It's Official!

Dear Stephanie:

If you are receiving this email, you have been identified as a participant who, due to the heat warnings issued by the Boston Athletic Association prior to this year's Boston Marathon, followed the B.A.A.'s deferment procedure and chose to defer your entry to the 2013 Boston Marathon, which will be held on Monday, April 15, 2013.

If, during the adjudication process of the 2012 Boston Marathon, your bib number is identified as being on the course at any location, a deferment to 2013 will not be issued.

Your deferment makes you eligible for an early registration opportunity. On August 20, 2012, you will be sent a personalized email with a secure link containing a password/waiver combination that will allow you to submit your registration electronically. To ensure that you continue to receive information about this process, please be sure to keep the B.A.A. informed of any changes to your personal information (such as your email address).

This special registration period will be held from Monday, August 20 at 10 a.m. through Thursday, August 30 at 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time in the United States. You will need to pay a 2013 entry fee.

Shown below is data related to your 2012 entry:

Name	Stephanie L. K...............
Bib	12591
Qualifying Time	3:28:59

This preregistration invitation is exclusively for your use and may not be transferred. The August email and the associated secure link and password combination may not be transferred and will be deemed invalid for use by any other individual than for whom it was intended.

If you do not register during the 11-day period in August, your deferment entry may no longer be guaranteed through the open registration period.

If you have any questions, please contact the B.A.A. Registration Office at registration@baa.org or 508-436-6905.

Sincerely,
Boston Athletic Association

Boston 2012, Dad's race results

A quick recap of my dad and our friend Mike's Boston experience.  I am so glad the two of them had each other to run with.  When you train through winter in the mid-west and get slapped with close to 90 degree temps on race day, it's a shock to the system!  I followed their times closely through-out the day and watched them get progressively slower and slower as they went on.  Due to the high heat warning, they were just going to make this an enjoyable "fun" run.  The only goal was to not see 4 hours on the clock.  My dad said he started sweating just making the .70 mile walk from athletes village to the starting corral.  He took water at each stop (they had water every mile) and would dump a cup over his head.  He said he was soaking wet with water and sweat, head to toe!   He watched someone get hauled off on a stretcher at mile 8.  MILE 8!!! 

Dad (on left) and Mike 16.5 miles into the marathon, looking strong!



Just after this photo was taken my dad started to fade, and fast.  He said it took all he had to shuffle along between miles 18 and 20.  Mike helped him along those 2 miles while he took in fuel, hydrated and began to catch his 2nd wind.  Then it was Mike's turn.  Mike's legs and feet began to cramp up.  They walked a bit when needed.  They finally made the turn on to Boylston.  Mike tried to push the pace a bit, but my dad told him don't bother, they were not going to make 4 hours.  They crossed the finish line in 4:01:27.  A personal best for my dad... his slowest marathon ever!  But that's ok.  Considering what they endured, that is a great time!!  

A couple post race photos....

What's next?  Well, they intend to take a week off and then hammer back at it to run a marathon on May 20th.  They both need to BQ this year so that they can run with me in 2013!

I am so proud of my dad, and Mike too!!

Boston Deferment

I received this email Saturday afternoon:

BOSTON MARATHON UPDATE

Due to warm weather in Monday's forecast, a deferment option has been introduced.

Due to the unusually warm weather forecast for the Boston area on Monday, the B.A.A. will defer the entry of those official entrants to the 2013 Boston Marathon for participants who decide not to race.

This applies to official entrants only who either have claimed or will claim their bib number packet at the John Hancock Sports & Fitness Expo through Sunday evening at the Seaport World Trade Center in South Boston. Runners must claim their bib number for deferment to be an option.

In order to receive a deferment for 2013, race participants may not start the race.


No refund for the 2012 entry will be given. All entry fees for 2013 must be paid.

In addition, the B.A.A. will keep the finish systems open an additional hour on race day. Whereas the finish systems generally cease just prior to 5:00 p.m., this year the finish systems will remain open until approximately 6:00 p.m.


Please go to the B.A.A.'s web site - www.baa.org or www.bostonmarathon.org - for the latest information.
 
The B.A.A. thanks all participants for their cooperation in this matter.
 
Your bib number MUST be claimed to receive the deferment into 2013's Boston Marathon.  I am lucky enough to have signed my packet pick up card over to my dad who is running the Boston marathon as I type this.  So my bib number was claimed, it did not cross the start line and I will be running the 2013 Boston Marathon!!! 
 
