Race and training!

Chicago training started a few weeks ago...and in my quest to run 50 races in 50 states I also ran the Seattle Rock and Roll half marathon on Saturday. Since I was suppose have a long run anyway I figure I might as well get a medal for it!

Was worried about the weather, but the rain held off and it turned into a great climate for a race in Seattle! I was kind of worried since my training has been somewhat slacking lately, but the race went better than expected and my first four miles or so I was actually running under a 10 min pace, which is great for me! I ended up finishing in 2:22:52, and my former PR was 2:23:25 so I PR'ed again! Still aiming for that 2:10 mark, but I'll take any PR I can get.

My favorite parts of the race was when I ran past a bunch of high school cheerleaders and they turned out to be from my former high school! That gave me a boost of energy for a stretch. The second part was toward the end when I saw my dad and my puppy! Probably wasted a few seconds giving puppy a kiss, but totally worth it.

Right before the end my boyfriend jumped out of the crowd and ran with me for a few! What a great feeling to have him support (even though he DID finish the race almost an hour before me, ha ha). I was focused on getting to the finish line before my time, but always happy to have my manfriend keep me company.

FANTASTIC photo of me crossing the finish line, I need to order it still, but I'm giving the thumbs up with a cheesy grin on my face. Better than a grueling face I guess!

This week is a 3, 6 and 3 during the week and 11 miler this weekend. Did my 6 today during lunch and it was about 10 degrees hotter than I was expecting....but no humidity so I won that one! On to the weekend and just keep runnin'

Week one

And it begins again. Chicago training started this week, which was a little tricky since I was on vacation on the east coast. This morning I got up and ran 3 miles on the Burke-Gillman trail in Seattle. It was about 45 degrees outside so not too bad! My boyfriend got me the Garmin 610 so I get to play with a watch again. Hopefully this one won't stay in Ohio.
Tomorrow I will try to run 5, then 3 again on Sunday. I have a half marathon in two weeks in Seattle, nervous since my training hasn't been up to par, but it will be nice to get out and race again! This move and transition has been quite the learning experience, but hopefully I'll slip back into my routine.
I go a puppy a couple months ago, can't wait till he's old enough to run with me. Right now it's mostly entertaining because he's 3 months and a bundle of energy, so he gets puppy training soon. I don't need to be pulled on the trail. Actually, now that I think about it that doesn't sound too bad after all!