13.2 Long Run

This was a tough run today. I over dressed for the weather...So about mile 3 I had to start unzipping the jacket...and the by mile 5, I tied it around my waist. Then my IPod started acting up...and I started working on it as it as I was running...trying to figure out what was happening. So, I'm running and working on my IPod and headset...and figure out it's my little Belkin adapter that had gone out. I switched everything over to my IPhone and got my music up and running again. This all took about a 1.5 miles out of my focus. When I looked down at my Garmin finally, I had dropped my pace way down and my stats were not going to be good now.

I tried to refocus and get moving again. I was about 20 minutes off my pace for finishing already.

I picked this route today for the hills. I want to be ready for the hilly route I will be running in Austin for the half marathon. The Austin course is very hilly. So, I was about to reach Double Creek (a big hill) when I saw Michael's car come around the corner. He came out to do some banking errands for our daughter, Cara Jane and he came looking for me on the route. This helped to encourage me as I approached the DC hill.

By the time I got to my turn at Rusk Rd...I my right heel was hurting pretty good. I was on now 9.1 miles into the run...and the pain in my foot won me over. I stopped running and started walking. I was so close to my car...I was so tempted to cut through the back of the middle school and call it quits. BUT, I kept walking down Rusk.

I told myself, you only have 3 miles left...you can do this. KMF! So, I started running again, then I would walk some. The last 3 miles were done run/walking. I hit Collingwood and I ran up that big hill...and then I had to walk again. When I finally got back to my car at the school...I was just glad it was over.

It was hard to be excited about my accomplishment because I want to finish strong...and I didn't feel this is what I had done. I let my fatigue win over in my mind and felt I gave up. That is not like me...I've had one other long run like this...it was last summer when I got over heated. I had to stop and walk, then when I tried to run again my legs started cramping and said, "No your not!"

I went back out the next week and ran the same route again and finished strong. I plan on doing this very same route again next weekend. I am going to finish this one strong too.

I really only have one more long run that counts toward the training for Austin. So, I'm good for running this same route again next weekend. Then I can start my taper and rest my body for race day.

Running can really be a mental battle. You have stay focused and get it done. Not mess with IPods and headsets, jackets and really just stuff. Same lesson with my walk with God. When I'm focused on Him, I reach the goal. BOOM! Lesson LEARNED!

Mama Barb

Dress Rehearsal Time

Tomorrow morning is my dress rehearsal long run. I'm set to run 13.2 getting me set for the Austin Half. I'm pretty excited about the route I have picked out. It has a good set of hills that will mimic the Austin race coming on the 20th. I'll be running it alone and that can be tough at times. When I get to the last 3 miles of the route is when I struggle the most mentally. I'm feeling good...no aches or pains tonight. I'm headed to bed early to get plenty of rest for the morning run. Gonna be a good day for a run!

Running the Hood

4.5 miles
I needed to get in my run tonight and so it was from my front door or nothing. This has been a very busy week and getting my weekly runs in have been hard for me. So I worked up a new route from my front door to get in my 4 miles. It was a good route overall, just flat.

I'm trying to get in as many hills runs as I can before Austin. But, if it's to hard to drive to the Creek to run...I have to settle for running through my own neighborhood, even if it's flat.

My right foot is hurting some but nothing I can't focus out. I always feel better when I get it done, that's what counts.

This weekend is the dress rehearsal for the big dance...so, I'm hoping the weather will hold until I can get it in.

Austin Half Marathon - February 20, 2011

It's getting closer everyday...I missed this race in 2010 due to a stress fracture in my hip. After healing from the fracture, training hard all summer...I made it to the San Antonio Rock & Roll Half last November. Now it's time for my favorite race, the Austin Marathon Half Marathon. I have 2 really long run weekends left and then I can taper to the finish.

My goal this year with my running is to run stronger and injury free. I actually put in 657 miles running in 2010. But overall, I never lost a pound from it! For some reason...all that activity never reduced my weight one pound! That was eye opening for me. I really feel I should be seeing weight reduction along the journey of running. At least that is why I started running.

I'm definitely stronger than I have ever been. I have lost 75 lbs. in 2 years...and have maintained my weight for the past 2 years. So if you have done the math...I have been working on my physical self for the past 4 years now. BUT, I have wanted to loose at least 20 more pounds to reach my goal weight. My goal is 20 pounds away. Only with God can I do this!