I am sure they will be some controversy surrounding the B.A.A.'s decision to implement a deferment policy.  But, if you look back at previous years, they used to allow deferments.  This would have been the first year that absolutely no deferments are allowed.  That is, until mother nature made them change their mind. I am glad they are taking this heat wave so seriously.  I hope that everyone who has chosen to run, runs smart! 
 

As I suspected...

Thank you for your email and congratulations on the arrival of your little one.

As of our 2011 Boston Marathon registration the BAA no longer offers deferments for any reason.

Each year, many entrants of the Boston Marathon become unable to participate on race day for various and valid reasons. Due to the high demand for participation in our race, the BAA realized that we could no longer reserve spaces in future events for those who became unable to run. For the past two years, therefore, we have asked registrants to acknowledge their understanding of the no-deferment policy as part of our registration process, which we see you have done.

If you would like a friend to pick up your race packet you simply need to sign your number pick up card, enter your friends name and then have them visit us at the solution center of the runners expo with their photo ID.

We wish you good health and the best of luck in your future running endeavors.

Sincerely,

BAA Registration Office
One Ash Street, Hopkinton, MA 01748
508-435-6905
Please reply to registration@baa.org for further questions or comments.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

I hope my dad is ready to help me go sub-3:30 once I bounce back from having this baby!  I may not be running Boston this year, but I will get to Bean Town! 

Pulling out of Boston

It's official, all the hard work I have put in over the past 2 years to qualify and run Boston will not be paying off in the end.  I will be pulling out of the Boston Marathon.

My only question is, how do I do so?  Do I just email the BAA telling them I am pulling out of the race and request them to send me my shirt?  I know I do not get my bib, but for a $150 registration fee, I think I deserve my shirt!  My brother in-law told me to ask them if I can deferre but I already saw under the FAQ's that as of 2011, they no longer deferre registrations to the following year. 

I've never had to pull out of a race before, especially one of this caliber, so I am not 100% certian how to go about it. 

Boston Marathon Training: Week 7

Here I am 24 weeks pregnant and 7 weeks into marathon training.  Will I even be able to run the marathon?  Who knows, but I am enjoying the fact that I am pregnant but still having weekly long runs while carrying an additional 18lbs on my once slim frame.  It makes me laugh when I think of the few emotional break downs I've had during this pregnancy.  Each on has to do with running. 

Last week went pretty well. My mileage was lower than where I wanted it to be, but I am still satisfied since I only ran 4 times. 

Here is how the week's training went.

Monday: 15 minutes stair stepper, 25 minutes AMT machine (intervals at 20% resistance & 4 % resistance), Upper body strength training (bicep curls, tricep dips, lateral pull down)
Tuesday: Rest Day
Wednesday: 8.28 mile run outside early AM, upper body strenth training (shoulder press, lateral raises, upright row, push ups, planks) PM
Thursday: 6.5 mile run treadmill early AM
Friday: 3 mile run treadmill & yoga class 45 minutes, early AM
Saturday: 18 mile run outside AM, ran the Rock CF Half marathon course + 5 miles, VERY windy!!
Sunday: 45 minutes elliptical (intervals 4% resistance/1% incline & 8% resistance/10% incline), Upper body strength training (biceps, tricpes, shoulders, chest) afternoon gym session
Total Mileage: 35.78 miles

Boston Marathon Training: Week 5 & Week 6

I am not so sure I should be using this is a title.  I highly doubt I will be traveling to Boston, but until I know that's 100% a no-go, I guess it's ok to keep this title.  Technically, I am still training as if I will be running a marathon. 

Aside from my emotional break down last week, the past 2 weeks have gone fairly well.  I've been attending yoga on Friday mornings and really trying to get at least 1-2 good strength training sessions in.  I had a great 17 mile run during week 5 and ran my first race of the year during week 6.  It was only a 4 mile race, but with how my pace has been, I was almost embarrassed to run it considering last year my time was 28 minutes for 4 miles!  I actually have a  much better time than I expected!

Here is how my last couple weeks wrapped up.

