Long Run

I needed to log 16 miles this weekend. But Saturday after my race it was pouring. Then yesterday when I could have fit a run in Jorden's schedule it was hot and humid! So I gave up and said I'd go this morning.

It was so tempting to stay in bed when my alarm went off at five! But I didn't. I got up, pumped, ate, loaded up my stuff and headed out.

I drove Jorden's car down to my parents house where I parked and headed out. Jorden is so supportive and helpful to help me get my training in. Anyway, he loaded all the girls up and brought them down to my parents, and then took his car back to work. All while I was out running.

Have I mentioned I can't do loops that loop by someplace I could stop? Well, I can't. If I start to feel tired and loop past my house I'm going to stop. I'm just that pathetic. So I've started doing out and backs or point to point runs.

Since I started the run before the sun came up I ran through the neighborhood by my parents and then headed out for my out and back.  It was going good.

But holy hills. HOLY HILLS. FOR THE LOVE!!! THE HILLS!!!

Thankfully Chicago is known for being a flat fast course! Yeeesh.

My SPD still acts up as I go up hills. If I walk and keep more upright it doesn't feel so horrible, but running up the hills is just not happening. So I walked the hills, and there were a lot. A. Lot.

I felt like I was on top of my hydration and salt intake. I was doing good. I felt good.

Then boom.

Mile 14.

Suddenly I was starving.

I totally bonked.

I was so bummed. I could hardly walk forward! I finally decided instead of looping through the neighborhood I would just head to my parents. So it ended up at 15 instead of 16. Womp Womp.

2:46:48 for 15 miles

Thats a pace of 11:04.

I was not happy with that final pace at all. I felt like I put out a lot more effort than an 11 min pace!!

But as I cooled off and walked slowly the last .2 miles home I reminded myself that I'm only 4 months post pardum. I'm 4 months post c-section.  I'm 4 months post respiratory arrest. And I'm doing better than I could have ever dreamed.  I celebrated every breath. I was so thankful for the fact that I could even hit 15 miles!!

So while it's easy to get down on myself, I'm damn proud of where I am already!

Now it's time to really zero in on nutrition on my runs!

But the best part of my run?

Coming home and snuggling with Mabrey and her enjoying some breakfast! 

Scars Scream

Headed out for what was supposed to be a 12-13 mile run this morning. Everything for the first 4 miles went great!!

Headed out with a great group of runners, some of which split off to do their couch to 5k training, and the rest of us headed out for the first 6 mile loop.  I'm part of the Sunset Coast Striders which is a local running club and they.are.awesome.  Such an awesome group and I love going out with them!

We headed through Ironman Village that was being set up in preparation for tomorrow's Steelhead 70.3.  There is SO much energy in the village! It's just awesome. I can't wait to be a part of the race next year!! I so wish I would have just gone ahead and done it, but at the same time, I'm so glad that next year I'll have had enough time to train and I'll have a time I'm proud of! 

Anyway, mile 4 hit and I got a huge cramp in my right hip that cramped all the way up into my belly and side. I slowed down for a couple minutes and walked to stretch it out, started to feel a lot better and then my c-section scar started to scream at me.  It felt like it was on fire. I was in so much pain.  I wanted to keep going, but there are some times when you have to listen to your body...and today was one of those.  

So I packed up and headed home to ice my scar, totally discouraged with my 5 mile run that should have been 13, but at the same time...I'm happy with my 5 mile run because the first 4 miles were rocking! 

But on the bright side, when we got home later my new Newton's were here!! I convinced Jorden I needed new shoes so he gave me a $150 budget. I started looking online and found these on clearance and was able to get both pairs for a total of $138!! I'm super excited! I wore the purple ones around the house and they are so comfy! I can't wait to break both pairs in!!

Newton Gravity                  Newton Energy NR

 I seriously need a sponsor to fund my racing gear!