PDR & Virtual Run!!

My morning started super early!!!

Sorry this picture is so dark, but its a picture of my pre-run food, a slice of toast with peanut butter. It was taken at 5:40 this morning.  I started my run at 6:30 and ran the first 3 miles alone. It was a beautiful morning and I enjoyed the alone miles lost in my thoughts. Happily, Jen, Krista and Sarah were there to join for my next 12 miles. It was a hilly run, but enjoyable. 

They offered to join me on this long run even though they aren't training for a marathon. They understand how hard long runs can be- especially alone. Mile 7 brought some welcomed rain. It felt great and I felt renewed. Crazy how running can be an amazing stress reliever. I have been going through many changes and not handling them too well. Running has helped me to center myself for what is to come. At mile 10, two of the ladies needed to head home, but Krista was kind enough to continue on. Seriously- running and chatting help the miles to flow. Sadly, I was alone for my my last 2 miles. All I could think was, "Wow, I am still running after 13 miles!"

15 MILES!!!!

Woohoo, I did it! I finished in 2:49:47 with an average of 11:19 per mile. It is a training run and I needed to get the mileage in. My ankle is not 100% but it has felt the best it has in a few weeks!!! Considering this was a training run and my ankle is sssssooooorrrrrreeeeee, I am satisfied with my time.

My well earned post run treat:) So happy that I did not deal with any tummy issues!

This run was also my Virtual Labor Day Run!! I hope I win something!!

Continue to Run

Well, I went to the doctor this morning to have my ankle looked at. The physical therapists where I work have taken pretty good care of me, but still suggested that I go have my ankle checked out. I had x-rays taken and thankfully there were no stress fractures. Bottom line.....overuse. The doctor noticed some swelling and I was told to "take it easy." Ummmmm, I have a 15 miler on my training plan Saturday. I explained my upcoming marathon. My training program and what it consisted of. When the doctor saw my tears welling up, he suggested we try a few things. Since the pain is no worse running, I can continue to run. I need to ICE ICE ICE. I am not one to take any medicines but recommended ibuprofen. Continue to have it taped. After a few more suggestions he said that he would consider a cortisone shot but not until I was closer to marathon time. I still have way too many training miles. So, I did leave with some hope. 

When I got to work I grabbed a tech and said, "I need to ICE my ankle!" 

I got home from work around 3:30 and looked around for some pre run food.

Oops sorry this is sideways. I figured a smoothie was perfect.I added was a frozen banana, a tablespoon vanilla and lots of spinach.

YUMMY!! Such a pretty green.

I headed out for a run after my smoothie settled. I wanted to show you a picture of my heartrate monitor. It sits right under my sportsbra. Honestly it does not move and I do not feel it. It sends signals to my Garmin watch and shows me my rate. I ran/walked 4 miles tonight. My ankle still no better no worse.

I made myself a quick dinner of eggs and a slice of toast. I am off to a meeting!!

Anyone else struggling with a running injury????

Getting FASTER!

I set another PR!!!! Super excited and the race could not have gone better!!! Managed to get a great night sleep before the alarm at 5:15. Everything was all laid out the night before so it was smooth sailing out the door.

Pre race food in the car. Only managed half the banana. The drive to the race was only about 30 minutes. There was a big backup to park in the grassy fields, but we had plenty of time to spare. 7500 runners today!

The weather was cloudy and overcast with some sprinkles. Perfect weather to run. I started in a long line for the porta johns, when a gentleman approached us and said to follow him. He unlocked the side door of another building where there was a beautiful, spotless, amazing bathroom!! I was able to use this bathroom 3 times before the race with the start line just a few yards away. Seriously, it does not get any better then that!!!! 

The course was awesome. So many in the community came out to cheer us on. The half miler ran us through downtown Frederick and neighboring communities. The volunteers were amazing! They had plenty of water stops. I even saw several residents had signs saying we could use their bathroom in their home!

Even though it was cloudy and misty, it was very HUMID. I had my hair in a braided ponytail and I had sweat dripping off the braid down my back. 

Running is so mental for me. Just talking to myself the entire time to keep going. I was amazed how great I felt even though I had run a half just a week ago.  

I still can't believe that I PRd again!!!!!! My Garmin said 2:19 but my official race time was 2:20. That is 3 minutes faster then last week and my best half time so far:) I think my average was 10:32 mm.

Jess and I ran together for about the first 7 miles! She got tired of running with the old lady and set out for her own PR! Jess ran the Marine Corp Marathon in the fall. My inspiration. 

Notice all my metals?? 

Running two halfs in a week makes me a Titanium Girl :)

My husband enjoyed my free beverage coupons! I was excited to see him along the course at mile 3. 

The food after the race was awesome and provided by Wegmans again. The food rocked. Plenty for all the runners and there were no lines. After running 13.1 miles you do not want to stand in a line!! I had a banana and half a plain bagel with plenty of water.

We stopped for breakfast on our way home at a cute diner near our home. I had a vegetarian omelet without cheese and two slices of ww toast.

The weather for the rest of the day continued to be cloudy. A perfect day for a nap. While I napped the family ordered some pizza.

Super thin crust veggie. So good but not super hungry.

Found these in the cabinet today!! Nice single serving size bag:)

Dinner ended up being another slice of pizza. 

Enjoyed some tootsies tonight!! Not sure why but I was craving sugar:)

A nice warm bath and comfy pjs round out my great day. Sleeping with my compression socks on for sure. Plan to do some foam rolling before I hit the bed and watch Amazing Race!!

Hope everyone had a great weekend!!