Proof of the Pudding...13.1 DONE!

I got the fire to sign up for my first half marathon a few months ago, 3 months ago to be exact. I wasn't entirely sure what this would entail other than long runs on Saturdays and some pain along the way. Boy was I right. I trained each Saturday (sometimes Sunday) with my awesome group of running girlfriends, including the fabulous Nicole, and sometimes I ran those long miles alone. I skipped out on and ran out of time for my short week day tempo runs so I pretty much was banking on these long runs getting me through the race. Probably not the best idea

The final weekend before I was supposed to clock 10 miles but could only do 7 as re-injury to my foot set in and so did the mental angst. With 9 miles as my longest training run, it was now or never when Thursday morning rolled around and I suited up to run. 

The girls and I decided to hit up Big Peach Running Company  for some of their signature 'RunATL' shirts for the race. In addition to my 'RunATL' shirt, I donned my trusty fuel belt, race number, iPod shuffle and favorite Lululemon tights. I laced up my slightly worn out K.Swiss kicks and was ready to go. It was a bit chilly but by mile 3 the gloves and ear warmers were safely tucked away as I cruised the streets of Atlanta with the finish line in my thoughts. My sweet hubby kept pace and ran with me the whole way. It was such a motivator to have someone to talk to, keep pace with and remind me when it's time to eat since I usually forget! Miles 1-8 seemed to breeze by and I was feeling great. Mile 9-11 were another story! I hit my mental block and knew that post mile 9 was uncharted territory for me and my legs. I hunkered down, gave myself a pep talk and kept pushing. My plan of run 4, walk 1 slowly went to run 1 walk 3. I knew my plan of finishing in 2:45 was on the horizon but as mile 11 approached and my pace was still slower than before, my hope of finishing in that time dwindled and I then just knew I had to do it in under 3 hours. I pushed through mile 11 thanks to some awesome tunes and then through mile 12. I crested the hill and could see the finish around the bend. 

Tears filled my eyes and my pace increased as I trotted towards that finish line, clock reading under 3 hours...2:56 to be exact. I felt like collapsing after finishing but happily put my medal around my neck and smiled for pictures. I was so thankful to be done and so beyond proud of myself for my accomplishment! 

I can't express my thanks enough to all my friends and family who encouraged me the whole way from signing up to watching me cross the finish. 

So, who's running the next one with me?!

37 days until I run the longest race of my life (to date that is). 37 more days of training and mental toughness to prepare myself for 13.1 miles on Thanksgiving morning. 37 more days to debate what to wear. 37 more days to prove to myself that I have what it takes to not only run, but finish a half marathon.

I have been training for about a month now in preparation for what Thanksgiving morning has to offer me. My longest training run to date was this past weekend at 7 miles. I felt great post run and could have gone longer, which leads me to believe that I really am going to be able to do this. My 3 day a week training runs have varied from 3 miles during the week up to 7 on the weekends and at a pace of 9  minutes to 11.5 minutes depending on the day, time and weather. My goal is to run a 2 hour and 30 minute race but to be quite honest, I'd be happy with just finishing!

Never did I think that I was a runner. I'm certainly not built to run. I don't have long legs or a lean body, I have short legs and am stacked like a tree, however I've pushed myself both mentally and physically to get to that 7 mile mark and over the next month I'll be training up to 10 miles and then in a mere 37 days I'll be testing out what I've learned and trained for to bring home that medal and prized shirt. Most importantly, I'll be bringing home joy, pride and 100% believe in myself that if I put my mind to something, I can do it.

If it wasn't for my awesome friends, running mates (and post running breakfast buddies), husband and family, I wouldn't be where I am today nor would I be looking towards the future and finishing this race.

BRING. IT. ON. 

Hello, October

I am not 100% sure how in the world we've ended up in October. I can't believe the leaves are starting to change, the weather is getting nicer and I'm currently wearing a scarf. But alas, it is true.

So far, October hasn't been so bad. Here's why.

Miss Kona turned 1 on October 1st. It's hard to believe our precious poodle baby is already a year old! To celebrate her birthday, Miss Kona enjoyed a delicious Frosty Paw and some hangout time with Mommy and Daddy!

photo credit

The Crimson Tide is now 5-0. While I was a little nervous at the start of the game this past weekend against the Gators, my beloved Tide pulled off a great victory and are now sitting in the #2 spot in the rankings. Way to go BAMA!










My Half Marathon training is right on track. I logged 5 miles yesterday on a slightly hilly course but post run felt great! This week I'm looking to log a total of 13 miles with my longest run being on Saturday at 6 miles. Thank goodness when I get finished with these longer runs I have my awesome Zoot Compression socks to put on! They are truly amazing!





I've also joined Weight Watchers in hopes to drop the rest of these unwanted pounds sooner than later. So far, I'm down 2lbs last week and a total of 1.2lbs overall. I've been trying to make real adjustments in my eating habits but know that there will be days (usually Saturdays) that I just go all out and eat whatever I want. I really try to keep my eating and working out on track all week long so that on my 'cheat' days I don't feel so bad!

There's still 28 days left in this month and I'm really hoping that the first 3 will be indicative of the rest. Here's to looking forward to sweaters, more scarfs, more victories for the Tide, strong runs and pounds lost.

Half Marathon Training Update

I'm only 3 weeks into my training  (with 11 more weeks to go) for the Atlanta Thanksgiving Day Half Marathon and I'm happy to report that so far, so good!

Running 3 times per week with 2 days of cross training (tennis, lifting, etc.) is really starting to help. I started slow with just 1 mile for my long run at a pace of 15 minutes (3 weeks ago) and this past Saturday I logged in 4.1 miles with a time of 44 minutes (that's 11 minute miles). I was stoked to see how much I'm improving and much easier the running is getting. I've been doing my long runs on the Jeff Galloway plan ... run (x) minutes, walk (x) minutes. So far I'm up to running 5 minutes and walking 2 minutes. I actually have been looking forward to my long runs. One thing that I've surprised myself with is that I haven't been running with an iPod. I always thought I'd need music to run long distance but shockingly, I have enjoyed the quiet time and use it to think as well as give myself pep talks if I feel like I'm starting to fade.

I've already told you guys about my favorite running clothes and now it's time to introduce my favorite running "aid". Meet my friend, Fuel Belt!

photo credit

I picked up the 4 bottle red edition, but you can choose from many different colors, styles and even number of bottles. Personally, I use 2 for water and 2 for Heed (by Hammer Nutrition). Usually I come back with over half of my bottles still full, but knowing that I have a fluid supply is always nice just in case it's a hot day or my run is harder than I think.

I find these fuel belts or any fuel source similar to be an absolute vital item for any runner. You can pick them up at most running stores as well as online.

I Just Signed Up For WHAT!?!?!

Yep, that's right. I've lost my mind. I'm officially signed up to run the Atlanta Thanksgiving HALF MARATHON!

Through the next 14 weeks, I'll be training and putting myself through what I like to call 'hell' to get ready for this 13.1 run. Thankfully, my awesome hubby is helping me prepare as well as running the race with me. Here goes nothing. Stay tuned for updates on my progress!