Week 5 (Jan. 30-Feb. 5)
Monday: Pilates, biceps
Tuesday: 8.27 mile run - early morning outside; stretched & foam rolled PM
Wednesday: 8 mile run - early morning outside; push ups, foam rolled, stretched PM
Thursday: 3.35 mile run - PM outside testing out new shoes, push ups
Friday: Yoga - early morning
Saturday: 17 mile run - AM outside at Willow Metro Park
Sunday: 7.2 miles stationary bike, upper body lifting (biceps, triceps, shoulders), Abs - AM Gym
Total Mileage: 36.62 miles

Week 6 (Feb. 6-Feb.12)
Monday: 6.2 miles - PM outside, windy!!
Tuesday: push ups
Wednesday: 7.25 miles - PM treadmill, slow w/ walk breaks
Thursday: Circuit training at home - PM (biceps, shoulders, triceps, chest, abs, squats)
Friday: Yoga & 3 mile run - early morning at the Gym
Saturday: 9 mile run - AM treadmill at the gym
Sunday: Riverview Winter Fest 4 mile + 1 mile warm up (race results below)
Total Mileage: 30.45 miles

Riverview Winter Fest Race Results:
Time: 34:59
Pace: 8:44
A/G Place: 8th/29

Here is a picture of my running buddy Jeff and I after the race.  The #1 is because he is celebrating his victory of finally beating me at a race.  It took me getting pregnant for him to do so. LOL!!

Link to other photos

Finish Line photo

One mile mark

another one mile mark photo



Boston Marathon Training: Week 4

or should I title it "non-Boston Marathon Training"? 

Last week wasn't what I had hoped for.  5 days of running turned into 3 days of running.  36 miles turned into 28 miles.  and 2-3 x's of strength training turned into a couple days of doing push ups and 1 day of core work.  I wish I had a good reason why last week turned to crap, but I don't.  I was lazy and slacked off.  I chose sleep over running.  I did attend an early morning yoga class that I will be adding to my weekly training/work outs.  So that is a plus!  I also turned a 14 mile run into a 16 mile trail run.  so again, another plus.  But still, not anywhere near the mileage I wanted to be at.  I will definitely use this coming week to get back on track.  No more slacking off!

Here is how last weeks running and training went.

Monday: 4 mile run - treadmill PM at the gym, push ups 4 x 10
Tuesday: core work; modified planks, straight arm planks, side oblique crunches, seated crunches, Russian twists w/ 5lb weight
Wednesday: 8.02 mile run - outside early AM
Thursday: push ups 6 x 10
Friday: yoga class
Saturday: 16 mile trail run - snowy, icy, wet
Sunday: not a thing!  hello laziness!!
Total Mileage: 28.02 miles

Pathetic.

The road to Boston...a dead end?

As I get further along in my pregnancy, the more I am starting to realize that Boston may not happen for me this year.  I've shed many tears over this.  This journey was 2 years in the making and now I may have to bow out.  I know it is only a marathon and I know I can work hard to qualify again but its still hard to swallow.

My dad and husband have both made very valid points on why I may want to consider not going.  I am going to take it day by day because, as of now, I feel great!  I am much slower than I used to be (most long runs being around a 9 minute per mile pace), but otherwise I am running all my scheduled training runs using the same plan I used to BQ.  I have had to omit the tough hill and speed work I used to do, but have supplemented by adding quick pick ups to my shorter runs. 

I don't know.  Part of me thinks I can do this but another part of my thinks that maybe holding off is the best thing to do.  Do I really want to walk majority of the marathon?  Probably not.  But to cross the finish line, earn that medal and buy my 2012 jacket makes me think absolutely, I'll walk for that! 

Only time will tell. 

Boston Marathon Training: Week 3

Another week done.  Although, my road to Boston may be more like a dead end.  I'll get more into that another time.

My shins have really been bothering me lately.  Almost every time I run, they hurt until about 2-3 miles in, then the pain goes away. I've tried everything to alleviate it but I personally think its the pregnancy. I think my body, stride and form is changing to compensate for the extra weight.

Anyway, here is how last weeks training went.  it was a cut back week but I still managed closed to 30 miles.

Monday: 4.5 miles run - afternoon on the treadmill, triceps
Tuesday: 5.5 mile run - AM 2 miles on treadmill, 3.5 miles on indoor track
Wednesday: core work
Thursday: 6.5 mile run - AM treadmill, planks, crunches, push ups - PM
Friday: scheduled rest day
Saturday: 3.1 mile run - AM treadmill, upper body lifting
Sunday: 10.30 mile run outside on the snow covered roads. 
Total Mileage: 29.31 miles
Total Strength Training: 4

I'll leave you with a couple photos taken Sunday after our run.  I am definitely showing!! 

