Tough Day, Fun Run

I love my job, but there are still days that are a bit frustrating. Add the commute taking two times as long and I'm a pretty cranky lady by the time I get home. But no fear, my favorite running skort came to the rescue to make me feel cute and happy again!

Lululemon makes adorable, but crazy expensive, workout clothes. Their running skorts, capris and pants are amazing so I pay the price. Check it out.

Lululemon Speed Skirt (fun pleats in back!)

I don't always go for cute when I run, but sometimes it's worth it. I think I even run faster...or not.

Reflecting, and Looking Ahead

I love running events, especially half marathons. The half is my favorite by far because I feel like I work hard but don't push it over the top. 10Ks are fun, 5Ks feel too short. I'm not really warmed up until I'm about 3 miles into the run, so a 5K is over before I'm really feeling good. Tonight as I sit here drinking an amazing Casa Nuestra 2005 Cabernet Franc and looking at upcoming races, I had the urge to recap the year so far and to look forward to races I've signed up for. So, here's the list.

February 2011- Super 5K in Novi, MI, Disney's Princess Half Marathon in Orlando, FL
March 2011 - Shamrocks & Shenanigans in Ann Arbor, MI
May 2011 - Flying Pig Half Marathon in Cincinnati, OH
June 2011 - See Jane Run Half Marathon in Alameda, CA
August 2011 - Salinas Valley Half Marathon in Soledad, CA

And coming up (excited!)
October 2011 - Nike Women's Half Marathon in San Francisco, CA
November 2011 - Malibu Marathon (or half, depending on the knee) in Malibu, CA

Add a Turkey Trot and a Jingle Bell Run and we'll call it a year!

And in other news, the 10 mile run I referred to in my last post was great. I was so glad to get back to a double digit long run after a bit of a hiatus. I had a little post-run soreness due to the injury, but it seems to be healing well and I'm super happy about it!

A Fresh Start

This is an interesting time for me to start a running blog because I'm coming off of an annoying and painful muscle strain and had to cut my mileage way back. After going from a long run of 13 miles back to 3 - and a couple of weeks off - it's almost like starting over.

I had my strongest half marathon finish at the Salinas Valley half on August 6, 2011. My time was 2:10:39, not fast overall but the best I've done and a PR from 2:17:47 at my previous race. I was pumped and hardly even felt tired! The weekend after I ended up getting hurt while riding my bike.

I stopped riding the bike and kept swimming, then went back to running slowly. I made it back to 8 miles last weekend, and hope to go 10 fairly pain free later today. We'll see.

I should also back up to say I intended to complete a sprint tri this summer, which should have been today. I opted out because I haven't been back to the bike since that problematic day, and I still don't have full range of motion in my left knee without pain. It's a blow to the ego, but should be worth it to heal for my fall races.

The other part of my fresh start is new shoes - the best thing ever! Same shoes, same version, but new pair (Brooks Adrenaline GTS11.) I didn't even realize how beat up the others were until I compared them to the new pair. They were only 4 months old but took me through 3 half marathons and took a beating.

Until next time - just keep running!

Power Phrase

My power phrase comes from Dory's song in Finding Nemo - Just Jeep Swimming. When I'm on a tough hill or even just plain tired, my mind starts repeating 'just keep running' to Dory's tune and that's what I do. I. Keep. Running.

I may not be fast and I'm definitely not winning any races, but I have the endurance to keep going and the desire to continue testing myself. This blog is intended to be a window into what motivates me and why I train.