I think I can, I think I can...

 I bought a new pair of shoes so I can start running again.  I look forward to warmer temperatures and taking off this winter weight!

Running 13.1 miles...

I said I retired March 2010 and then I was "conned" into running again. My friend Meg convinced me to run the Derby Mini Marathon with her, then her knee went out and she was under doctors orders to not run at all. So, I was left by myself (well, JB did run it as well, he was just faster than I was). Again, I finished the 13.1 miles and decided that 5k and 10k's are the distance for me, I don't need to run 13.1 miles at one time ever again....until next year

I'm back...

Yes, it is true! I have joined a gym and am running again. I am running a 5k on February 26th, then a 10k on March 12th, a 10 miler on March 26th and the Derby half marathon on April 30th. Anyone want to join me?

Mizuno's througout the year...

I've started running again so I will be ready for the Princess Half Marathon in March! I have a new pair of shoes this year since my last pair was a half size too small and I ended up losing my big toenail on my left foot. I loved my hot pink Mizuno's but that was last years model, so we upgraded to a 2010 model which is a teal color. I'm not a huge fan but they feel good and that is all that matters! Alex thought all the shoes were a lot of fun to play with

My new shoes....2010 Mizuno Elixir 4's

My first pair of running shoes that I purchased years ago. I decided many years ago (before kids) that I was going to start running, it never happened and these ended up being worn with casual clothes, but they are still around. Probably time to retire them!

We did it...the Chicago Half Marathon. We went into this thinking we were going to do the 5k but on mile 1.5 JB convinced us (we met up with JB's good friend Jason) that we should the the entire half marathon. We did it, but I must say it was HARD!! My knees were killing me. I had bought new running shoes and was going to "test them" on the 5k, so when we were in the long haul of 13.1 miles I realized the shoes do not fit me correctly. So, I will be purchasing yet another pair of running shoes. Is it too much to ask for a shoe to support my high arches, be good for someone who over pronates and have a wide enough toe box so my toenails don't fall off?? I'm sure Ken Combs Running Store will be able to fit me with a great shoe....here I come! I have to get ready for the Princess Half Marathon in March, 2010 and hope to keep all my toenails.

I'm back...

Yes, I've been a slacker, but we are running the Chicago half marathon in a few weeks and I really haven't done squat about working out/getting ready for this since June. Not good, to say the least, but a couple weeks ago I went and ran a couple miles and tonight I ran 2.5 miles and from now until Sept 13th I'm going to be running 3 times a week. JB tried quitting on me already, but I told him he couldn't, it is paid for and he is going to do it so he better get out there and start running!!! (hahaha) Wish us luck.

Yesterday we ran the "YMCA run to the sun" 4 miler. The weather was great and we had a good time. It was JB's first race and he did great. He has been training more than me, and it showed. I really need to start running more often so I am ready for the Chicago Half Marathon in September. Carrie B and I ran together (we ran the mini together), we are good running partners and seem to have the same pace, I'm glad to have someone to run with, it makes the time go by so much faster. Thank you Carrie!

We have decided to do the September Half Marathon in Chicago instead of the rock n roll half in August since the weather will probably (hopefully) be a little cooler. We shall see, it will be a fun trip nonetheless since we are making a long weekend of it with my parents joining us.

Derby Mini Marathon...

Yesterday was the Derby mini marathon and it was a challenge! My friend, Carrie, and I ran together and had a great time, but it was very hot (85 degrees) and there weren't enough drink stops. The race goes through Iroquois park which is very hilly for 3 miles then goes through the in-field of Churchill Downs and then into downtown Louisville. I will post more pictures later (they are on Carrie's camera), but the one below is in front of the twin spires around mile 8. I was whipped after the race, I hadn't trained as much as I did for the Princess Half marathon and I could tell afterwards by how stiff I was. Other than that it was fun and it was wonderful to see JB and the kids at the finish line!!!

Update...

It has been a long time since I have posted on this blog! I am still planning on running in the Derby mini marathon and look forward to it. My training has been lacking since the princess half marathon, I have only been running once or twice a week. I was sick for a week and then I was lazy for another week, but I went running tonight (4 miles) and feel great, I really need to get focused seeing that the countdown is on, only 10 more days before the race. Since I haven't been training on hills at all I have decided I am going to walk the first part of the race that goes through Iroquois Park (very hilly), I don't want to bust up my knees.

Running, running, running...

So I am planning my next couple half marathons. I figured I have to do the mini that is here on April 25th, even though there are a few miles that go through Iroquios park (very hilly) I think it will be a fun run, especially going through Churchill Downs. The other run is in Chicago, on my birthday, JB has decided to run with me so I'm super excited about that!

April 25th, 2009

August 2, 2009 (my birthday)...JB said he will run this half marathon with me, I'm so excited. It sounds like a really good time, they have bands playing at every mile marker, I can't wait!

Pictures

6 miles in at the Magic Kingdom

Finish Line

I did it!!!

13.1 miles! My first half marathon. I went into this thinking I will just run the Princess Half Marathon and enjoy the experience, but didn't think running would get into my blood. While I am not a die hard runner and probably never will be, the experience of a half marathon was amazing and has made me think about which one I will do next. Maybe the Country Music Half marathon in Nashville? It sounds like fun to me!

Last long run day until the race...

9 miles!!! I ran the first 8 and then felt a bit achy in my knee so I walked the last mile. I wasn't about to start having knee problems again before the race. I really hope it doesn't hurt tomorrow when I wake up.

Straight to Eight...

Yep...8 miles today!!! It took an hour and 44 minutes, and I feel great.

15 days left until I get my tiara!!!

Yesterday was supposed to be my 7 mile day and I went to the gym with all the intentions to run 7 miles on the treadmill (it was dark outside) and I got there about 7pm and got about 5 miles into my run and felt great, but then realized I was the last person there and the gym closes at 8...so only 5 miles for me yesterday. Tomorrow is my "early day" from work (I get off 1/2 day every other Tuesday) so I guess I will have to spend some time at the gym to make up for this.

The count down is officially on...only 20 days before the race!

6 miles...

I'm on track...I ran 6 miles outside yesterday. The weather was beautiful!!

Running, running, running

Today I ran 5 miles. After the first two miles my MP3 player died so I had to run the last 3 without any entertainment. It was a challenge, but I feel great and can't wait until sunny Florida!!

4.25 miles on Sunday...and today I feel great!! No knee pain or anything...woo hoo

Update

I haven't been very good with updating the blog for my running, but I have been working out. I ran 3 miles on Tuesday and 2 miles on Thursday and plan on running Tuesday's, Thursday's and Sunday's with Sunday's being my long run day. I will add a mile per week so hopefully by March 8th I will be up to about 8 or 9 miles.

The course has been posted online for the race. We start at Epcot go through Disney World and the castle and end up at Epcot. Here is the route map:

http://adisneyworldsports.disney.go.com/media/dwws_v0222/en_US/pdf/09NEWPrincessHalfMapweb.jpg

Back in the game...

On Saturday I ran/walked 2 miles. I woke up Sunday with no pain, so I will be getting back on track. Only 8 weeks until the race!