I remember being super excited last year when I found out about this race. It would have been my 3rd half and it was especially exciting because it was a female-only run AND in December. This practicially guaranteed decent (read: coolish) weather.
I was so bummed when my pelvic stress fracture kept me from racing. I vowed to register for the race again this year...AND...to actually participate in it.
I let life conquer me for a bit...hence the weight gain and the lack of training as evident in my Hottest Half race, BUT it's not going to conquer me any longer.
As discussed in my GOALS - SHORT TERM/LONG TERM post, I'm back on the wagon and feeling fierce!
I can already see the fruits of my labor. I have decided to ease back into running by incorporating small (increasing) runs at the end of my walks. I tested this out on Monday night...walked 2 miles and then ran 0.23. My average pace was 16:27. This was not great, BUT I was out there doing it and that is what matters. Tuesday was a cross-training day, so I hit up my stationary bike for 50 minutes. Wednesday was another walk/run. I managed 3 miles in total and I ran the last 0.4 mile. I lowered my average pace to 15:43. What does that tell me? With dedication and determination...I'm gonna hit my goals!
I would love to run my last three half marathons for the year, but realistically I'm just not going to be able to accomplish that. What I can do, however, is establish goals for each one based on my current (at the time of the race) fitness level.
For now, I will focus on See Jane Run (another all female half). This half is in Austin on October 9th. I have no way of knowing what to expect temperature wise (please God let it be cooler outside). The elevation chart hasn't been posted yet either, so I don't know what to expect regarding hills. We all know Austin has them. =/ So, I'm just going to focus on hitting all my training walks/runs and lowering my average pace to allow me to finish my race with a 15:45 pace. This means 3:26:19 will be my goal.
On a side note...I just booked my hotel for See Jane Run using Hotwire.com. My dad swears by this website as he uses it for all of his business travel (and even some personal trips). I went "pot luck" instead of choosing the specific hotel and I got the La Quinta Inn hotel downtown for $78.00 per night (which includes breakfast each morning). I looked up the published price per night and it's $99.00. Yay for saving $42.00 in total! =)
Ahhhh....it's all starting to come together and that makes me happy!
5 comments:
Hmm, a lady half in Austin on Oct 9? You're going to have so much fun! And yes ma'am, you'll get there, you will! Breaking your goals down like you've done, manageable little stepping stones, you're setting yourself up for success.
I'm behind you all the way!!! (and could prolly be talked into cheering for you in Austin! Mmm, Kerbey Lane...)
You are so smart to ease back into it, and set realistic goals. I need to borrow some of your common sense for my next few months of training.
I love love love hotwire! I've gotten some AMAZING deals on there. I'm so excited... I've booked hotels for San Antonio and Dallas already... I just need to find one for Austin. Lemme know how you like the La Quinta.
You are going to rock those races! And I think you're being super smart about the goals you're setting and choosing your races strategically. This post is actually really helpful for me as I think about my own running goals and how I should focus on gradual improvement instead of that terrifying 26.2!
I so want to do this run, but I'm so not even close to being ready for it!! Can I do it?? Ugh. I need to get my butt in gear! Why is it so hard to get focused - oh yeah, 100 degree temps AND smoke-filled air have a lot to do with it. =/ Yay for you for signing up though. I haven't given up yet!!
Post a Comment