Strip Running

I registered for the Las Vegas half marathon today! Looking forward to spending a nice December weekend in Sin City... eating at some great restaurants then running it off!

The Best Laid Plans...

It has certainly been an interesting 2 weeks. Despite running 10 miles last Saturday, my midweek mileage = 0. My energy, motivation, and interest in running dove to an all-time low sometime around last Monday. The last week I haven't been feeling well, and given the fact that everyone around me has been sick, I've likely caught the bug. I planned to run 12 miles yesterday, but slept in instead. I had to force myself to commit to 5 miles this morning, which was a struggle. I can't remember the last time I felt sore after a flat 5-miler. During the run I felt extra hot and most likely had a fever.

The one question I've been asking myself all week: is this normal?? I had the best run 2 weeks ago. I fell in love with running all over again and felt so strong. The Dland half is a few weeks away, and at this point I am questioning my fitness/whether or not to participate. My ever-encouraging running buddies tell me I can pull it off without a hitch. My body (or just mind?) is telling me otherwise.

I suppose it is normal to have periods of lower motivation and waining interest in a sport like running. Of course, I feel better even after my short run this morning. My plan is to run at least 2 times this week before I travel to Lubbock Wednesday morning, and definitely try for a 12-14 miler next weekend. Perhaps it is time to really start committing to cross-training? I've been known to get bored easily, and it seems like some variety might be just what the doctor ordered.

Stay tuned...

Double Digits

On Saturday morning I embarked on my first double-digit run since the marathon. It was a fairly slow 10-miler through the old stomping grounds of PV. Laura and I took it easy, and it felt good to be out there. I'm hoping to get through 12 this coming Saturday, followed by 14 the next, and a taper week of 6 before the half-marathon. Wish me luck on the mid-week runs...my motivation has been WAY down the last couple of days!

Solo Run = Happiness

I love training with my friends. They keep me motivated, engaged and sane on long runs. You might understand then, why I was a bit nervous about running solo last Saturday morning for the first time in a long time. My usual running partners were out of town/busy, so I peeled myself out of bed at 5:45am to tackle a beach side run on my own. Originally, I was hoping to cover about 10 miles. I ended up running a little over 6. You might think I was disappointed, but this run ranks as one of my best ever. Usually I gauge the success of a run by the mileage - the higher, the better. Not the case on Saturday. For the first time since the marathon, I felt strong - really strong. AND I enjoyed myself. I did a couple of things differently. First, I was relaxed. No pressure to keep up/talk/dish about my day. Second, I brought my ipod along. I'm now seriously thinking about using it for the half marathon in a few weeks (especially because I am running the race on my own). Third, I ditched the new running shorts and sleeved shirt ensemble for my spandex to-the-knee pants and sleeveless jersey. Usually I am uncomfortable in any situation without sleeves, but it made such a difference during my run. I'm willing to shed the self-consciousness for comfort at this point!

Moral of the story: sometimes running alone is just what the doctor ordered. I forget how great it can be to be lost in one's own thoughts without any expectations or pressure. (Running along a beautiful stretch of beach doesn't hurt either)!

My splits definitely reflect the surplus of energy: