things to do..dishes.check..laundry.check..half marathon.check

So I completed my first half marathon April 26, 2009. The OKC Memorial Marathon. Man what a wonderful venue for this race. This race was very well organized and everything was pretty smooth with not much stress. (other than the running). Parking was a breeze, pre-race check in was not confusing, the crowd was amazing, and there were about 19,000 runners participating. The starting gate was several city blocks long, and amazing site to see. Also the coolest thing was seeing all the runners climbing the first hill of the race (which there were many, contrary to many reviews I read before I entered). It was like a sea of people all trying to complete the same 13.1 or 26.2 mile trek together, way cool.

Well, I didn't finish in a time for the history books, but I think overall I was pleased. I will echo fellow blogger, oz runner, who had calf cramping as well. At mile 11.5 my calf locked up and about sent me to the ground in pain. I had to stop and stretch before continuing to run. I also stopped 1 other time between then and the finish to walk a few feet because the calf was hurting so fast. The crazy thing is about the 12.5 mile we were coming to the finish and there was so many people cheering and ringing cow bells that I looked down at my Garmin and I was finishing at like a 9 min pace, even with the pain of the calf. I just couldn't help it with the energy and excitement that was happening.

My finishing time was 2:09 and would like to try and do another half marathon before doing a complete marathon. I still want to accomplish this goal, at least before the end of 2010.

Props go out to oz runner for finishing your first half, fairweatherrunner for finishing your first full marathon, and my friend Lacy for finishing the full marathon with a time fo 3:37 and qualifying for Boston.....

goodbye for now and "run like someone is after you!!!".

8 more days!!

There is only 8 days before the OKC Marathon. I ran my final long run today, ran 13 miles today and felt pretty good. I ran about 9:45 pace, and although I wasn't breaking any records, I was pleased with how I felt. I ran without my ipod, because they are not allowed in the marathon, and it didn't bother me at all. I am going to run a few short runs next week and take thurs, fri, and sat off to be ready for the race.

I am very excited to be meeting ozrunner and fairweather runner down there for dinner and at the starting line...i hope... See you all there....

Someone shoot me now!!!!

This week has been a grind it out kinda week. You runners out there will know what I am refering to.

Tuesdays run was ok, I ran in the beautiful weather on the west side of town.. I always have my gym bag with me when I leave the house so I can stop and work out at the gym if I have time. My parents live out west and so I stopped there, changed clothes, and out I went...Of course without my ipod, without my GARMIN!!without my GARMIN oh the humanity. The main reason I don't like running without my watch is that I really like to know how far and how fast I am going. Especially since I am trying to keep somewhat of a schedule for the 1/2 marathon in OKC coming up in 11 days. Anyway, I felt like I ran at a fairly good pace and as far as I can tell about 4-4.5 miles.

Then Wednesday came and I had mexican food for lunch (not sure if that had any bearing on it) but my run totally sucked...I felt terrible out there...I didn't forget the garmin but.........it died on me part way thru the run. My legs didn't feel strong and I was really struggling. I would guess I ran about 4 miles again but not at such a good pace.

Then today, the mother of all nightmares, I ran WITH my garmin and my ipod and maybe because I ran 3 days in a row...I'm not sure, but I felt exhausted...I was breathing find and not out of breath, but I had no legs at all. I ran like 3 miles and wanted to stop and did stop and said, FORGET IT!!! I came home and stretched and took an ice bath and was about to huddle up in the bathtub like the character in "The Crying Game", or Jim Carey in the bathroom scene in "Dumb and Dummer". I was pathetic and my attitude was worse. I will for sure take tomorrow off and hope and pray that my body lets me run 13 saturday so I can say I'm ready for next week.

I know that was crazy and probably one big run on sentence, but today I JUST DON'T CARE....

A man on a mission

Well, for those of you who actually follow my blog..I realize that it has been awhile since I posted anything. I think I'm re-dedicated to doing it now.

I am finally back running at about 90% of normal...

I ran 11 on saturday and it felt great...took an ice bath afterwards and that felt great (well as great as it could have felt)... and the leg is holding up thus far.

Only a few more runs this week and one more long one Saturday the 18th (13 miles) and I'm ready for the 1/2 marathon. I have made a choice not to be disappointed about not running the full marathon (due to injury and training time). I have never run a half marathon either, so this will be a stepping stone experience.

Stay tuned for more to come.....