It's Like Riding a Bike

I haven't been a very good partner since the marathon.  I haven't kept my dates.  I have been doing other things.

Here's the thing - time keeps ticking away.  March 15 and the Tobacco Road Half Marathon are coming up quickly, with Shamrock right after.  I'm not ready.  I have never been this unready for a race.

I don't think I am going to be injured, but I am definitely undertrained. 

I've been pretty good about my long runs.  I built up to 10 miles today.  It wasn't pretty.  Things just weren't right.  It happens.

I haven't fueled very well since...well, since Thanksgiving, if we are being honest.  Bad fueling means bad running.  It is as simple as that.  I haven't been hydrating and I haven't been eating clean.  Eat like an athlete, train like an athlete.  I am going to do better with this.

My clothes just were not working.  My bra rubbed my back and now there is a hot spot.  My underwear...well.....

I have misplaced my interval watch, so I had to use my husband's watch.  It beeps for 10 whole seconds every minute.  It wasn't what I was used to.

I slept in a little.  We didn't have any bagels.  I had half of a yucky banana.  I was cold.  It was just not a good day.  

I sound a lot like Alexander.  I might as well move to Australia.  (I bet there are great races there!)

But you know what?  Even with all of the bad, I ran 10 miles today.  I did it at 1:1 intervals.  I had to dodge ice.  I had a stiff headwind on the way home.  I wanted to turn left and go home at 8 miles instead of turning right to add some distance.  

I got it done today.  One mile at a time.  I was tired after the marathon.  I took some time off.  Now I miss training.  I waited a little to long to make this decision and my March races are going to be hard work.  Once March 22 comes and I cross the finish line at my third Shamrock, it's on.  I'm taking on the Warrior Challenge in May (5K, 8K and a half).  I'm going to Disneyland to run the Dumbo Double Dare Challenge (10K and Half).  I'm running the Marine Corps Marathon.  I've got work to do.

Calm Before the Storm

Queen Elsa is mad.  Last week we got 2 inches of ice.  It stuck around for 4 days.  We lost 3 days of school.

This week, we got about an inch of snow.  It closed schools for today.  We are also expecting between 5 and 8 inches of snow for tonight and tomorrow.  Schools are closed for tomorrow already and Friday is not looking good.  

I haven't run outside in almost 2 weeks.  

Luckily, the day warmed up and the snow melted on the roads and the sidewalks.  The cherry on top - my husband came home early. 

Just like that, the forecast changed!

I laced up my shoes, convinced Child #1 to join me for a few miles and headed out.  

Child #1 was a little whiny, so we took a few breaks and had a snowball fight.  When he was chasing me to throw a snowball, he forgot that he was running.

After 2 miles, I dropped him off at home and headed out for 3 miles by myself.  They felt great!  

I am so glad that we headed out for a few miles!!