for it.

Training continues...I do like running 5 days a week. I don't particularly enjoy speed work outs. And I really do like long runs, Most of the time.

And I think I need to invest in some Glide (that's what it is called, right Missy?). My arm was ripped up this past weekend from my ipod holder.

Blah, blah, blah

Not too much to say...I had a great 9 mile run yesterday. Beautiful weather and a new route helped out a lot.

In a couple of weeks I get to shift into work mode again. Last fall this was more of a challenge because I felt the need to leave work as soon as possible and immediately fetch my baby from daycare. By spring I realized that I could work out BEFORE getting my baby--and she didn't care the least. That made things much easier.

Very proud that my sister Renee is signing up for a 5K this fall! YAY! We are working on my mom now...

Too soon

Thinking that maybe a tempo run 4 days after a 10K race might not be the best idea? I had two days of Easy Runs and today's tempo was rough. So rough that I decided it wasn't a good idea to push through it. I am taking on a pretty high mileage training program. And I am on the fence about whether or not it will be too much for me. I also have some apprehensions about the lack of interval training (same program format I used for the 10K).

Erin and I used the Runner's World FIRST program last year. It worked well--but I wanted something with more mileage this year. I do highly recommend the FIRST program, particularly because it is literally 3 days a week of running. That is it. Granted you should do some cross training on non-running days, but by the end of training, I simply ran three times a week and called it good enough.

Erin and I ran the half last year with our pace being 20 seconds or so faster than what we had trained for. So hey, it works.

Erin--it is your turn to blog. The masses are waiting.

Day one of half marathon training...

Realized the issue with the Garmin--the distance spent side stepping other runners. I finished with 6.27 miles done. So I am petitioning the officials at the B2B to change my time to 8:29s.

Today I had an "easy run" that reminded me just how lovely the weather was on Saturday. It was hot today.

While running today, I thought about the secret motivation that having a kid provides.

First--when I feel like I am dying. And want to quit a run. I just think about the fact that I endured labor for 24 hours. And for the last 7 hours or so I wanted to quit. But didn't. (oh yeah, maybe it was because you can't quit--but I still wanted to). So I usually can use that little line of thinking to keep me going.

Second-I can't quite explain it but sometimes when I start fading I just think about G. And somehow it pushes me to keep at it.

So I suppose the sleep deprivation, busy schedule, permanent extra baby weight and food stained running clothes are balanced out by the motivation that a kid gives you. Thanks G.

Oh and I do need to thank my parents for all of the support they have given me with my running. Particularly my mom who has logged several hours of G watching so I can get my runs in...Thanks guys! Love you!

Done

I was pleased with how the race went yesterday...The weather was perfect. My legs felt pretty good throughout the run--my breathing was not great. Which makes me wonder if I was really prepared to run at the pace that I did...which makes me wonder about the stinking training program after all.

My initial goal was to get a PR (ran 55:50 2007; 58?? something in 2009); so in order to get a PR my pace had to be under 9:00. I was pretty sure I could do this...but not certain.

My training program had me running an 8:38--which I was hoping I could do--but was a little doubtful

My secret plan was to run 8:30 (doesn't everyone have a secret plan?).

I knew with a mile to go, I was set to get a PR. When I crossed, I knew I must have been near pace based on my overall time. Though Garmin lied to me, telling me I ran 8:29s (but gave me an overall time that was a little over my actual time??? I don't understand what that is all about..). Anyhow, I ran 8:33s for a time of 53:07. I am very satisfied with that. Plus, I do have a kid (that's for you, Tommy).

Day off today--1/2 marathon training starts Monday. I am targeted at 1:54 or something but Erin is ADAMANT that we run together, so I am comprimising and I will settle for 1:59:59...aka goal to break 2:00 (we ran in 2:02 last year, so I think it is feasable).

Kevin M.

I am simply making an observation. That is all.  This morning a certain someone named Kevin Mannix did utter the words "unseasonably cool" for the weekend.

Just repeating what I heard. That is all.

Check!

Greta and I booked our plane tickets for the marathon! This will be G's first flight. So a direct flight from Portland was a must!

Time to do another 3 mile easy run...5 mile tempo tomorrow and then two days of rest.

Weather for Saturday is looking pretty darn nice.