Sunday, October 31, 2010

The half marathon

What a wonderful day for a half marathon. Low to mid 40s, slight wind for the first half of the race, well organized, lots of costumes. The race was a bit long (about 13.5 instead of 13.1) but there were lots of changes the race organizers needed to do (like redoing the entire course with about 12 hours to go).

My time is more than I wanted (2:21:23), but take off about 5 minutes due to the length and it's near where I figured. My placement overall makes me happy...the results:

Overall: 1565/2405
Female: 846/1470
Female 30-34: 179/307

For a first time race they did a GREAT job. Nice belt buckle as a medal, nice shirt, hat...but mostly it was just a great day for a race. The people were great, the course was great, it reminded me why I run long distance...but I don't know when I'll run my next long race.

Sunday, October 17, 2010

Creating my lifestyle

I've realized recently that I feel rushed so much of the time. I don't really do the things that I want to as much as I should..at least in a day to day sort of thing.

For example, this morning I made coffee and I am now enjoying it slowly. I don't have it in a travel mug to drink on my way out the door, I'm enjoying it at home. I also have not turned on the TV and I hope to knit in a bit before we decide if we are going to the Bears game or not.

Don't get me wrong, I love many of the things I get to do, but I feel as though I'm obligated and rush through things, rather than enjoy the little things.

We had to say good bye to our dog this week. I say our dog because my boyfriend and his dog viewed me as a part of the family. I knew him for a little less than two and a half years. My boyfriend had him since he was a pup, and his life was too short at 8 and a half years.

I'm reminded how there are things in life that we always feel must be done, and we put off what we'd like to do because of that. I'm going to make a conscious effort to have a good mixture of those things.

I haven't been running in a week, and I'm ok with that. I have 2 weeks until the half marathon, and I'll run again this week, but I'll run distances I feel, not what's planned. I want to cook this week, and make things that are healthy and delicious. Last night I made venison stew and some fresh butternut squash soup. Do you know how easy and simple those dishes were? Very few ingredients and so flavorful.

Going to Vermont last weekend may have given me this bug to be more natural again and do take the time to do the things that you enjoy. I hope that I'm able to make it stick.

Monday, October 4, 2010

Back to basics

I knew I was going to have a rough day at work today, so I decided to run after work. I brought all of my running gear and headed out after work.

Pretty much all of my runs this week are 5 miles. I'm supposed to run 12 on Friday night, but I've already decided I don't think it will happen. Instead, I'm going to try and run as far as possible in Vermont on Sunday. Initially that was going to be a 5 miler, but I'm just going to go as far as I feel like going (and still make it to my brother's wedding reception on time).

Today's run, however, was a perfect fall run. Some clouds, some sun, 55 degrees, slight wind, leaves starting to change, not too many people out...I ran as I felt, which happened to be right at a 10 minute pace. 5 miles in 50 minutes, worked for me!

We'll see how I feel tomorrow morning, I'm planning on doing yoga or strength tomorrow morning, but hell if I feel like running I will...otherwise, next run is Wednesday.

On a side note, I haven't been very hungry the past few days. I was worried that my run was going to be effected because of this. It was not. Apparently when I listen to my body in terms of what and when to eat, it really does tell me what it needs. I may be able to lose some weight after all :)

Less than one month until the half marathon! I don't know what I will talk about after that...perhaps yoga?

Saturday, October 2, 2010

The return to racing

What a morning!

Weather:
Cloudy
Light rain
46-50 degrees
15-30mph winds (gusts to 40mph)
Peaks of sun

Race:
Disorganized
5 & 10k started at the same time, on a sidewalk
There was another walk occurring at the same place at the same time
The race took place on the lakefront path

Overall:
I'm very happy I did this race. The first mile and a half were frustrating with too many people in too tight of a space. Once the 5k people turned it was great until we hit the end. The end the walkers and the 10ker's were all together so I tried to sprint to the end and that just wasn't working too well.

This race was for a great cause, and that's how I'm viewing it. I had fun going back to racing, and I'm looking forward to the half marathon later this month. I'm also happy I was able to raise so much money for the cause!

Now off to celebrate my return to racing :)