I'll definitely share my training journey here over the next few months. My race goal is to be able to run the half marathon in its entirety. No slowing down or power-walking. Right now the only number I've got in mind is "13.1". I did a test mile on Friday and my pace was 9'53". I was hoping to be able to keep that up the following day at the Cupid's Chase, but for whatever reason, I was much slower at an 11'45" pace. Despite the circumstances - it was raining, I was freezing and wet, and my ankle was bothering me - I was definitely disappointed in myself.
The good news is that the only place to go is up! And with some hard work, I am hoping to rock my next 5K. Here are some photos from the day...
I'd love to hear your suggestions for pre-race and pre-run meals. I had a cut up banana with honey and granola, and half a cup of coffee with a little vanilla creamer. (I made a whole cup but spilled half of it on my hand while tidying up the kitchen. Wah.)
We celebrated afterward with brunch at one of our favorite places and these stunning cactus pear margaritas. After a delicious meal, I headed home to shower and get back into bed. I took a long, indulgent nap and it was fantastic. I never let myself sleep during the day so it felt like a real treat.
Post race treats I bought for myself. SHAPE magazine, SweeTarts jelly beans, and Crunch NestEggs. But you know what I really wanted? Nerds Bumpy Jelly Beans. Does anyone else like these? They're impossible to find in NYC. If you happen to see 'em on a store shelf, pretty please let me know where.
Post race treats I came home to. Oh yea! Great minds. Clodhoppers, white chocolate covered pretzels, and a chocolate bunny. Yay Easter!
Run any 5Ks lately? Got any coming up?
I just started the Couch to 5k for a 5k in April - I'm not a runner, but I'm working on becoming one - my goal for the 5k is to just run the whole thing without stopping!
ReplyDeletei absolutely hate running but it's my goal to run one in the summer so i have started moving lol. during the winter, how do you go running? do you have special winter clothes?
ReplyDeleteGood for you! And wow, the color on those drinks is amazing, isn't it? So pretty!
ReplyDeleteI wouldn't put so much pressure on yourself to not walk any of the half! Walking can actually be an amazing tool for keeping your endurance up during a race.
ReplyDeleteA strategy that has worked really well for me is building in walking time at water stops -- it gives your body a short break from the repetitive motion of running, and briefly uses different muscles. I can help you maintain your running pave when you resume running and will help you recover more easily following the race. I've brought my marathon time down 60+ in the last few years from over five hours to nearly sub 4 and I still use walk breaks!
This article explains it a bit: http://www.active.com/running/Articles/Strategic_walk_breaks_can_make_you_a_better_marathoner
I would also recommend looking at Hal Higdon's training plans, they are great for first-timers.
awesome job!!!! i need to get my AIG (ass in gear.. loll) ASAP.. have a glow-in-the-dark 5K i'm doing with friends on 3.23 in dallas - the firefly run. running a 5K was on my 2013 resolution list, and i'm excited to make this happen in such a fun way. my friends are probably casually walking and maybe running 1 mile at most, but i'm going to try to stay serious and run the whole thing.
ReplyDeletei did some treadmill training pre-RPM instructor training and couldn't believe what i was capable of, and just need to keep it up :)
depending on how it goes, and how crazy i am, i may put 13.1 on the 2014 resolution list :)
You did much better than I would have ever done. I just hate running so much that admire anyone who runs! You will definitely get better...and there will be good days and bad days! Keep it up! And keep drinking margaritas to reward yourself! :)
ReplyDeleteJill
Classy with a Kick
Good for you!
ReplyDeleteCactus pear margaritas...I must re-create....
WHERE DID SHE FIND THOSE RUNNING SHIRTS! I LOVE THEM WITH THE LITTLE BOWS! okay, caps might be overkill. awesome job on the 5k! #workoutbarbies #hotkappas :)
ReplyDeleteBUMPY jellybeans are a staple in our house. Jared LOVES THEM and he knows how hard they are to find! If he gets them at Target he will pick you up a pack! xo
ReplyDeleteI was at the store the other day and they had a gajillion bags of those bumpy nerds jelly beans. I will send you some!
ReplyDeletethose margaritas look amazing!!
ReplyDeleteHi! I just found your blog. Congratulations on the 5k! My favorite thing to eat before a run is wheat toast with peanut butter and a banana on the side, plus a cup of coffee. Good luck with half marathon training too!
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