Crazy Weather

I'm thankful we didn't have the tornados or snow storms but man, have we had some weird weather.  I ran yesterday and the temp was 67!  I ran in a skirt/capris and a sleeveless top and was HOT.  Today it got up to 73.

Looks like I'm not going to make my 2015 goal of running 600 miles and running faster.  I thought I'd make the milage having run two half marathons, but it didn't happen.  I think I'm right at 550 and will probably only run a couple more times this year.  I really haven't spent any time on trying to get faster.  It was a good thought, but I'v spent more time trying to ensure I don't get any overuse injuries.  I did meet that goal!  Maybe in 2016 I can work on trying to get faster.

Another 5-miler

Haven't run in a week so I was a bit worried how today's run would go.  It was fantastic!  Even though it was the coldest day of the year -- 34 degrees with a feels like of 25, and sleet.

I was toasty warm in my north face winter leggings, a long sleeve technical shirt under a Skirts Sport half zip pullover, a Skirt Sports winter skirt, canvas ball hat, and ear muffs.  After the first mile or so, I was fine.  My hands and face stayed a little cold but not uncomfortably so.

I'm pretty slow all of the time. I've been doing the 2 minutes of running to 30 seconds of walking for quite some time now and it seems to work well for me.  Without trying, my pace was better than it has been, and the run just felt...well....awesome. No, I didn't break any records, but it was one of those that the endorphins kick it quick and you are so thankful you made the effort to get out there.

Stress Relief

Got in a nice 5 miler today.  Needed the stress relief and could not believe the weather.  December 12th and 67 degrees.  I ran in short sleeves and my Skirt Sports 261 fearless skirt/capris, but I would have been more comfortable in a skirt and tank.

 My son and his family flew back home yesterday so I've been terribly sad, but trying to count my blessings.  They were greeted with a flooded apartment after being away a month. My heart hurts for them and I just wish there was something I could do to help, but being an ocean apart prevents me from doing much except praying for them. :(

Four Miler

Got in a run this morning while the kids were out.  There hasn't been any quilting and not much running going on while my granddaughter and her parents are here.  They will be going back to Scotland in a few days so I am soaking up all I can.

Secret City Half Marathon

Yay!  It is finished!  I haven't run very much since my last half but decided to just go for it today and try to PR (again). I figured if I hurt something I had all winter to recover.  And yes, my knees are killing me, but I think some ice and maybe some Biofreeze and Sore No More (both were in the goody bag) and I should recover fine.  And YES, I PR'd!!!  Unofficial Garmin time was 2:37:58. Three minutes faster than the one I did three weeks ago.

Split Time Distance Avg Pace Summary 2:37:58.2 13.19 11:58 1 12:53.5  1.00  12:53  2 12:27.3  1.00  12:27  3 11:56.1  1.00  11:56  4 11:55.6  1.00  11:56  5 11:54.8  1.00  11:55  6 10:38.2  1.00  10:38  7 11:14.8  1.00  11:15  8 11:24.8  1.00  11:25  9 11:46.8  1.00  11:47  10 12:06.3  1.00  12:06  11 11:52.0  1.00  11:52  12 12:51.3  1.00  12:51  13 12:51.5  1.00  12:51  14 2:05.2  0.19  11:00

Another Half Coming Up

I haven't run much since the last half and honestly, I am not very worried about the upcoming one n a week. I figure if it is tough, I'll walk. However, I must admit, I am competitive enough (with myself) to really want to beat my last time.  I've only run twice this week, and only 5 miles each time.

I plan to try to do 5 again on Monday and then maybe just 2 on Wednesday.  Then I'll just see how it goes next Saturday.

Foothills Half Marathon Recap

 I finished! And even better than that i finished with no major injuries and a new PR!  I really struggled with how to run this race knowing I have another one in three weeks, but my competitive spirit just would not let me run it like a long run.  I started out fairly slow but now as slow as I should have.  By about mile three I thought, "I'm gonna be sore and hurting tomorrow no matter how I run it so I might as well try for a PR."  It was really tough though. I don't think I was prepared enough. However, in the end, I think I PR'd.  My unofficial Garmin time was 2:41.  My best time on a half before was 2:43.  So I barely squeaked this one by.  I'll take it!

Now I've got the medals from three Halfs!  Yay!

I keep my bling hanging on the wire shelving in our master closet. Yep, I'm slow, but I'm out there trying. And tonight I am sore, but it is the good kind of sore and tired.  I am very thankful that I'm able to to do this. So many folks my age and even younger can't.

Split	Time	Distance	Avg Pace
Summary	2:41:36.6	13.00	12:26
1	12:12.2	1.00	12:12
2	11:45.5	1.00	11:46
3	11:46.1	1.00	11:46
4	12:09.5	1.00	12:10
5	12:15.7	1.00	12:16
6	11:50.1	1.00	11:50
7	12:06.0	1.00	12:06
8	12:18.0	1.00	12:18
9	13:06.5	1.00	13:07
10	12:35.8	1.00	12:36
11	13:17.6	1.00	13:17
12	12:56.6	1.00	12:57
13	13:16.9	1.00	13:19

Getting a little anxious

Yes, a little.  My first half marathon, of two I've scheduled, is Sunday.  I''ve only run ten miles straight.  Last weekend I did 9 on Friday and then another 2.5 on Saturday but I am not sure that counts for 11 miles.  I've struggled with trying to decide my plan for the race. It is important to me not to get injured.  I'd like to really try for a PR on the November 21st half and want to consider this one just a long training run.  I'm competitive enough not to want to finish last, although I know someone has to.  It is hard not to compare myself to other runners.  Comparison is the thief of joy.

So, my plan? Finish under 3 hours.  In three weeks, I'll be looking for a PR - less than 2:43 minutes. i keep telling myself. This time is good for an almost 57 year old who has only run for less than three years. Right?

Perfect day to run

Yes, perfect. 3.1 miles. Nice and easy at a 2 min/30 sec run/walk ratio. Love the Tantrum print compression leggings from Skirt Sports. Get yours with a 20% discount using the code SSAMB20SE.

 

 

The Chase 5K

I did a local 5K yesterday in memory of Chase Ruffer, a little 4 month old who died of SIDS a few years ago.  I had made a quilt for his parents from his little clothes.  For the last few years their church has sponsored a race to raise money for infant loss awareness.

I usually try to run it.  Lucky me!  there were only two in my age group so I came in first!  I met an old friend there who runs too.  She came in first in her age group also.  She is in the 50-54, I'm in the 55-59. Perfect weather to run.

Half Marathon Training Run

Ten Miles today. 10. On the treadmill.  Brought to you by Fons and Porter and Quilt in a Day Youtube videos.


I am back to the 90/30 ratio of seconds running to seconds walking.  I am so sore tonight.  It is hard on this old woman.

I ended up speeding up on the last mile because my son called and wanted to FaceTime.  I had to finish up so I could see my granddaughter.

Split	Time	Distance	Avg Pace
Summary	2:13:32.7	10.01	13:20
1	14:11.3	1.00	14:12
2	13:38.8	1.00	13:39
3	15:23.4	1.00	15:23
4	14:28.5	1.00	14:29
5	13:20.8	1.00	13:21
6	13:16.7	1.00	13:17
7	12:55.2	1.00	12:55
8	12:13.8	1.00	12:14
9	13:08.5	1.00	13:09
10	10:50.2	1.00	10:50
11	:05.6	0.01	8:28