Sunday Runday!

(I stole that title from Becky, I like it!)

I have a secret.  On April 18th, I'm going to run a pretty important race.  I'm not going to go into details on how I got a number, but I got one.  So that leaves me with 5 weeks to get marathon ready.

I ran 16.04 miles today.  I ran 4 by myself around my neighborhood and when I got back, Becky was waiting for me.  With a small break to grab my water bottle, we were off for 12 more miles.

While running the 4, I felt tired and sort of defeated.  And I thought of a chat I had with Kimmy last week. We actually had our first "fight" on Gchat.  After finding out about getting a number, I then went on the search for a running partner.  What can I say, I prefer to run with people and running 26.2 miles by myself doesn't really appeal to me.  If there is someone out there around my pace, I hope to run together for some of the miles.  Anyway, Kim had asked me something along the lines of "do you ever run races by yourself?" (and then I totally overreacted and got all offended by that question, sorry Swimmy)! And yes, I do, but I prefer not to.  But thats just me.  Running alone is fine and I can push myself, but my mind often gets negative and I get defeated.  Running with a partner keeps me motivated, keeps me entertained and well, it's more fun.  I will wake up at 4am to run with Nancy before work, I will travel far to run with a friend.. I'll drag my husband with me or make my brother run at my pace. I pretty much do whatever it takes to run with someone else and to make this highly individual sport, a team activity : )

So today was no exception.  I met up with Becky at the perfect time and together we ran 12 miles together. We ran through where I live now and my hometown and we talked each others faces off.  I'm not going to say it was easy.  I definitely started struggling around mile 10 and again around 14, but we made it through and Becky totally encouraged me the entire time.  This is the longest run I've done since November 7th (NY Marathon) and it feels good to get a 16 under my belt.

Ran 16.04 Miles/ 2:31:51/ 9:28 pace

Miles 1-4 Alone

Mile 1: 8:47

Mile 2: 9:28 (uphill)

Mile 3: 9:18

Mile 4: 9:15

---------------

Miles 5-16 with Becky!

Mile 5: 9:12

Mile 6: 9:10

Mile 7: 9:14

Mile 8: 9:17

Mile 9: 9:41

Mile 10: 10:15 

(we stopped here to eat some food, didn't stop watch)

Mile 11: 9:22

Mile 12: 9:31

Mile 13: 9:32

Mile 14: 10:07 

(holllyyy wind, stop light and I'm struggling)

Mile 15: 9:41

Mile 16: 9:31

My aggressive plan for the next few weeks is this:
3/13: 16 miles
3/19: 18 miles
3/26: National Half 13.1 + running some miles at the end of Becky's marathon
4/2: 20 miles
4/9: 10 miles
4/18: RACE

So that's my plan.  I have this opportunity and I want to attempt to run it because I may never get this chance again. My physical therapist thinks I can do this and although he wouldn't suggest this schedule for everyone, he thinks I can do it.  My brother isn't quite as supportive.  Mainly because we've watched this race together pretty much my entire life.  I grew up on the course and it's one of my favorite days of the year. Wish me luck!

Weekly Recap of Workouts:

Monday 3/7: 

Day Off

Tuesday 3/8:

4 Miles Easy, 36:16

Wednesday 3/9: 

Physical Therapy

Thursday 3/10:

4 Miles Easy 35:07

Friday 3/11: 

Physical Therapy

Saturday 3/12:

Day Off

Sunday 3/13:

16.04 Miles with Becky, 9:28 pace

Total: 3 days running, 24.04 miles, 2 days cross train, 2 day lifting, 2 Days PT, 2 Days off