Update - Ran the Colfax Half Marathon

Has it been over a month since I ran the Colfax half-marathon?  Time of 2:34 (not quite goal of 2:30, but close) It was quite an experience!!!  Unfortunately, a cold virus caught up with me the day before the race.  My nose wouldn't stop running, sneezing, achy - the whole nine yards.  But, there was no way I was going to let a little head cold keep me from running.

We got to the race site early, got a great parking spot, had time to streatch out, relax, and mentally prepare for the big race.  There were thousands of runners.  Awesome sight!!!

The first 10 miles were pretty good, then I hit the proverbial wall around mile 11.  I'll have to say that mile was the hardest to run - I couldn't focus, my brain wouldn't function.  It was tough to visualize that I only had 2 more miles to go - couldn't visualize or comprehend that the end was in sight.  I remember looking to my left, and there was a spectator pushing a stroller walking faster than I was running.  How defeating is that?  I did pull out that inner strength to finish strong - after all, didn't want to look like a limp noodle crossing that finish line.

I learned a lot from that first race - things to do differently:  hydrate more during the race, bring a little snack, vary the pace, don't go out too fast, finish strong.

Will definitely do it again.  Took a couple of weeks off and now back on a light training schedule - might consider running in Sedona, Az in Feb.  Will have to see......... 

T-3 Days

The day fast approaches.  I've trained hard and know that I'll be able to finish the race.  It's going to be a great day!!!!  My goal is 2 hours and 30 minutes to complete. 

T - 72 days

"You have a choice.  You can throw in the towel, or you can use it to wipe the sweat off your face."  gatorade ad.

I finally broke through to 10 miles in just under 1 hr 40 minutes - where's that towel??? 

T-91 Days

“There is no dishonor in losing the race. There is only dishonor in not racing because you are afraid to lose.” From:  The Art of Racing in the Rain.

Had a good run yesterday.  Did 7 miles in just under 70 minutes. 

T-93 Days

"There are two mistakes one can make along the road to truth—not going all the way, and not starting." - Buddha:


That is true about running as well.  I've started and I AM going all the way.  I can't wait until the weather warms up and roads dry so I can see if my tread mill training is on target with an actual road run.  Yesterday was a bit of a lighter day.  Ran 5 miles between a 12-10 min pace.  Today I'll step up the pace.

T-102 Days

"The greatest danger to most of us lies not in setting our aim too high and falling short, but in setting our aim too low, and achieving our mark."  --Michelangelo (Italian sculptor, painter, architect & poet)

Monday was a rest day - much needed after Sunday's 7 miler.  Today I was determined to run my 4 miles under 40 minutes.  I DID - ran 4 miles at 35:00.  Started at a 10 min pace and changed speed every minute.  Think I'm on track for that half marathon in May....

BRING IT ON!!!!!

T-104 Days

I set my mind to running 7 miles today and did it in just under 70 minutes.  Take that! you little voice inside my head that said I couldn't.

Continuing to increase my distance.  My long runs for the next three weeks will be 7 miles.  I noticed today that I'm not as sore and never felt like I couldn't go on.  Now that I know that I can - I will!

I'm anxious to see how the treadmill runs translate to an actual road run. 

T - 105 Days

"It's very hard in the beginning to understand that the whole idea is not to beat the other runners. Eventually you learn that the competition is against the little voice inside you that wants you to quit."

-George Sheehan

This week I step up miles to 7 for my long run.  The quote about competing against the little voice inside you is so very true.  I actually didn't think I could run 6, but beat that little voice saying "that's too far".  Last week I worked on increasing speed and was able to run at a consistant 10 min plus pace for the 6 miles.  Alternating speeds every minute really helps.  Feels like I'm standing still when I go down to a 10 min pace after running at a 9.   

Side benefit to training for a half-marathon.  I get to shop in my own closet.  I can wear jeans that haven't fit for a couple of years.  

February is Heart Healthy Awareness Month

Do something good for your heart - excercise it!!!   Which, I am going to go do just that.  This morning I'm going for a speed run - 30 minutes.  We'll see how that goes.

T - 113 Days

"In order to succeed, we must first believe we can."  --Nikos Kazantzakis

Sounds so simple doesn't it.  Like the lyrics - "I believe I can fly" .  Just four simple words; "I believe I can....."   It's true.  A thirteen mile race is possible.  I know it, I believe it, therefore I can ....

Yesterday was a rest day - did a 1 mile walk on the treadmill while watching TV.  Good thing to do after Wednesday's long run.  Today, on the other hand, I worked on keeping up speed and not giving in to the desire to slow down.  It was cold and windy outside so turned on my favorite cooking hostess, Paula Dean, and ran on the treadmill.  Final distance after 50 min was 5.28 miles.  (Changed speed after every minute to keep it interesting)  I also included some weight lifting into todays work out.

run on..............

T - 115 days

"Motivation is what gets you started, habit is what keeps you going."

What's growing in my garden???  My first half marathon!!! and dreams of a fantastic garden!!!
I finally quit talking and did it - I registered for my first half marathon, May 20, 2012 - Denver's Colfax.  I've been wanting to do this for awhile, but never really had the nerve to register for a race.  I didn't think I could do it.  End of Oct, 2011,  I made the decision to get back on the treadmill and stop making excuses for my jeans "fitting a bit soon".   I challenged myself to keep up the exercise routine with a half-marathon goal in the back of my mind.  Now, January 25th I made the decision to go for it. 

The weather for January has been unseasonably warm.  Today the temp at 11:00 a.m. was 52.  I decided to take my running outside for a change.  I'm happy to say that the 3 months of serious treadmilling payed off.  I was able to run a 6 mile course (without stopping) in 66 min.  The 3rd and 4th mile was a tough into the wind challenge, but I stuck it out.  Nothing is ever gained by giving up.  Felt pretty good.

New Beginnings!!!

WOW what a sunrise this morning

Taken from my front door at about 6:55 a.m.

I've neglected my garden blog for a year and decided it was time to grow back into it. Last year was not a good gardening year.  After 3 hail storms that pullmetted our wheat crop and destroyed any semblance of a garden I lost interest and planted some pumpkins and squash just to fill the space.

Hopefully this year will be better.  I have my seed catalog in hand and ready to begin a new year!!!