Weekend Wrap Up!

The weekend is over! Now Monday is almost over. I'm posting late. Anyway - Over the weekend I was in need of a new running route. I run around the same area all the time and I just need new scenery. I went off base around the trails on Saturday but I didn't really like the trail so I'll  keep running on my regular route. My friend and I ran 6 miles. omg I thought I was going to die. I literally had to take a walking break every two to five minutes. I'm not sure what was wrong, my legs just wouldn't go.

It was nice to run somewhere different though. We came across a trail that had a statue of an elephant and giraffe. Not sure why those are there. They're completely out of place. LOL

Miles For Boston

Runners around the country and the world for that matter, have truly come together in the wake of the Boston Marathon bombings. Runners are uniting by dedicating their "miles run" to everyone who has been effected by this tragedy. This is the way runners pay their respects and support for the Boston bombing victims. Runners have a really strong bond together, so people who aren't runners might not really understand how this shows support but runners understand.

In my area, about 80 local runners and walkers met for a Boston remembrance run. I brought two of my friends with me, one is a runner and the other is not. We ran about 4 miles. I was very impressed with my "non" runner friend. She was able to run 4 miles with only a few brief walking moments. I'm so proud of her :)

The run itself was pretty fun. We didn't focus on time at all. I even chatted with some people I didn't know, about marathons we have run in the past. During the run drivers honked at us as they drove by, people waved at us, some people stepped out of businesses and stores to cheer us on. Everyone was great. I'm so glad I was able to participate in this event.

Dolphin Dash 10k Race Recap

Last weekend I ran in the 10k Dolphin Dash on base. It was my FIRST race of 2013!!

I have only run 6 miles twice, two weeks prior to this event. The past few months I've been running about 2 to 3 miles at a time. I knew I wouldn't set a PR because the race included HILLS. Hills that I am very familiar with and they kick my ass every time.

I've been experiencing some calf and shin pain lately ( I know, I'm full of excuses) so prior to the race I took a bayer to help relieve some of the pain.





10k Dolphin Dash Race Recap:

Mile 1 - I started slow. The first large hill came about a half mile in to the race which I CONQUERED!!  Going up this hill fast or slow, the hill gets me every time. Not during this race though. I was able to run up the entire hill with out stopping, and I was able to control my breathing the entire way up. Usually when I run up this hill I am completely out of breath and have to stop once I get to the top. Well once I got to the top, I kept running! No walking break was necessary.

Mile 2- After the first large hill I managed to pick up the pace. Then I came across the second hill. Once again, I owned it!!! Still no walking break needed.

Mile 3- I picked up the pace a little more. Came across 2 more hills, once again without stoping!  I did slow down once I reached the top of the last hill. Thirty seconds later I was able to pick up the pace again, even threw in some sprints.

Mile 4- At this point I'm like "okay, when is this race going to end?" I was tired, slowed down some but I kept running.

Mile 5- This was probably the toughest mile for me because I was running against the wind.

Mile 6- Last half of mile 6 I ran as fast as I could to the finish line!

10k time: 56:20


Overall I was very impressed with my time given the fact that I haven't run a 10k in a while. I didn't walk once, and I was able to run up each hill with out stopping.  Amazing run if you ask me!

Although I didn't set a PR, I managed to get third place in my age group. I think there were only about 8 of us in my age group but I'm still grateful I placed.

Pray For Boston

I had planned on running last night but after hearing about the bombings I did not want to run. I was angry and sad, just full of emotions really. Running across that finish line is suppose to be one of the most memorable moments in your life. Having run two marathons myself, I can't help but think what if that was me getting ready to cross the finish line when the tragedy struck. I've had family members and friends wait for me at the finish. As a runner and a parent, I feel deeply affected by this (as I am sure most of you are).

The spectators at races give runners words of encouragement and hope that help keep us going. If there weren't any spectators at marathons, how many of you would actually want to run in a marathon? Not me.

To all spectators and volunteers: you probably don't hear this enough, THANK YOU, we (runners) truly do appreciate you.

To the running community: We all share a common bond. We will persevere.

My upcoming runs and races will be dedicated to everyone who have directly affected by this tragedy.