A couple quick notes on the past few weeks:
--I've been running about 3-5 times a week, which is so much better than I had been doing before.
--I ran my second 5k of 2013 last Sunday February, 17. It was the Helping Hands Run benefiting Hospice of the Valley. The race went great! I pushed myself and felt pretty good throughout. And I ended up shaving just under 6 minutes off my previous 5k time! I finished in 38:18 and was SO proud of myself!
--Monday after my 5k (Ideally, I really should have taken a day off, but it just didn't work out that way), I went on my first "long" run. I was uncertain how well it would go. I strategically placed my route along the way to a few friends' houses in case I felt like I was dying. I ended up running 6.7 miles. That's right - 6.7 miles! I couldn't believe it. I didn't stop to walk once, and I was beyond proud of myself. For the first time, I really experienced what willpower can do. I don't think that I mentally thought I could do it. I just kept telling myself I could make it, and not to quit, and I did it. I almost cried afterward, and then called my mom, dad and Bebo (grandma) because I was so excited! Did I mention I was really excited? ;-)
--After my long run, I took a few days off. Holy Cow! did my legs hurt! But a good hurt.
--Last night, I went for a run with my friend Jackie. I had a really busy night and was glad she encouraged me to go run (I had a lot of stuff to get done, and the time didn't seem like it was going to work out). We did a brisk 2.5 miles and I felt great. At the end, I felt like I could have gone a few more miles (if I only had enough time!). This was the first run I actually kind of enjoyed and wanted to keep going. Could it be? I might be starting to enjoy running?! Crazy talk right there :)
Those are my updates for now! Today, I head to Cali for the weekend. Going to get a longer run in tomorrow (anywhere from 4-8, we'll see what I'm feeling). I've got my first 10k next weekend and a 17k the weekend after! We're getting closer and closer to the half-marathon. For the first time since signing up, I actually feel like I can do it!
