The Start Of Week 4 Already?

I think the title of this post really says it all.  I can't believe I'm already entering week 4 of my 20 week training schedule.  Time has just flown by.  I had two of my best runs over the weekend and I'm feeling exceptionally proud of myself!

Post-5 mile sitting on my floor session

After a really, really hectic week, my Saturday day-time plans got cancelled last minute, and I seriously was so thankful.  I ended up just putzing around with the boyfriend and it was great!  Because I did have plans that were supposed to last all day, I had intended to get my "long" run, 5 miles, in on Sunday and move everything back a day.  However, I was able to get the 5 miles in on Saturday afternoon around 2:30 pm.  Very, very poor timing on my part, as it was ~80 and huuuumid.  Lesson learned.  Other than that, I felt great while running.  My feet did not ache, I was totally in the zone, and I was at about a 9:00 mile the whole time.

Breakfast at my boy's and my favorite spot!

Sunday morning was the proudest moment I have had so far in my half marathon training.  There is a 3.1 mile route that I run frequently, because it's straight, flat, and starts at the intersection next to my house, so it's convenient.  My fastest time on this course was 28:04, which I was very comfortable with.  Sunday, when I ran this course, I got to the end and looked at my watch and was flabbergasted.  Sunday morning, I ran that 3.1 course in 26:36, and I didn't feel like I was pushing myself at all.  I truly almost started to cry.  It just felt so great to know that all the running and exercising that I'm doing is actually paying off.

Awesome watch tan line!

 I feel better than ever, I notice awesome changes in my body, and I love having a goal and something to work towards.  

Being a five year old

Sunday evening, after doing 8.1 miles in two days (another proud moment for me), my feet were sore, swollen, and just didn't feel good overall.  I was very happy to have Monday as my "off" day for the week.  Other than those two awesome runs, over the weekend I went to the New Britain Rock Cats baseball game on Saturday night with my parents, did a ton of errands and laundry, celebrated Father's Day, and finally, got some much needed lounge time in.

PS- I'm down to #984 on the iRun4 wait list.  I have a feeling I'll be matched by the time the Hartford Half rolls around :) 

What was the highlight of your weekend?

Have you ever had a so-proud-you-could-cry moment?  What caused it?

Are you currently training for a race? What's the next race you're signed up for?

Weighed Down

Seriously... I have not stopped doing stuff all week.  I cannot remember the last time I went home after work and just sat and did nothing.  I have been making plans and have been on the go for the past three weeks and it's hitting me hard today.  I feel overwhelmed, exhausted, and like I just need a few days to mellow out, put my feet up, and rest.  Unfortunately, that isn't going to happen any time soon, as I have events and/or plans tonight, tomorrow, and Saturday day AND night!, and Sunday is fathers' day.  No end in sight.  I've still been running on schedule and getting all my workouts in, but I feel like I'm squeezing them in where I can, and not making them a main priority, which I should be.

Here are a few photos from my weeks of busy-ness in case you care:

This is the house I lived in when I went to ECSU in Willimantic, CT. It was nicknamed "The Mansion"

Salad and a Blue Moon for dinner on Tuesday

 

MEOW! My sister, myself, and Rachael at the Yelp Helps Pets People Party

Okay.. back to running.  I ran last night in my alternate shoes, which I try to do once a week, and I decided that I hate them.  My normal shoes are Brooks Puredrift, and they're so lightweight and "the next best thing to naked feet".  So true.  My alternate shoes are not a lightweight model, and every time I run in them, I regret wearing them and get really mad at myself.  I feel like I'm weighing myself down in them and not putting my best foot forward... ha! Get it?  So anyways, I'm going to grab myself some new shoes this weekend.  I'm also looking into purchasing a new watch, seeing as the one I wear during runs is ripping at the edges and is probably from 1988.  Also this weekend will be my first "long" run Saturday of my training plan.  Even though it is only 5 miles this weekend, I'm excited and a little nervous!  I still need to figure out what route I want to run.

Do you run in two pairs of shoes? Are they similar in style or to they differ greatly?

How do you make time to relax and rejuvenate? Do you ever feel like you just want to quit everything?

Any suggestions for a watch/running device that does not break the bank and is easy to use?

Monday Exhaustion

I need a weekend to recover from this weekend.  Full force exhaustion has set in.  And I dislike Mondays.

My siblings and I planned a surprise 30th anniversary party for my parents, in addition to surprising them with my sister (who lives far, far away in Baton Rouge and hadn't been home to visit in months).  We had an elaborate plan to use my surprise sister as the decoy and distraction while my brother and I set up and cook for the party.  Well.... sister's flight got delayed by 14 hours- she ended up getting in 5 hours before the party thus not being able to distract parents, and in turn we had to tell them about the party. 

Found this photo of my siblings and I from ~20 years ago

They were still surprised, and definitely cried, so happy to have all their children and friends in one place.  It was a great night and so fun, but I'm kinda glad it's over- it was causing me SO much stress!


Friday night after work, I was doing parent's party prep at my boyfriend's house in Hartford, and while cupcakes (that were blue) were in the oven I got a 3 mile run in.  While I like running in Hartford because of the flat terrain, I dislike running in Hartford because of the passerby's.  All of the whistling and hollering and beeping... is really, really obnoxious and makes me feel uncomfortable.  Although there were some folks sitting in the parking lot of a golf course drinking some beers and they cheered me on and clapped for me, which was awesome.  Yesterday, I did 4.5 miles. 

Post-super-humid-nasty-gross run

Both days were hot and humid, and I noticed that I have a very difficult time maintaining a steady breathing pattern when it's humid.  During yesterday's run I really focused on breathing techniques, because I know the humidity is just beginning for the summer.

Something exciting happened this weekend!  I won a contest.  But not just any contest.  iRun4 was holding a "guess when the 20,000th member will join" contest, where participants had to guess the date and time (to the minute) of when the 20,000th runner or buddy would join the group.  I guessed June 6th at 3:27 pm... AND I WON!  I couldn't believe it.  I'll be getting some awesome swag, like signed books and a free entry to a race!  AND I've moved down to #1162 on the wait list.

And a few random things: I attended a Yelp party yesterday at Hartford Prints and made fun pet-themed crafts; I've decided to try and go this whole week without eating bread; and I think it's time to get some new running shorts and tanks for the warm weather.

Crafting at Hartford Prints!

Do you follow a specific breathing pattern? Any tips for breathing in humid weather?

The best part of your weekend was __________.

When you shop for running gear, what are your go-to pieces? Where do you shop?