A great loop...finally!

I met my running group Saturday at 7 a.m. (later than our normal 6:00 or even 5:45 time) to run a loop...9 miles. The run was great! Finally! I have been so frustrated with running lately (post marathon). I've been exhausted during runs, felt winded and slow, etc. FINALLY...a good loop! It was nice to take it slower than usual and to enjoy company. I'm looking forward to running more through the holidays and with my friends!!

Dallas White Rock 1/2 Marathon

There was nothing easy about the 1/2 marathon today. It started with warmer weather (I live in Dallas, did I expect it to be anything less than warm?!) and a windy sky. Miles 1-8 were good - I ran with my fellow running group, but at mile 9, things got hard. We turned to head back to the finish line area (American Airlines) and when we hit McCommas, it was uphill. My legs started feeling like tree trunks and no matter what song I decided to play on my Shuffle, it didn't make me feel better. I took a Power Gel, but even that didn't help. My saving grace was the fact the rest of the course was downhill after mile 10. My friend was running with me and even though he tried to tell stories since he knew I was hurting, it didn't seem to make a difference...I just kept pounding the pavement! Mile 13 came and went...and then I was finished. Finally! What I now know for next time is that if you want to run a 1/2 marathon after a full (or after your training season)....make sure you get more than 5 or so runs in within the 5 weeks post marathon...that extra training would have helped me make it through without feeling so bad!! Now...time to rest, start shorter distance runs and get ready for the Quick Beat program!! 5K's and 10K's, here I come!! The half and full marathons are on the shelf for a few months!!