Better training ... Better race?

Running in the Polar Dash certainly helped me pick my training back up. Maybe it is the new year calling to me, or maybe it is the unbelievable weather (50+ degrees?) that have helped me re-commit to my 1/2 marathon training. Whatever it is, I am glad that it is back and I am happy to be training! I know I need the training, I want to break 2:30 in Disney, and that will only come from running! But I also know I cannot push it too hard, as I do have some sort of hip issue, and even though I am in denial most of the time, it does hurt and it does cause me to run slower. 

Something that has helped my hip is using KT tape. I have used this sort of tape before to tape my shin splints, but had never thought that it could help my hip/back. I went on their website to view some of their application videos and I tried taping myself a few different ways. I actually found a way to tape across my lower back and I feel so much better!! I know it is not a true fix, and I am going to have to actually deal with the issue at some point, but a strip of tape every few days has been a lifesaver!!

This is what the tape looks like, it is truly amazing!

So, with that said, I am back to my training plan and back on track to feel comfortable to run this 1/2 marathon in Disney world next month!! This past weekend was a great training weekend! I have to say that I am super proud of myself and I feel really good about my ability to complete the Princess 1/2 and then come back to run a 7k in early March. 

My weekend of training started Friday night. Ryan and I had a "date" at the YMCA and I was able to knock out 5 miles. I did some walking, and was not a speed demon by any means, but I was happy to finally get past my "I-ran-3-miles-and-now-I-am-finished" attitude that I have had lately. 3 miles are not going to cut it when training for a 1/2!! Somehow, I just couldn't get past that, and just gave up after three. So I decided to take it nice and slow, and go five on Friday night. It felt good, and even though I HATE running on the treadmill, it went by quickly! 

On Saturday I had another running "date". This time with my cousin Missy, who as you all remember, I am heading to Disney with, and she and I are running the 5k together. The 5k will be her first ever race/ first ever running event!! I would like to say that she is super excited about the whole experience, but I am seeing that she is not that into it or just really scared!! I know she has been struggling with her training, and I wanted to help (since I have been there too!!). So, I drove the 45 minutes to her house on Saturday morning, in order to help her 4 miles around the lake. 

When I got to her house, she was less than excited to get going. I was excited to run a new course, and get out into the sun and fresh air. It turned out to be 47 degrees on Saturday. I did not want to push Missy too hard, because I am secretly afraid that she will just say she isn't going to do it. And since the 5k is not my race, I am trying to be selfless and do whatever it takes to help her have a very positive experience. I waited around for awhile and let her come to terms with what was about to happen. About an hour later we headed out around the lake. We walked the first mile, and then did a 2-1 run/walk for the next 2 miles. We pretty much walked the last mile. It took us about 1 hour 45 minutes to get around the lake, and I am so proud that Missy made it!! I think she felt really good afterwards too!! I tried to tell her that she will have a lot more fun if she gets her body used to the milage than if she goes into it cold turkey. I know she understands this and I know she is having a hard time finding the motivation to run, i just hope she knows that I really want to help!! I want to cross the finish line with her, hands held high and big smiles all around!!

I think it will look something like this!!

I used my iPhone for the first time to track our progress with Map my Ride (I have this app because I usually use it with my phone when I am out on my bike, I have never tried it running before). I really enjoyed seeing my pace, and time. I hate looking at all of that on a tread mill but I really found it valuable outside!

After our 4 miles, we enjoyed some mexican food at a restaurant in a nearby town. It was yummy and much needed after the long/short run! I gave Missy some homework: walk or run around the park twice on Sunday. Then I was on my way home. That evening, Ryan and I went to check out the Garmin Forerunner watches. He is buying me one for my birthday and we did a bit of research. We settled on the 410 and I am so excited to get it and use it! I think it will be a really great addition to my training.

I had planned on running early on Sunday, but didn't actually get around to running until 2pm. Which was alright, the sun was still high in the sky (causing a slight sunburn, which I relish in the winter months!!) and it was in the 40's. A slight wind and a constant hill made the first 3 miles rough, but after that I settled in to a good groove and just kept on running. I planned on running from the start of the Mankato 1/2 marathon course to the YMCA, around 10 miles. I accomplished it!! I knew I had it in me, but I wasn't completely sure. Well, it was not fast, and it was not pretty, but I made it, and that helped my confidence as far as being able to complete the Princess 1/2 next month!! It was under 2 hours, nothing I am proud of, but I am very happy that after already putting in 9 miles, I was able to add 10 more for a weekend total of 19miles!!! WOO HOO!!!

I figured  my legs would hurt, and my hip would be screaming at me. But I was wrong, I felt fine. Tired, but fine. My new shoes are WONDERFUL and I cannot be happier with them.  They are über ugly but kinda growing on me!! Anything that doesn't make my toenails fall off, and my feet numb are winners in my book!! Check out this company, they are great!! www.newtonrunning.com/

These are my ugly but wonderful shoes!

Anyway, with 19 miles under my belt this weekend and only 6 weeks to train for the Princess (!!!!!) I am excited to be back in the saddle!! Let's keep this up!!