Running...

Since I ran the White Rock Half Marathon on December 5th, I am very disappointed to say that I have not stuck to any sort of regular running plan. The race was such an awesome experience, I would have bet money I would have run another half this spring. I trained so well for that race and on race day I knew I did my best. Before I started my training, I was no runner. I ran occasionally three or four miles and mostly on the treadmill. I followed a 12 week training program and might have skipped 3 days the whole time, running 5 days a week, gradually increasing my mileage and my long runs to my maximum of 11 before I did the official 13.1 miles. On race day I was ready and I did much better than I had planned.

Crossing the finish line!

After those rigorous 12 weeks, I decided my body needed and deserved a break, so I took some time off immediately after the race, then it was Christmas and I was so busy, then it was just so cold. We signed up for the Cowtown Half in February and I recommitted myself to running again. On January 23rd, I ran 7 miles and it looked like I was on my way to being ready for Cowtown. Then in February, the big ice and snow storm came and halted my training. I stopped running for that week and a half or so and used this as an excuse not to do the race. I was really sad about it, but I did not want to do the race unprepared. I didn't want to do run slower than White Rock. I admit it has been really hard for me to get back into running. I have run maybe once or twice a week (and not consistently) for the past couple of months and my pace is so slow compared to right before White Rock. I ran twice last week with horrible times and then something on Monday of this week was different. I felt like my body was not fighting running like it has been. Today was even better. I ran the fastest I have in months and even though it was only three miles, I felt like I was back on track.  If you don't keep it up, every time you start again, it is difficult to pick up where you left off. I am writing this to make myself somewhat accountable to start consistently running again.  I am writing it to put it out there that I am disappointed in myself for not continuing to train after White Rock. I don't think I will do another half until the fall because honestly it is just so hot here in Dallas, but I do hope to run 4 or 5 times a week and run at least 20 miles a week. Maybe no one reading cares, but I feel like if I put it out there it will help me keep to my goal! I know Ollie will appreciate the more frequent runs. I forgot to mention, he is my running buddy. He trained with me for the half and has run up to 7 miles with me. He is great motivation and he absolutely loves to run. As soon as he can tell I am changing into my running clothes, he goes nuts. I took some pictures today so you can see what I go through every day just to get out the door and run with him. It is quite a production.

Super excited, waiting for me get my gear ready

Then he can't take his excitment any more and he collapses.

Waiting for his leash

Running for the door

Ready to go!

And we are off!

I am running the Katy Trail 5K (3.2 miles) on May 12th and my goal is to run under 9 minute miles. We will see if that is a legitimate goal over the next couple of weeks as I get back into my training. Wish me luck!