187 Days To Go
Wow! The last week since I published this blog has been tremendously inspiring. I knew I had a great support system within my family and friends, but the blog comments and messages from those I have never met have truly been encouraging. I have already "met" two other runners who are also planning on running the Women's St. Pete Marathon and heard success stories from others who recently completed their first half-marathons. All of the input has reinforced just how important this journey is.
Speaking of motivation, there's nothing like a little schwag to get my motor running. As you see in the pic, over the weekend I received a Women's Half-Marathon visor. Who knew a little piece of head gear could get me so pumped? Okay, I did. I am a sucker for chic apparel of any kind (just ask my husband who has been banished from our closet and forced to compact all of his clothing into a few dressser drawers). Seriously though, this visor is excellent for running. It's designed like no other visor I have seen - with an elastic band and terry cloth interior rim to absorb forehead sweat. Hmmmm, come to think of it, maybe this is how all running visors are made? How would I know? Okay, enough about the stinkin' visor (told you I get carried away when it comes to these things).
After some excellent runs this weekend I was feeling a bit sore and contemplated taking a rest day. I then remembered how last week panned out and realized I better let the little monkey decide what days we rest. I put on my new visor and opted for a 4.6 mile walk. It felt good and my muscles are recouping nicely. Alright, I'm going to close this post and hit the hay...5:30am comes too quickly.
7 comments:
Hi. My sons used to be better in his stroller, now after about 20-30 minutes he wants out. So I have had to run whenever I can get someone to watch him (either afternoons or whenever my husband gets home from work he will) I might have to try that teething ring idea though. I would have to tie it to the stroller though or I would be picking it up every 2 minutes. I would love to see that water bottle though. I got used to having my water bottle right on the stroller and since I have been running without the stroller I don't know what to do with my water bottle. Just curious are you using any special training program?
My friend said the same thing about her two-year-old. She can't do the long runs with her in the stroller b/c she wants out. I am taking advantage of the little one's inability to tell me otherwise...but that won't last too much longer. His one-year birthday is a couple of weeks before the half-marathon. I'll get that pic for you ASAP. I'm thinking my next post will show the gear I'm using that makes my runs easier. Let me know if you have any input!
I have researched a few training programs and found one that I really like in one of my old Fitness magazines. Want me to email you a copy w/details?
I haven't registered yet for this race...still trying to figure out if I can make it down for it. But when I do, I look forward to that visor!
Hey- I've actually been using a training program I found online by hal hidgon. I like it so far (but I'm only 1 week into it)..I would be interested to see what you use for running to make it easier. Since I am just getting into running I like to see what other people use and if it could help me. My favorite is on my blackberry a program I use to track my milage, speed etc. and my Ipod for music. And who knows..your son might love to be in the stroller for awhile. My friend's daughter will still go for runs that are pretty long and she's 2 1/2. Good luck on your runs!
Campbell Family...I hope you can make it to the St. Pete race. It sounds like it is going to be a fun one! And yeah, the visor is pretty great. Ha! : )
Melissa, I saw the Hal Higdon plan. I researched quite a few and they are all pretty similar. I liked this one b/c it really focused on working your way up to the longer runs and included some run/walk plans during the weeek which I think really help build my endurance. I'll be happy to send you a copy of it.
There are so many training plans..basically what you want to do is DISTANCE...AND you want to do some SPEED bursts also. In the long run, doing the speed will also help with your distance. So, I would definitely use a plan that incorporates that also. Running with a stroller is hard and you won't be able to do it at the half-marathon (they don't allow strollers), so you might want to do a lot of your running without it. Otherwise, it seems that the people that push strollers while running sometimes have a tendency towards more leaning forward and that might throw you off a bit on the day. But, whatever you do..you have the motivation and I'm SURE you will do it! And, wait till you see the neat goodie bags..they are AWESOME!! Don't know if you live in Tampa (I'm sorry I forgot to look), but if you don't..recommend the Hilton it is almost directly across the street from the starting line. So, when you finish..you pick up your medal, have your picture taken..eat lots of cookies (hey you deserve it!) and then go across the street to the Hilton THROUGH Starbucks and have a big Frappacino, because hey we deserve that also!! :) Take care and keep up the good work. You have the motivation to do it! Personally, I think everybody can do a half if they are motivated enough..just remember one foot in front of the other. And, if you have to walk a bit (like "The Penguin"..you should read up on him, he is a trainer) it isn't the end of the world. It's all about that finish line. I have done several halfs..some slow, some fast, but finished them ALL. And, I'm NOT a young person nor am I a runner....take care. Denise
Skeetersmum, Thanks for ALL of the great advice. Reading your comment made me even more excited for the upcoming half. Yes, I am actually going to write my next blog post on my experiences running with and without the stroller. I know I won't be running with it in the half-marathon and this is a good thing for me. I actually feel a bit awkward running with a stroller. I like to use my arms in my running. I will definitely take your advice on the hotel info and I will have to look up this penguin stuff. I've never heard of it. (smile). Keep in touch and keep the input coming!!
Post a Comment