I have been running off and on since high school. I ran on my high school track team...not that I was an exceptional runner. It has always been ingrained in me not to walk. Walking was quitting and I have always believed this...until recently. When I signed up for the half marathon, I had called someone who I knew ran half marathons. She told me about Jeff Galloway and his run/walk/run method. I told her "I just can't walk." Well, dispute my self I still ended up buying a few of his e-books and a hard cover book. I still like having the book in my hands...I'm old fashion like that! I talked to hubby about this walking thing and he said it made sense to him and Jeff Galloway is an Olympian.
I have been training for my half marathon with walk breaks. Not necessary to the extent he has suggested in his book but when I am tired or on a big hill, I will take a 30 seconds to 1 minute break, if necessary. Yes, I do feel better afterwards and my running seems better.
Today, was my long training run. 12 laps, with each lap being over a mile. It was a cloudy day but humid. My water bottle leaked and left my shorts wet. Yuck! The first mile turned out to be challenging and I found myself taking several walk breaks and I wonder how I was going to finish my 12+ miles and if my time was going to really slow! The first 3 miles were overall challenging. Around mile 4, I had a GU energy gel. I had purchased a few boxes with different flavor and I must admit I enjoy the salted caramel flavor! Yes, it actually tasted like caramel. The next 3 miles went better. Mile 7 was a bit tough and I tried to say my mantra, smooth and easy. It did help. After mile 8, I told myself only 4 more miles. I can do it. I realized around mile 10, I was kind of in the zone (not that I was feeling energetic or anything) but my feet kept moving! It turned out to be one of my better miles. I have only 2+ miles to go! The last mile or so went well since I knew the end was in sight! I must admit that I was very excited to be done. According to my runkeeper, 12.85 miles! Yeah, I decided not to push myself any further, though if I had to, I could of keep running until 13.1... I was drenched from my run but it was great to finish and stop running :). As it turned out, even with all the walk breaks, my time was 15 second faster per mile than my long run last Friday!!!!
On the drive home, I did wonder if I was crazy to want to run a half marathon...but then I realize no, I'm not. I feel a sense of accomplishment! I feel good about myself. It's good to have a goal to work towards. I think that makes makes me grow as a person.
It felt great to get home, soak in the tub and ice down my Achilles. Goal accomplished and less than 30 days to half mararthon race!
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