Week 11

Where did I leave off?? I've been so busy with work that I haven't taken the time to update my progress. Oh, and in the meantime I did learn how to ride a motorcycle! I took the Basic Rider Course through the community college and I'm now licensed to ride! It's very exciting and I've been very busy, but I've managed to continue my runs.

Last Sunday I ran 7 miles but I did split it up into a 4 mile run in the morning and a 3 mile run in the afternoon. I also got a new pair of running shoes on Saturday so I've been working hard to break them in. I was fitted at Fleet Feet (great store) and was amazed at the process. I ended up with a pair of Nikes a half size smaller than I would have even considered along with shoe inserts. I never thought I would need shoe inserts, but they're amazing! I'm still getting used to the shoes and I'm only supposed to wear them every other run until they're broken in. Hopefully they'll be ready by next Sunday for my 10K. I'm also hoping to sign up for a training program this summer and, are you ready for this.....I signed up for the Army 10-miler! It's not until October, but I'm very excited! I'm hopeful and confident that this is the summer I have a breakthrough. The last 2 summers I've trained for various races and ended up injured and had to stop running for a significant period of time. I think there's a lot to be said for the fact that I've managed to start back up both times but I don't want to have to go through it a 3rd time. I'm going to do everything I can to not let it happen again. One thing I'm doing differently this year is cross training. I used to run 3 or 4 times a week and that was it. Now I go to the gym almost every day but on non-running days I use the bike or elliptical. It gives my body a break from running while working different muscles.

Tuesday I did my speed intervals and I was running faster than ever! When I do speed intervals, I run at normal pace for .20 miles and run faster for .30 miles. I do this about 5 times. This past week I was running 6 miles per hour during the faster intervals! My normal pace is 4.8 miles per hour. I'm generally a slow runner so it felt great to be able to complete the workout at a faster pace than normal. My everyday "easy" run pace has also gotten a little faster. I feel like I'm actually making progress and it feels good!

I hope this is a good enough update to make up for not getting one out last week. I'll try to get something out next week before the race, but if not I'll definitely let you know how it went!