Excesses

Shannon and I did our last long run, 6 miles, before the race this morning. We didn't do the 8 miles per the schedule because I thought it was a bit much a week before the race.

I struggled with the first 3 miles. My shins were tight and my legs were still sore from yoga and the run earlier in the week.

The second 3 miles were much better. My body was warmed up and our kept our pace while chatting it up.

I will have only put in about 45% of the miles I should have by race time next week. I can't believe how much I've slacked towards the second half of the training for this race.

We had started off strong and consistent. Injuries, work and life just took over the last month. On top of that, I've stuffed myself like I was storing up for a nuclear winter. Yummy in the tummy but extra pounds means greater propensity for injuries.

I will endeavor to be much better with the food and training for the Vegas race. This won't happen for Nike since we're traveling for the next month and to Italy, to boot. Who watches their diet when in Italy?!

Achingly good

I ran today, my third workout in three days and my body aches so good.

Today's 3 miles were solid. My right shin felt looser and did responded well to the faster pace. I think the yoga session yesterday primed me well for the run.

I had such a feeling of accomplishment during the run. It just clicked. This is why I train; this is what I can do if I keep working on it. I love this feeling.

Tapering

I've been totally remiss with my blogs, reflective of my lackluster workout schedule of late.

We are in the tapering phase for the Disney and it couldn't come soon enough. Now the training schedule finally is achievable! :-)

Did a few runs last week and even managed a longer run with Shannon last Friday. During these last two weeks I plan on focusing more on cross training to keep 'fit' without jeopardizing race day. I happily put in a weight session and a Bikram workout the last two days.

I can't believe that the race is next week. I have enjoyed getting to know Shannon all over again throughout this training season. I am going to miss our runs and chats about things random and personal.

I am glad that we made time for the race and for each other. I am especially grateful to Mark for taking care of the kids while I steal Shannon away each week.

Stuffed rat

I was so good yesterday. I got my butt out in the oddly bright, foggy 'hood for a 5-miler.

I bundled up and looked like a bright lime green sausage fleeing for dear life...well, I wasn't that fast.

I took off the green casing / sweatshirt after the first mile and enjoyed the extremely brisk and cold air. It actually feel good to be making good time in that cooler weather.

I will most likely make another run tomorrow, another good step in getting back to a routine.

Also good because I've been stuffing myself silly with sweets lately. Why oh why does ice cream have to taste so good?

A bit short

Just finished a 7-miler with Shannon. It was suppose to be a 10-miler that was a 12-miler on our training plan (are you following?).

This week topped off what has been a month of lackluster workouts for me. No weekday workouts and abbreviated long runs.

We were both feeling the consequences of not working out regularly. For me, my shins were burning up within the first mile and only eased up a bit around mile 5.

At mile 6, I was crafting my concession speech to Shannon. It going to be something like...Shannon, I'm done.

At mile 7, Shannon caught her breath before I did and told me she was done too! Her plantar fasciitis was acting up.

It was definitely not one of our better runs. We both agree that we could do the 13.1 but would to be more trained for it, for it to be easier on our bodies.

Slacker time is over. Back to the training schedule!