A NEW PR!!!

I had such a great race on Saturday.  I'm going to wait to do a full recap until I can get my hands on a few more pictures, but I did want to let you know that I broke all my goals and set a new PR!!  My official chip time was 2:02:18!!!!!!  I broke my old PR by 11 minutes!  I was so happy and so surprised that I ran such a fast race -- it felt so wonderful!

The rest of the weekend was just as much fun.  Three of my good friends ran the Quarter-Marathon and rocked it!  Two of my other friends spectated the race, and it was great to have them cheer us on! :)  Full report coming up in the next few days!

Miles: 13.1
Time: 2 hours, 2 minutes, 18 seconds

Miles this Week: 22
Miles this Month: 22

Some Days it Just Clicks

Yesterday I hurried out the door to get a run in before our church homegroup.  I started off fast, which I knew might be a mistake because often I tire out after a mile or so.  But for some reason, the fast pace felt so good. My legs really wanted to move, and move them I did!

I kept the pace as fast as I could while still keeping it within my control to finish strong.  It started getting touch to keep going, but I pushed myself to finish strong. I was very excited when I made it three miles at such a fast pace without stopping.  This time is definitely a training PR.  I think the Fall weather really agrees with my running!! :)

I kid you not, during my run I saw the UPS man delivering this to my door...

Last weekend I decided to invest in a winter running jacket, and I ordered this one from nike.com.  I usually never buy clothes online, and I also usually wait for a sale, but I saw this jacket and fell in love.  And truth be told, to run in subfreezing temps you need a good jacket.  Let me just say that I LOVE THIS JACKET!!!  While I haven't actually run with it yet, I absolutely love the fit, feel, and breathability.  I wore it last night, and I cannot wait to wear it while running.  It has an optional hoodie, and the colors match my new shoes.  Purple really is my signature color! :)  The three color design is very flattering in my opinion, and the sleeves even have thumb holes.  I know that this jacket will get plenty of use in the upcoming months.  I think once I invest in some additional pants and a better earwarmer then I'll be all set to take on the harsh winter!  But for now I'm going to continue to relish in Fall! :)

Miles: 3
Time: 28 minutes, 14 seconds

Miles this Week: 10
Miles this Month: 57

Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure

This morning was the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 5K. I hadn't planned on running this race, but earlier in the week I won a free registration thanks to Roanoke Outside. I couldn't pass up the opportunity to run a free race! I love Race for the Cure -- I've been able to do it twice before: once in San Antonio with my Dad in high school and again in Waco during my freshman year of college. This was the Inaugural Race for the Cure in the Roanoke area, and it was great to be a part of such an awesome cause.

 I was pretty tired when my alarm clock went off this morning, but my love for running has started to replace my love for sleep. Mathis was very sweet to wake up with me, and we made a quick run by Starbucks before the race. The race was at a park in Salem that we had never been too. As always, the drive down I-81 was beautiful, and the trees have all started to blossom... Spring here is beautiful!! We got to the race, picked up my packet and walked around for a little bit.

 Here I am still looking a little tired. :)

The race got started a little late at about 8:45. I didn't have many expectations for this race -- it was a last minute entry, and I had to run 9 miles yesterday so my legs were feeling a little sore. At the same time I wanted to push myself to try to speed it up, because the race was so short.

 Here are a few videos Mathis took of the race...

In the end I set a new PR!!!!! According to my Garmin, I finished in 29 minutes 55 seconds. Woo!!!!!! That's a good 4 minutes faster than the 5K I ran in December! Talk about some progress. I was chip timed, but I'm not sure when the results will be posted, so I'm sticking with my Garmin time for now. :) I was really pleased at how fast I ran, and it only makes me want to get faster. But overall I'm just happy that I can go out there and run the entire thing.

I loved having Mathis there -- he is so supportive!! His ankle is still bothering him, and I know it's been hard watching me run when he can't. We're praying it heals in time for the half. And I just have to add that this week I ran the most weekly mileage yet. 25 miles!!!!! I looked back at November (when I began running) and that whole MONTH I only ran 20 miles. I'm so encouraged to see my progress, and I'm excited for what the future holds! :)

Miles: 3.1 
Time: 29 minutes, 55 seconds 


Miles this Week: 25 miles 
Miles this Month: 30