How I started.

I have always been an athlete. I fell in love with the competition more than the sports themselves, but after finishing high school I realized that it wasn't realistic to think that I could really do competitive team sports anymore. So, I started to run. I remember when I was in college, I thought a mile was a "long run." Back then I used numerous exercise machines to stay in shape: ellipticals, treadmills, stair steppers, etc. Until, finally, I decided to sign up for a 5k, and I trained hard to prepare. I didn't do as badly as I thought I would. After my first 5k, I was addicted! 

Later, I moved to ABQ, and got myself a running partner. My good friend, Stephanie, was on the same running plan as I was. I remember us thinking that three miles was a HUGE accomplishment. We ran our first 5k race at around 9:30 min/mi, which was speedy in our eyes. We kept running, making sure that our normal distance was at least a 5k. Soon, Stephanie moved to LA, and the move left us both without a running partner. :(

We then decided to sign up for a half marathon: The Shoreline Half in Ventura. We trained using the Hal Higdon Intermediate program. This program helped us learn the safe way to push our bodies. We became long distance running partners, encouraging one another by checking in daily, and holding one another accountable. We were both excited and nervous for the actual race. The anticipation was killing us. Our goal was to run it in under two hours, and we beat it at 1:46:53! Our average pace was 8 min/mi, we couldn't believe it! 

Starting out, it was unfathomable to even think we could run 13.1 miles!!! The Hal Higdon training program had us running short runs during the week, and on Saturday, with only one long run on the weekend. We added a mile to our long run each week. It was a very realistic schedule, one I would never want to toss out. 

Today, I am training for my second half marathon. Steph and I are not running this one together, but we signed up for a race on the same day: October 27th. I know that running without her, I will probably not make the 8 min/mi pace, but I will try my best. This race will be here in Albuquerque, therefore it won't be at sea level, which is another factor that will hinder my performance. I am definitely not expecting a PR on this one. 

I just love running, I love how I feel before, during, and after a run. I love how I have to be strong mentally, as well as physically. 

Steph and I will sign up for our first marathon by January. We decided to do the Rock 'n' Roll in San Diego in June of 2014.

Today I went to Body Pump to strengthen my muscles, and our trainer decided to end the class with some Insanity. WOW! My back has been bothering me a little bit, and I know I should probably take it easy, but I absolutely hate to miss a day. 

My husband, Conrad, and may do a 5k later this evening. Hal Higdon says that I need to lift and run three miles, so I better get both in today! :) I have just been reading that if you are hurt, you should take it easy, and I think I need to start listening, before it is too late.

When I started this entry, I started it by saying that I thought a mile was a long run, but I truly think that I am only beginning to understand what a "long run" truly is. :)