Run Happy.

I've been in the market to buy a new pair of shoes. A lot of my friends rave about Brook's shoes. So I did my research and decided upon Pure Connects. (Although, I'm wondering if I should have tried the Pure Cadence) I just got them today, so I haven't ran in them yet. I am half tempted to take them for a quick 3. But yesterday I did my long run (13.01 miles) and you might have guessed it, I am sore. The back of my thighs are screaming. But it's good cry. I'll update you once I've used them.

As I mentioned above, my long run was 13.01 miles. I just wanted to see if I could do it. Friday I had a bad feeling the run was going to be bad. Too much fiber in my diet the last couple days, but for some reason I wasn't going to the bathroom. Running always gets me fixed in that dept. I was worried that I would have stomach issues during my run. Got started at 4:45am Saturday morning. I decided to just stick around my neighborhood as I wanted to be close to a bathroom. So I did my 2 mile mapped neighborhood route 6 1/2 times. My stomach did bother me toward the end, but I didn't have to stop. Other then the fact it got boring toward the end, I think it was a success. I kinda felt like I was on the treadmill. I finished in 2 hours 9 mins. Which is amazing, for me. My average pace through the whole run was 9:57. That is fast for me. I had been averaging 10:20 a mile. I guess all that reading on the elliptical is paying off! Bahahahaha. For race day, I hope to finish in under 2 hours. But that might unrealistic. 

Since I have reached my goal of 10:00 miles, I will need to make a new goal. The information about this blog says I'm working toward that goal. I just need to make sure it's attainable. I can be a overachiever at times. I've been trying not to over do it, as I don't want to get injured. I can't image the type of person I would be without it these days. I wouldn't be a nice person if I had to give up my running. Just can't image my life without it. 

Tuesday I will be trying yoga out. Another bad habit I have, which I think I have mentioned, I don't do much stretching after a run. So, a lot people have suggested yoga. I will be interested in seeing how it affects my running. I can tell I am stiff. I was shaving my legs the other day, and I can tell that the muscles in my legs are stiff. I can barely stretch my legs out fully. And its kinda painful. So, I will be adding yoga to my routine...probable just once a week at first. 

Only time will tell!

I'm currently ready Mile Markers. It's a great book so far. There is a quote from the book that's been stuck in my mind and applies to me 100%.

"I am not a good runner because I am me; I am a better me because I am a runner." 

Running has taught me so much. It's made me realize things about myself I didn't know. I am such a overachiever. I don't think anything is ever good enough. I always want to go that extra step. I've learned that I can do so much more then I think I can. When the voice in my head says, I can't do anymore, I want to prove it wrong. I always do. I've learned that sometimes the best medicine is the sound of my feet pounding the pavement and my breathing. There are times I don't even play my music. I just listen. These are the times, I learn the most from my runs. 

January 6, 2013 will be my running anniversary for 1 year. I've already learned so much, I can't wait to learn more. 

Double digits!!!

As the name suggests I have completed my first double digit run. Well, I finished my 2 one today.

Last Saturday, I was suppose to do 9 miles. Got up and started the day like any other run day. Breakfast consisted of 1/2 cup oatmeal, 1/2 chocolate silk milk (light) and 1 tsp of peanut butter. Then I waited a hour. If your a runner you know why. If not, Ill be brief about it. Stomach issues arise if you run on a full stomach. Some are more sensitive then others. Me. I am very sensitive to it. I even have to be careful as to how much water I drink. Back to the run. I started off. Everything seemed to go great. I didn't really have a mapped out route I was following. Just ran where I wanted to. Let me say, there are some very nice neighborhoods around where I live. So I got to 9, and still felt okay. The weather was gorgeous 60's. I had to push myself. So I did. It was tough but I go through it.

Today, the weather was even more beautiful then last weeks weather. 50's when I left the house. I started off and everything seemed to happen so fast. My breathing got into a rhythmic, my legs were feeling so strong. I felt so relaxed. Within the first mile and a half, I was in the zone. I knew I was going to push it then. After-all, whats one more mile after 10? Seriously. Well the first 9 went great, but the last 2, I was really struggling. I didn't take any fuel. No GU or shot blocks. I felt sluggish that last 2 miles. But I am not a quitter. That would easily turn a good day into a horrible day. I just know I would be yelling at myself all day. Failure is not a option to me. I heard my stats say 11.01 miles, and I stopped dead in my tracts. I had nothing left.

Oh did I mention, I have to work at 10am? HAHA. I'm silly. I must really hate myself, huh?

I am back to the elliptical. Originally I did it 3 times a week, when I first started working out. But then running and spinning took up most my time. I don't know what made me get back on. But I did. A bunch of my co-workers have been raving about Fifty Shades of Grey. So I went to the gym. Hopped on the elliptical and downloaded the preview. Let me tell you, I was hooked. I spent 2 hours on that elliptical reading. It is such a good book. Even without the x-rated part, its a good story. I have read all 3 books and let me say it was the best 30.00 spent in a long time. I am currently rereading. Yes!!! Seriously, if you haven't read it, you need too. Plus, reading on the elliptical makes the time go so fast. I only wish there was a way I could read on the StairMaster  There is no ledge or anything. Hmmmmm...maybe I'll come up with a way to attach it on.

They say the last 10 pounds is the hardest. I remember people would say that too me. I would smile and nod, think to myself "no way, this has been one of the easiest things I've attempted in my life" What's 10 pounds when you've already lost 75? Boy was I wrong. First it took me 4 weeks to break 160. Now I am going on 3 weeks at 157. Whew!!! 7 more stinkin pounds!!! COME ON!!!