I went to my favorite hair salon, Simply Bliss to see Evelyn (my hair cutter) and get my hair trimmed. I want to look sharp for my up and coming half-marathon.....cannot wait to kiss my medal.
There is nothing more fun for me than running in the elements. There is something just so real, so raw, so devoid of any frills that lures me to being outdoors when it's at its worse. Schools were closed today due to the snow and I made up my mind to just try it, to go out and see how it felt. My feet got wet with cold rainwater within 2 blocks, but otherwise, it was warmer than most days so I decided to do my usual 3 mile route. I had a giant smile at the end of it and just felt amazing. There is nothing like running to bring out this feeling of triumph.....In what other daily activity does one get to feel this way almost daily?
Today I ran 13.5 miles for my long run. I had a blast. I ran from my home south of Chevy Chase, DC (a part of DC called Forest Park) all the way to Arlington Cemetery. Behind me there you will see the entrance to the cemetery.
Back in July of last year when I started running I could not even think of myself of completing 3 miles without being in complete pain during and the day after, so it is true what they say that, 'someday your long run will be your short run'.....baby steps baby, baby steps!! Another testament to the power of the snail....(read about this HERE).
I had just assumed this was a given truth, that people generally run faster with music. But now I am beginning to wonder if this applies to everyone that runs in the same way. I know I run faster with music piping in my ears, not just any song, but the right song and with the right amount of beats per minute. I typically run with my music player and have a set of songs under a folder labeled 'running' which I put on shuffle and after many months of adding and taking away songs I feel I am getting close to a very good mix. Sometimes I might think a song will work for me while I am out there running, but only in taking out on a test run will I really know of it works or not; 'working' here being defines as a song that gets me flying.
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| Bart Yasso |
I just heard an interview with Bart Yasso on The Marathon Show podcast where he explains the Yasso 800. Here is a link to the official explanation. I will see if I can use the track at Wilson High School to do these at least once a week once I am done with the two races. Anyone out there know how these would apply to half-marathons? For this summer I am thinking of doing the Runner's World First Time Marathon 16 Week Training Plan for $30, especially if I plan to run a marathon in the fall. There is so much to do now that I am starting to imagine myself as possibly doing this.......such as pick the fall marathon that will best fit my schedule and budget and figure out when the official training will begin....anyone else out there running their first marathon soon? would love to hear about your journey and any tips you may have for me.
I am just 14 days away from my first half marathon ever..........I cannot wait!! Then three weeks later I have The Cherry Blossom 10-miler, also in DC. After the two races I think I will start upping my miles very slowly to see if a fall marathon is even possible for this year. Right now, because I have not yet done a complete 13.1 miles EVER, it's hard to imagine doing 26.2 miles. But I think if I can successfully work my body up to even 20 mile long-runs this summer, when I have more time during my vacation. I will have a lot more confidence in my abilities once I can show myself that my body can handle the long miles.
I know in my heart that I will do a marathon very soon, if not this year, next year. I just want to be ready and not injure myself. Doing a marathon when not ready is a perfect recipe for an injury and I do not want to stop running due to injury. Being able to continue running is more important that earning a medal ASAP.
I am also turning 40 this summer. Yes, the big FOUR ZERO! Funny things is that I am stronger and more active now then I ever was in my twenties or thirties....I look forward to many, many more years of races, and weekly long runs. When did you start running?
