Thursday, March 8, 2012

Hello, Rest Days!

I have rested a lot this week.  HA.  Technically, yes.  I ran 0 this week.  On Sunday my nice friend ran about 7 miles with me.  Overall I felt great.  We took a few walk breaks which I won't complain about.  I think it was probably better for my IT band to ease into it, but other than being a little tight my legs felt good.  It was nice having company.  Then Monday hit.  I had my class this week so Monday and Tuesday were crazy trying to get Maddux and I where we needed to be.  Wednesday I had to rush home to walk and feed my pup and then I had to head back to work for a little bit.  I was planning on running tonight, but I am just exhausted.  The past two days I have woken up in the morning and thought "I am not going to make it."  Past experiences have proven to me that runs can make me feel millions of times better.  Past experiences have also shown me that drinking a large glass of wine and cuddling with my dog are exactly what I wanted/needed.  Am I lazy?  Absolutely.  I can say that I am feeling much more rested after taking a break to sit down after going and going nonstop all week.  I am ready to tackle a good run tomorrow.

I am getting nervous because the race is now 9 days away.  I'm trying to get in the mindset of "it is what it is."  There will be no miraculous getting in shape.  I'll just have to see if what I did was enough to let me at least survive the race.  Regardless of how my time ends up being, I am excited.  I think it's going to be a lot of fun to have bands playing throughout the course.  It's also going to be fun to explore the city on foot.  I don't spend a lot of time in DC (once you drive home from work you don't always feel like going back...) and I think it's going to be a great atmosphere.  I love race days.  I do admit that race days are more exciting when you know you've put forth the hard work and feel prepared, but hey, sometimes life happens.  I guess I didn't realize how crazy life would be with the class and having my pup and just trying to balance working and life in general.  The last half marathon I trained for was in college.  I miss college.  Flexible schedules = flexible running.  I am either going to have to admit to myself that I should do summer big races and little ones throughout the work year or find some way to make it work with a busy life. Either way I need to refocus my commitment to running.

Annnnd enough random thoughts for one night.  Although I do have a resolution update!  Maddux is signed up for his dog class!  I will finally be able to cross one of my list!  Happy (almost) Weekend!!

Friday, March 2, 2012

2 Month Break, No Big Deal

It is absolutely ridiculous how fast 2012 is going by already.  I've been busy with working, class, and of course fun (and running!!).  First some highlights from the fabulous 2012 months:

The man friend and I cashed in on our Christmas presents to each other.  I got to go to my first Caps game!  They beat the Carolina Hurricanes.  Obviously I am good luck.  We also went to the Jack's Mannequin concert which somehow went undocumented.  


I made it home for Presidents' Day weekend to spend time with my parents and big sister.  These bad boys were baked:


I also made oreo cheesecake cookies which are also amazing. I pretend that I run a lot of miles and that eating so many cookies is completely normal.  I ran 8 solo miles on a trail near my parents' house and a few more on Monday before I headed back.  I dare you to say I didn't earn that cookie.

Maddux and I also packed up the car and headed south to Williamsburg and my old hometown in Virginia to visit my brother and best friend.  Ben and his girl friend ran a few miles with me in beautiful Williamsburg and it was a great change of pace.  Then Maddux got to meet my college roommate before we headed down to celebrate my best friend earning her LPN license!

  Check out this party animal.

My half marathon is 15 days away.  I am getting nervous  I had grand plans to run 10 miles last weekend, but my IT band was acting up so it didn't happen.  I foam rolled like a champion the past couple days and took a couple of rest days which seemed to help.  My past two runs have been pain free, although I was cautious with my pace.  I'll just have to be careful and make sure I stretch (ha) and foam roll more, especially after the longer runs.  Realistically, I do not think a PR is in my future for this run.  I haven't been training as hard as I should and to be honest, I think I'll be lucky if I finish without wanting to die.  One day I'm going to learn.  You would think for someone who actually likes to run, I would be better at following a (rough) plan.  

On a completely different note, I am seriously considering spending $100 on Brooks gear to get a VIP potty pass at the race.  It's a good excuse to shop and being able to avoid a portapotty seems totally worth it....

Enough with the crazy rambling.  Happy weekend!