T-47 Days to the Half Marathon

I did a 7 mile long "run" today. I say "run" because I walked long chunks of it today. My knees were both hurting me- that's new. And I am recovering from a sinus infection/cold/something-or-other, and don't want to either make myself worse or lengthen my recovery.

Still, my average pace was a 13.5 minute mile, which means my running pace was probably quicker than a 12 minute mile when I was actually running. I feel good about that! I cannot believe that I really have just a little over a month until I head off for this half; it feels like I've been training forever!

Today I had two dogs charge me (a Chocolate Lab would was retrieved by his owner, and a cattle dog who responded to my command to "go home!"), and I had a runner pass me twice: once as he ran in the opposite direction I was, and once upon his return. He was a smooth, lithe, fast runner with great form, and a perfect footstrike. I am so grateful that I have never seen myself run; I'm sure I'd have quit if I had.

I went to two jewelry shows yesterday and today. I have to start thinking about what jewelry I will wear for the half. Should be the least of my worries, yes, but nonetheless. I want the earrings to be light enough to not bug me, but cute for pictures. Necklace? I've never run with one on, but all the Olympic sprinters do, so it must be possible. I'll wear my wedding and engagement rings only, because my fingers swell as I run and that can get uncomfortable. Decisions, decisions.

T-54 Days to the Half Marathon

I've been busy helping with our school's fall musical: "Willy Wonka". It was a huge success, and the concession stand I coordinated raised $935!! That's a huge help for covering expenses, so I feel good.

I also feel tired. It is getting increasingly harder to squeeze my runs into daylight hours, and these weeks leading up to Thanksgiving break are hard on a teacher. For one thing, the musical. This coming week is parent conferences. The kids are getting nutty. It just adds up to energy needed > energy available.

I have been bugging a few friends about Disney. How much will meals cost? If I do only one park, what should it be? How long is the shuttle ride from the airport to my hotel in the park? I am bugging myself. Luckily, now that the play is over, I will just ask my co-worker Jerry. He was the director of "Wonka"; he is also the biggest Disney fan I know. That's his license plate, even. Time to pump him for some information.

I have a pair of running capris and a personalized singlet ready to be purchased online. I just need to pull the trigger. Half marathon outfit- WAHOO!

T-62 Days to the Half Marathon

I did the 5K "Halloween Hustle" today with my friend and co-worker Jen D. The course didn't have any mile markers, so I wasn't sure how my time was or how much longer I had to go in the race at different stages. My ankles and heels were giving me a lot of trouble, and it was very cold! However, we finished in about 36:30, which is where I usually am. My endurance was actually pretty good; the pain from mid-shin down was all I wasn't really happy with as far as my performance goes.

I am getting pretty anxious/excited for the Disney Half- as of Monday, it's only 2 months away! My other friend and co-worker Jenn S. is running the NYC Marathon tomorrow with the LiveStrong team. Then I have two friends and co-workers doing the Disney with me. I am so inspired by other runners, and I also like to know we are all suffering together, HA!

The podiatrist said that my symptoms align pretty much with plantar fasciitis. He said I can continue to train and race, but that I should take time for non-impact activities and rest once the half marathon has passed. No problem- I think I'll be ready for a bit of a break by then. I wish there was just a pill he could give me so I was pain-free, but next to that, this was the best news I could receive.

All my $20 co-pays are really adding up, though! I should run Disney as a fund raiser to reimburse myself!