February 27, 2012

I got up this morning to see Hector, and I was dragging. My cough kept me up. Clearly, the stairs loosened all the crap in my lungs. YUCK! I better not be getting sick. We did a lot of core work. I definitely need it. My bribe to get up and working out is that I get to have a Starbucks latte. I haven't had one in a while because either Hector or I keep missing the workouts. Mmm...Caffeine.... And don't judge me for my coffee addiction. After all, there are worse vices.

February 26, 2012

Hustle Up the Hancock!

Ok, so after 4 years, I forget to sign-up and this year I'm stuck doing the half. I was done in 12:18 for 52 floors. Totally sucking wind with a 'smokers' cough now, but the time was about what I expected. The medal was beautiful!

The drawback? Standing in the elevator line for 2 hours to get down. Seriously? There's gotta be a better way. Come on, organizers...fix it! The line situation gets worse every year!

February 20, 2012

No worky today! Thanks President's Day!

First of all, my hip flexors (think they're hip flexors...the tendons in the front of my hips...attaching thigh to pelvis) are so sore! Yep, that's from yesterday's Ab Ripper video. I know it's good for me. My core has been so weak since my injury.

Today I ran with Julie. I was worried that I was going to slow her down. I know she runs with Kris, and Kris is much faster than I am. But we ran a perfect pace together. We did 9 on the path in 1:43. It was a beautiful sunny day! It was really a perfect run. We even ran (not walked) over Wanda. I'm so glad we got the run in...perfect way to start the day!

I'm also excited that I've been averaging 11:30 for my runs. I'm not sure if I should move up pace groups for summer training or not. I don't want to kill myself to do 11:30, but I don't want to hold myself back at 12:00. It's definately something to think about. I know Keith will want me to lead again, but I have a few months to make my decision. I think that running with out a watch has helped. I'm not binding myself to a time, I'm just going with what my body wants. It's not as evenly paced as I used to be, but it is consistantly faster. We'll see!

February 19, 2012

I didn't end up running today. I thought about getting in a 3 mile (even on the treadmill) but it never happened. I did strong-arm Mike in to doing an ab video with me. We did P90X Ab Ripper. I convinced him by saying "It's only 17:00 long!" Yeah...17:00 and I still can't get through it with out stopping. Someday... hopefully. I haven't tried the other videos in the series (they scare me). I mean, if the 17:00 shorty is killer, how am I going to survive an hour? Hopefully, Mike will want to do them and suck me into it. Until then, I'll stick with the ab ripper. Besides, I need to work my core more anyway!

February 18, 2012

Such a clear day...much cooler than it has been. I guess this mild winter has been spoiling me. I shouldn't complain! I love running outside more than the treadmill!

Running into the wind on the way out wasn't much fun. I caught up with Sarah, right before "Wanda" and ran back to 1.5 with her. I rounded out my run with heading back to 0 for a total of 7 for the day. It was a nice run. I had hoped for longer, but didn't want to push it--As Hal Higdon says, rest is important!

February 16, 2012

You always feel better after a run!

Today was a beautiful day! I set out for 3, but ended up with 5 (ok, 4.93) miles. It felt so good! It's been a much easier recovery that after the last race. I wish every run could feel this good!

February 12, 2012

Third times a charm! Mercedes Marathon!!

Three words...Cold. Windy. Hilly.

Yep. That sums it up. A cold front came through, scaring the southerns (who runs a marathon in a parka?). It was about 32 degrees to start, colder than I anticipated, but not bad. The wind gusts were no bueno. I'm glad I wore the extra layer. It may have gotten up in the 40's by the finish. I had some wind burn when I was done!

I found out from Laura (who ran it last year) that the double loop course (yes, ran it twice) went to the highest point in Birmingham. Super fun for this flat lander. I felt like I was either going up or down. And how is it possible that the hills felt bigger on the second loop?

But I finished. YEAH! In 5:49--no PR, but faster than the last one...and I never even saw "The Balloon Lady". :) I was pretty proud that I didn't hit my usual 17 mile wall...that didn't hit until 20 (which also coincided with previously mentioned highest point in Birmingham). Then there was much walking. I hope that Virginia Beach will be better, after all, this is only my second marathon post injury.

February 7, 2012

It's true...you always feel better after a run!

Sarah and I headed out for a run this evening...we did 4.8 in about 43:00...(I didn't shut my phone off at the lights). Totally just what I needed. Why is it that I have such a hard time going out on my own?

We even stopped by Kris's house to see her medal from the Surf City 1/2 Marathon. I think I should run to people's houses to visit more often. Everyone loves when a sweaty Bethie shows up on their doorstep, right?

Good Run!

February 2, 2012

I have the best fiance in the world. He sends me out for a run, even when he's dying for a burger. I felt much better after my 3.08 miles (33:58).

I just need to get out there more, but I feel so drained after work, it's such a struggle to get my tights on. I know. I know. You always feel better after a run. It's just getting out for the run, that's the problem.