Long Runs -- 9/18 - 9/24

[Deborajen]

Did my first half marathon today!

The weather was almost perfect. Temps were in the upper 50's, partly cloudy. The wind was a little gusty every now and then. I like to wear a ball cap when I run in cool weather, and it nearly got blown off several times, but that's no biggie.

I managed to keep it slow at the beginning. Stayed at the back of the runners/ahead of the walkers, but I still went a little faster than I'd planned. It felt good, though, so I kept plugging away. The first half was awesome. Felt great and kept running at a steady pace. We turned around at 6 1/2 miles and I walked a little here and there to shake my legs out during the second half. The last mile was the toughest, but what I wanted was to finish and finish strong - no wobbling or belly flops at the finish line - so I just took my time. I finally got there - 2 hours and 36 minutes. I really didn't think I could do any better than 2' 45" so I was really surprised to see it on the clock.

Thought about the TE running peloton all through the race and how I'd have to fess up if I didn't finish or if I went easier than I could've. It sure did help. Thanks for all the support.

I'll have a lot of good memories from today. The frosting on the cake, though, was getting home and finding out my shorts were on backwards. ( I'm such a dork!) (Not a good idea, either - the tags really chafed my tummy!)

Deb

[Bikingmomof3]

Congrats Deborajen! I love the fact you ran so well and wore your shorts backwards.

[btchance]

Congrats to both of you! Had to laugh about the part with the shorts on backwards. That is something I can totally see myself doing!

[Lise]

Congratulations, Deb!!! Funny about the shorts. I have a talent for doing things backwards myself. Wind is tough to run in, so good for you on your time, too. I'm glad it was such a good run for you. There's nothing like the energy of the crowd that lifts you up!

[Brina]

Deb and Limewire, congrats on your races. Limewire, awesome time. I wish I could do a half that fast. I can do just barely over a 10 min mile, but only for one mile. Deb, too funny about the shorts. You rock.


My "long run" turned out to be only a 5 mile today - it was supposed to be 8, but I just ran out of time. I had to teach sunday school (not just assist like usual) and my one son had hockey this afternoon, then they both had a birthday party to attend, and then I thought I was going to take them swimming, but read the schedule wrong and the pool was closed by the time the birthday party was over.

Lise, as for the HRM, I think they do have a place in training. I know that as a biginning runner I sometimes don't know when I am pushing too hard, versus pushing the right amount of hard. By running with an HRM I have been able to get faster. Then again, I am a bit geeky.

[colby]

Lise, as for the HRM, I think they do have a place in training. I know that as a biginning runner I sometimes don't know when I am pushing too hard, versus pushing the right amount of hard. By running with an HRM I have been able to get faster. Then again, I am a bit geeky.

My boss refers to herself as an "information junkie" -- she wears her HRM every time she works out (Sounds better than a geek, right? )

[colby]

Congrats, Deborajen! If you can run that well with your pants on backwards, imagine what will happen when you put them on correctly

[Deborajen]

Congrats, Deborajen! If you can run that well with your pants on backwards, imagine what will happen when you put them on correctly

My thoughts exactly! Either that or wearing the pants backwards is the secret to a good run!

Guess I got a little excited and then spaced out getting things ready, but I had a great time. I'm still on cloud nine. Looking forward to hearing everyone else's reports.

Deb

[kaybee]

Woo hoo! You both did great. How does it feel to have it over with? Do you feel relief or a let down?

KB

[limewave]

I feel dread for the upcoming marathon I'll definitely be glad to have that over with!

Congrats, Deb! And too funny about your shorts. I probably would have gotten a wedgie if I had done that.