NJ Half Picture

Here is a picture my friend Melissa took of me running. I'm in my new Terrier singlet. I'm the one with the dog on her back :)

NJ Half Recap

So this past weekend was the Long Branch (NJ) Half Marathon. I did really well! I was a little worried going in because my training hadn't been super consistent and we only started doing speed work a little bit ago. And it had really been a while since I'd raced a long distance and my last 2 halfs (Disney and Manhattan) weren't my best results. So I went in with a "Lets just go out and run and see what happens" attitude. It must have worked!

I didn't want to go out to fast and crash at the end, so I kept telling myself to slow down and keep it at a nice and easy/consistent pace. I definitely didn't feel like I was pushing myself too hard, but was still managing to run sub-9 minute miles (something I normally don't do - or haven't done in the past!). I was able to keep semi-consistent splits (time per mile), which I am really happy with. Felt really good the entire time. Towards the end started to tire out a bit, but managed to keep my splits pretty consistent. I am also pretty proud that my fastes mile was Mile 13.

My finishing time was 1:54:45 - an 8:45 pace! And a new PR by 5 minutes! I can check one thing off my new years resolutions! But I am totally going to add it back on, because I wanna beat it again :)

And, believe it or not, I went for a bike ride on Saturday morning, so I wasn't on 100% fresh legs. I wonder if my time would have been faster if I had been.

Below are my splits from the race:

Mile 1 - 9:07
" 2 -8:47
" 3 -8:39
" 4 - 8:41
" 5 -8:42
" 6 - 8:38
" 7 - 8:38
" 8 - 8:42
" 9 - 8:55
" 10 - 8:35
" 11 - 9:05
" 12 - 8:51
" 13 - 8:33
" .1 - :51

Busy Week

Been bit of a busy week. Tuesday night was run practice; worked on sprints and form. Got yelled (not really yelled at, lol) for being inflexible and was told to stretch. Lots. I've been trying to and I'm going to find a yoga class to do once a week as well.

Last night was swim. We did 2,520. Felt good. It was bitter sweet because it is my last swim practice on Thursday nights. Being moved into the intermediate group. Which is exciting. But I liked my Thursday night swims. Although, now I'll be able to do spin on Thursday which is exciting!

This weekend is the Half. Should be interesting... Let you know how it goes on Monday.

Also trying to get in a ride this weekend. Weather looks questionable right now, so keep your fingers crossed for non-rainy weather.

Week in review

So been a week since I updated. Last Tuesday was Hill repeats. Always something I love, lol. Thursday night was swimming - had a great practice. Swam 2,760 - my longest yet! Felt really strong and fast. Coach Megan said I am ready to be moved to the next group! Holy crap!

Didn't get a run or a ride in this weekend. I was visiting some family in Chicago. This weekend is the NJ Half Marathon, but I am still planning on doing a ride on Saturday. Pray for no flat tires!

Weekend run

Did the NYRR Hot Chocolate 15k this weekend (that's 9.3 miles) as my training run. As this was my first long run since Philadelphia, I decided to take it nice and slow. Ran at a 9:55 pace - stopped for water and walked (I really took it slow). Took my legs a long time to loosen up, apparently they were resisting this whole running thing (I don't know why, its not like I ran 2 marathons within 6 weeks or anything - haha). Also, I forgot to bring a gu with me, so I didn't take anything during it, which never helps. Anyways, getting back into a solid training schedule this week with some cross training tonight.

Also, just registered for the NJ Half Marathon - figured if I can do 2 laps of the thing, one will be a piece of cake!