Top of the World

Monday July 30


So this is my RR from a little 10 miler I did on Saturday. Its a local race and I did this one last year. When I ran this race last year it was my first race of any real significant amount. I was in the midst of half marathon training and had run an 8k and a 5k race up until this point. Needless to say I was nervous. It was hot and the course offers little shade. Last year I finished with a time of 1:24:58, 11th in my age group, 36/192 woman and 137 overall. I thought that was good at the time, well I was actually pissed that I missed top 10! There is nothing like thinking you got it and then the last minute, nope nevermind not yours!

This year I was a bit more prepared, I knew the course and I run 10 miles almost daily. The weather was great, at start it was 60ish and overcast. I was shooting to cut 10 minutes off of my time and top five in my age group would be ideal. My confidence wasn't all there though. with the weather being so hot my pace has slowed and i haven't been doing as much speedwork as i should.

I knew that I could push through, so I was trying not to think about it too much.
I put myself towards the front but not right up there, because I knew that I would push too fast too soon and possibly fizzle out. In true race fashion I do not look at my watch much to check pace, it becomes too mental for me then. But at the first mile they were calling out times, i came in around 7ish. i was surprised since I thought I was going slow, but it was comfortable so I stayed there.
Within the first 3 miles I let 4 women pass me, i was ok with it for the time being. Within mile 7 is a decent hill and I made up some ground there and I had a girl in my sights, (if I could only catch her)!
At mile 9 there was a pack of 4, myself, that girl, and two other men. I kicked it up and passed them, and with .3 to go I kicked it up and finished strong!


I finished with a time of 1:16:02, not quite the 10 minutes i was looking for.
I got 8th overall woman out of 204, 5th in my age group, and 64th overall. I was really happy about all the stats I got!

All day I couldn't get the smile off of my face, that is the first time that I really was proud of myself. i didn't think that I would do that well. But it also gives my confidence a boost that I do have it in me and that the speed is still there.

Yesterday I did a recovery run of about 13 miles, it was hot and I was a bit tired from the race. I also realized that it was time for new shoes, again!
This week is week 5 of training for the 50 miler in october!
Have a great monday!

It's like a Sauna

Monday july 2

Hydration is key. the temps around here have been in the 90's consistently with no break in the future. My mornings have been starting between 4 and 5am to get my run in before the heat hits and before the kids go to school. Even running that early and only running 6 or 8 i have to carry water. i am not however going to wear a fuel belt and a handheld bottle is a no go. I run very tight in my neck and shoulders so trying to hold onto something at the same time causes pain. I came up with a little solution. i took one of the bottles from my fuel belt(6-8oz) and wore my stow-n-go northface sports bra. the bottle fits perfect in the pocket of the sports bra. a full bottle feels heavy in a place where you are not used to that weight. I now know what it feels like to run with boobs.

my training starts this week for my 50 miler, and struggling a bit with the plan. i have one all figured out but feel like its not enough.