Starting so many runs downhill and throwing in a couple of gnarly uphills in the middle of the run. Ending so many runs on the beach bike path, because it makes me smile.
There have been a few times over the last couple of weeks, where I am ending my run at the beach - and there are people... people strolling along with their partner, holding hands, laughing at a joke. People slowly riding on their beach cruisers, sunglasses firmly on their face without a care in the world.
I go (what feels like to me) rushing by, running with all my heart, determined to nail a workout. Sometimes I feel like a tiny, tiny part of me wonders, "What if I stopped right now, plopped down on the sand and had a big, huge lemonade?" "Why don't I do that and stop all of this crazy running?"
Then I think about Boston. That all the hard work will pay off and it will be so sweet to make that trip into Hopkinton and run a victory lap to celebrate this past year. The struggle, the pain, the uncertainity, the fear. What if I can't run again? What if it doesn't feel the same? What if...
These legs are made for running, and that's just what I'll do...
I feel stronger every day. I know in my mind I have so much potential and more speed in my legs waiting patiently to come out. Because it takes patience, time and consistency.
I received a really cool award for getting 3rd place in my age group at the Surf City Half Marathon last month. It came at such a good time in my training and was a reminder that I can do hard things. Even though I am running 50+ and 60 mile weeks and focusing on my kids + making sure I am eating, drinking, sleeping, weight training, core exercises, yoga, rolling my muscles, etc. etc.
I am strong and I can do hard things.
Oh, and reading. I'm always reading a new book about running.
I hope that in some small way my kids are watching and that I can inspire them to do cool things in their life. Cool things don't come easy, you have to practice every day...
Practice!
And lately I have been using running so much to explain to Josh how to get through hard things. "Don't look at all the homework in one big chunk, just take it one step at a time. Run the mile you're in" :)
When they love on each other, it makes my heart swell...
She truly loves her brother.
Last week was a topsy, turvy ride in my training. I got sick on Tuesday evening and was in bed ALL day on Wednesday. Whoa, didn't see that coming. My speed workout of the week was 3 x 2 miles at 6:55 - 7:05 pace. I moved it when I got sick and decided to get it done on Thursday. My body decided otherwise. It was like watching a car run completely out of gas. I warmed up for 3 miles and then began the first set of 2 miles. First mile 6:56. Then in the second mile my body started to hurt so badly - not the "I can't run this pace" hurt. No, it was a completely depleted, awful feeling, and I practically collapsed at 1.8 miles into the set. I sat under a tree and cried a bit. My body just wouldn't go anymore. I know I was dehydrated as I couldn't seem to accept a lot of fluids the day before. So, I decided to try the workout again and if my body didn't want to do it, I wasn't going to push. 2nd set, started off and about .25 into the first mile it was over. O.V.E.R. Go home.
I ended up running at a much slower pace and then called it a day.
Friday, I woke up feeling so much better. My coach gave me the option to rest and I took it. I had the thought to try the workout again, but in the end I decided to just rest.
I went down to Newport Beach for our annual girl's weekend with some of my college girlfriends. It was so relaxing and so fun.
On Saturday, I woke up at 5:30 am for an 11 mile run around the back bay in Newport...
Spring is here!
A sunset boat ride around the bay before dinner...
Sunday, I left Newport and stopped to run 16 miles before I headed home to the fam. It turned out to be such a wonderful cap to the week after a shaky beginning.
Training cycles are not perfect - you have to roll with it and listen to your body.
Monday March 7th - Josh's birthday!!! My 9 year old sweet boy. I can remember the nurses handing my 3 pound 16 ounce (I suffered from Preeclampia for each of my pregnancies) precious baby boy born 5 week early. I was in complete awe of him - so thrilled to have a son, and yet couldn't believe how tiny he was. They let me try and nurse him for a couple of minutes before they had to rush him to the NICU. They kept me in bed for more than 13 hours before I would be allowed to get out of bed (wheel chair) to go and see my baby.
8 miles on the treadmill today to celebrate.
Tuesday March 8th - 7 miles on the treadmill.
Wednesday March 9th - SICK. Slept all day.
Thursday March 10th - 10 miles, with two attempts to run the speed workout.
Friday March 11th - REST
Saturday March 12th - 11 miles
Sunday March 13th - 16 miles at 7:40 pace.
Splits: 7:51, 730, 7:20, 7:32, 7:39, 7:38, 7:37, 7:39, 7:33, 7:34, 7:39, 7:39, 7:38, 7:45, 8:28 >---- a crazy 1 mile hill at mile 15? ummm, ok!, 7:27)
Total miles: 52
THE WINNER of the Be Fit nutritional giveaway is...
Marie Ray!! CONGRATS!!
Do you have a green running outfit planned for St. Patrick's Day?
Anyone racing this weekend?
Happiness Is Running Life!
xo,
Natalie
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