Rock & Roll Raleigh Half

After going two years without ever getting bumped from a flight i'm sitting in the Raleigh airport having yet again not having a seat on my scheduled plane. I have two hours to kill until the next shot, so why not update this guy.

Going into this week, I pretty much had minimal to no gym time/ running. I was hitting the gym pretty hard in March, but life and work has gotten ahead of me these last few weeks, and not to get into too much detail, point being my last "solid run" was during the Gasparilla half I'm February. 

I didn't have too much of an expectation going into this race for the above reasons, but was really disappointed in myself for yet again not properly training. I would love to see what kind of time I can get if I can only get my act together. This is definitely going to be a priority for the summer, since my next scheduled half is not until Labor Day weekend. 

Anyhow, we had to be parked by 530 this morning because they were closing the streets shortly after. I generally don't do well when I have a lot of free time pre race because my mind gets the best of me. I ended up hanging out in the Marriott lobby about a block or two from the start and kept myself busy with work stuff so it wasn't too bad until about 615 when my stomach decided it wanted to go against me. I tried to shake it by hydrating, but had a feeling in the back of my head that I might pay for it on the course. 

Today marks 5 months since dad passed and the race proceeds benefit cancer research. I wanted to honor his memory and run for him, but as the course started and cancer fighting related signs popped up at the "memory mile" it sort of got the best of me. I spent 9 minutes of mile 5.5 sick. I began to feel it at the start of mile 4, but couldn't shake it. Positive side of it, it happened and I moved on. It made for a negative "official" split in the long run.

The course itself was crazy hilly, which made for some really hard, then really easy sections. I ended up having to walk up a few of the steep guys, but it made for a wonderful down hill fly! I wish I had set my run keeper, because I would have loved to see my per mile times. Overall it was a really scenic course. Raleigh during this time of year is gorgeous  (coming from a Boston gal). I would certainly do it again...and train on hills. :)

I didn't stretch as well as I shouldve so feeling a little tight and sore, but otherwise feel pretty good.

I saw this quote on my run today & think it's definitely worth sharing.

As I was about to finish the race, Drift Away came onto my Pandora. I know dad would think I'm absolutely crazy for doing all these adventures but that was a true indication to know he is here with me.

Training hiccups & Mad points :)

After three solid weeks of training, I hit a few hiccups this week. I feel like I'm repeating my insane schedule of last year, but trying to motivate myself to get some road running in, now that the weather is finally letting up. Thursday evening after a slew of crazy events, I packed up a sleeping Aaliyah in the jogging stroller and got in about 3 miles. I forgot how insane the hills on my property are! I definitely need to spend some extra time over the next month or so just hitting those, because they quickly got the best of me. We also have a newly renovated gym on my property with all new equipment, a spin studio and boxing simulator that I want to make time to take advantage of when I can't get to bodyco. I had the place all to myself the other night, but found myself just walking in circles and start/stopping with getting a minimal sweat on.

On the plus side, March Madness officially finished at bodyco and I took second place!

Motivating myself is always a challenge, but when working with/ against others my competitive side comes out. This is most likely why I can never get as good of a minute per mile on training runs as I do in the actual race. This is also why I get sick in the actual race.... :) A new racing PR is definitely on my goal list for this year, so with upcoming races looming I hope to be able to limit the "post race sick."

I also really want to start trail running to better prepare for the Mudder and Spartan. I got a Camelbak this week thanks to my awesome co worker. Now I just need to find some good trails. And maybe a running buddy...let me know if that's you. :)

Last upcoming goal is to focus on losing some excess fat/ gain some muscle to help with all the previous goals above. One of the many things that the doc spoke to my mom about was her eating habits, and Gina and I have both agreed that we are going to change things within the house. Hopefully, if we can follow through with this as a family, it will make things much easier and peer pressure to make bad choices will be lessened.

I will again be at the finish line of the Boston Marathon as part of the medals team! If you're running, let me know so I can find you!!