Tuesday, May 15, 2012

Born This Way

I kept meaning to write an update last week and that obviously didn't happen. So I need to backtrack a little. The week after the 10K I was feeling great. On May 5 I ran 8 miles and it wasn't as hard as I expected it to be. My RunKeeper app had been acting up so I downloaded MapMyRun which has been awesome!

I ran 3 nights last week and this past Sunday ran 10.18 miles!!!! I've run 2 ten-milers, the last one in April 2009, but the longest training run I did beforehand was 9. So not only is this my longest ever training run, but the longest run I've ever done period. I am extremely happy with the pace I kept and my overall time as well.

I ran 4.5 miles, stopped at 7-Eleven to use the bathroom and eat some Clif Shot Blocks, then ran the remaining 5.5 miles. I only stopped the one time. The first 6 miles were a breeze. Sometime in mile 7 I was thinking how nice it would be if this run was almost over. But stopping was never an option for me. I really believe that running is as much a mental sport as it is a physical one. I also got very hungry towards the end and if you've never experienced a growling stomach while running, let me tell you that it does not feel good! I ended up starting out later than I wanted and too much time had passed since I'd eaten breakfast. Now I know better!!

During mile 8, "Born This Way" by Lady Gaga came on my iPod. It was very motivating and inspiring and both the beat and lyrics helped me finish strong.

"Don't hide yourself in regret, Just love yourself and you're set; I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way. Ooh, there ain't no other way, baby I was born this way; I'm on the right track, baby, I was born this way."

That and "Lose Yourself" by Eminem were my 2 favorite running songs of the day. I don't usually run with music, but I knew it would be a lot easier to complete 10 miles if I had music to listen to. I still have an iPod mini and an armband from 8 years ago that I pulled out and, to my amazement, they're still in great condition!

This Saturday I'm running a 5-miler and then running 2 miles home, maybe more. Memorial Day weekend I plan to run 10 again, if not more. Then the next weekend it's the half. I definitely feel good about it and I know that no matter my pace, I'll finish strong. I'm actually getting excited for it, which I never thought would be possible!

Here's my log for the last week or so:

Saturday May 5, 4:06pm
8.03 Miles
1 hour, 42 minutes
12:44 avg. pace

May 7, 6:05pm: (gps was acting up)
3.55 miles
42:25 minutes

May 10,6:30pm
3.35 miles
38:20 minutes
11:16 pace

May 11, 6:40pm
3.55 miles
40:25 minutes
11:21 pace

May 13, 9:25am
10.18 miles
2:05:55
12:21 pace


I hope to get another 3 nights of running in this week and then the long run on Saturday. I've continued going to a Thursday night fun run at my local Fleet Feet store. I met a woman there who runs slower than I do, but it's nice to take it easy. And it's extra nice to have a change of scenery and someone to talk even if it is only once a week.

I'm feeling great and getting stronger and faster. I hope to make both a 5K and 10K PR this year. I don't see anything stopping me from achieving these goals!




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