“This moment, right here, this is what you fight for… it’s magic and it’s worth it.” - Jillian Michaels
This quote hit home last night as I’ve said I want to run a sub 4:30 marathon, but I have to be honest in that I’ve never really trained, so this is my year! I’ve been spending many days during my lunch/plan time on this treadmill. Today’s workout was a recovering run of 4 miles at a 6.5 pace. A year ago this would have been a hard run!
It’s all about the stickers! Decisions…Decisions…
Do I do marathon 8, 9, and 10 this year? (Peoria, Fox Valley, Chicago or Milwaukee) or attempt to “tri” a half-ironman?
What to do?
2013’s List
1. Make a t-shirt quilt (I’ve been wanting one for years)
2. Take a picture of the scale weighing 135 (This will be tough, but I can do it)
3. Run a sub 25 minute 5K (25:46 was my best in 2012)
4. Go back to Western Illinois (I haven’t been there in almost 10 years now)
5. Watch 5 of the AFI’s Top 50 movies of all times (Time to watch better movies)
6. Take a cake decorating class (I’d like to make our kids cakes)
7. Go to a Chicago Museum I’ve never been too (I loved the Art Museum)
8. Go to church once a month (This will be tough with 3 little boys)
9. Help someone in need without them knowing it (It always feels good to give back)
10. Read a biography about someone I’ve never heard of (Suggestions welcomed!)
I did a list last year and really enjoyed completed it. Here’s to a wonderful New Year!
“Motivation is what gets you started. Habit is what keeps you going.”
I truly believe this. I was motivated to start running b/c I didn’t know what to do when I was graduating college. Running seemed like something to keep me in shape and I ran a lot playing soccer, so I figured why not. Now it’s 10 years later, I have 7 marathons under my belt and more half marathons and 5’ks than I can count. Yes, there are days where I say I am done running marathons, but in my heart I know I am no where close and it all goes back to this quote.
Old school running picture (summer 2005)-one of my first races in the big city of Chicago.
Today, I ran just to run outside and get a sweat in. I can’t find my Garmin, but know my 3 mile out and back route at work by heart. I ran a solid 10 minute pace on my way out and then ran the second half back 2 minutes faster. It wasn’t the speed work I wanted to do today, but I just couldn’t jump on a treadmill.
I already plan to meet my best friend at the gym tomorrow and know she’ll make me run sprints. She loves the treadmill and I still despise it. (Maybe it’s b/c I trained for my first marathon on it and vowed to never run on one again)
So thanks in advance Meagan for making me run fast and hard. You know I will be complaining through them (but what are best friends for :) and then happy afterwards.
The boy’s turned 1 this past weekend, as well as Jeff turned 3_ this weekend too, so no long run for me and no desire.
This is my 6th summer out of the last 10 for training for a marathon and I love running, but anything over 10 miles seems like such a chore. My knee hurts, I feel like I am wasting time and I just can’t wait to get it done. Maybe I am not cut out for these long runs anymore? Maybe I feel I have more important things to be doing? I do not know, but am hoping to find some motivation and inspiration as The Fox Valley marathon will be here in just over 5 weeks!
Here’s to running a decent 16-17 miles solo tmrw. I know, I know I should run with my group, but 6 am on Saturday mornings sound even more awful than just going out there and getting it done.
Loving summer and my new running sunglasses! I chose the Tifosi Slip Shield sunglasses because of their reviews and I love pink! http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B004CCT0RG/ref=oh_details_o04_s00_i00
How have I not had sunglasses in the 10 years I have been running now? What a difference they make! Off to get a 10 mile run in this afternoon, since its 70 degrees out and I have the time.
25:48 for my first 5K of 2012, I will take it! I finished 23 out of 114 runners, so in the top quarter! Yeah! It was a great course with a couple rolling hills. My only complaint would be the 85 degree temps and a 9am start.
My goal is 25 flat this summer, which I know I can achieve. My question to all you runners out there… Is it better to just start out fast and slow down over the miles or try to do even splits? Also, what is the best way to train to run faster? I am starting to feel like a real runner these days!
Today I felt like a true runner-running an 8:38 pace for 5 miles at Cinco de Miler in downtown Chicago. The temps were perfect, the course a little crowded, but overall a fun, great time! I feel like I am finally getting back into shape and ready for a great summer of running!
Working out while not feeling well has been quite hard the past couple days. 3 miles yesterday and 2 miles today aren’t going to make me a better runner, but I know it’s better than nothing.
The boys are on spring break with me this week, so while I have a horrible cold and just want to sleep, (thank you boys for sleeping 11.5 hours last night and I got 9 hours myself!) I can’t help but want to make sure they have a fun week with mommy. Bowling, chuckie cheese and the Brookfield and Milwaukee Zoos are just a few of the fun things we are doing throughout the week.