Boston Marathon Training: Week 2

Week 2 of 14 is done.  I am beginning to adjust to my new training style and the affects pregnancy has taken on my running.  This is so different than any training I have done in the past.  My pace is much slower and although I try to do some small speed sessions, my body just won't allow it.  Sometimes I am almost embarrassed to admit how slow I've gotten to be, but then I remind myself that I am carrying precious cargo on every run.  I must go slow to protect the little one. 

Last week certainly wasn't anything to write home about.  I ended up taking 2 rest days and did my 12 mile "long" run inside on the treadmill.  I made sure to get 3 days of strength training/core work in so that is a plus!

Here's how last week wrapped up.

Monday: unplanned rest day
Tuesday: 6.5 mile run - treadmill in the AM, yoga & core at home PM
Wednesday: 8.5 mile run - outside AM, ended up being a great morning for an early run!!
Thursday: 5.5 mile run - treadmill AM, push ups, core at home PM
Friday: scheduled rest day
Saturday: 12.03 mile run - treadmill afternoon, my longest run on a treadmill to date.  it wasn't easy that's for sure!
Sunday: 45 minutes stationary bike, strength training for biceps & shoulders AM
Total Mileage: 32.53 miles
Total Strength Training: 3

And to touch base on the Olympic Marathon trial results, I am so happy with how Desi finished!  I was really hoping she'd pull out the win. The top 3 women I wanted to see make it, did.  The men's race was amazing.  Meb had such a huge lead.  I couldn't believe the paces these men & women ran.  So fast! 

Boston Marathon Training; Week 1

I've got one week under my belt.  My mileage was slightly more than what I have on my training program, but the paces are much slower than what I am used to.  Unfortunately, training for a marathon while being pregnant (I am well into my 18th week) definitely puts a strain on speed.  I am not letting it bring me down though. I am just happy that I am still able to run 5 times a week without having any issues.  My goal is only to finish Boston, not set a PR. 

Monday: 6.61 miles - treadmill
Tuesday: 5.67 miles - treadmill, push ups 5 x 10
Wednesday: 5.26 miles - treadmill, biceps, push ups 5 x 10, core
Thursday: 4.5 miles - treadmill
Friday: rest day
Saturday: 11.60 miles outside w/ hills
Sunday: cross training; 30 minute stationary bike, upper body lifting, core work
Total Mileage: 33.64

and I will leave you with a little something Janae shared in her blog.  Desiree Davila's ridiculously fast 3 x 3 mile repeats. click here to watch the video.

Yes, I am alive!

It's been almost 1 month exact since my last update.  Not a whole lot has been going on.  I am still running as much as I can.  lately its only be about 30 miles a week, including a weekend long run.  I still have not told very many people about the baby either.  But, that will all change Christmas eve when we announce it at our big family party.  I also plan on finally telling our closest friends when we see them for Christmas and NYE.  It's been so hard keeping it a secret.  I can't wait to share our excitement with everyone. 

I do not have any races on the calendar until February.  I am running an organized event on the 31st out on the Poto trail. That will be a great way to kick off NYE morning.  I also start Boston marathon training January 1st.  So expect to start seeing more updates!

Please stick around.  I plan to make this blog more exciting come the first of the year!

Missing in Action?

It has been a month since my last update.  A lot has been going on since the Detroit marathon.  I have not ran any races but I am staying consistant with running about 30 miles per week, including a long run of 10 miles on the weekends.  I've also added a day of full body strength training that kicks my butt.  I Spend 2 + hours with the weights on Sundays and have now made Mondays my rest days.  I am so sore. 

I've also gained 4 pounds since the marathon. I've got a good excuse though.

I found out 5 days after the Detroit marathon that I am pregnant.  Not only was I pregnant for the Detroit marathon but I was pregnant for Dance with Dirt 50K! 

As of today, I am 11 weeks & 2 days with a due date of June 9, 2012.  This definitely affects my future race plans but I am very excited to start this new chapter in my life.  I've only told my parents so far.   Everyone else will find out around Christmas time and I am keeping it off facebook as long as I can!  I have quite a few family and friends I want to tell personally before they go reading it on a social networking site!  Who would have thought that my son would turning 14 in January and having a new baby sister or brother a few short months later. 

Recently I have noticed that my pace has slowed.  It's ok though. I am running for two.  I am going to continue with my race plans and continue to train for Boston.  My training will just be altered to fit the slower paces and to make sure I do not harm the baby.  I've done a lot of research on women who run marathons pregnant, specifically Boston.  In 2002, April Nolan was 46 years old and 32 weeks pregnant.  She finished the Boston marathon in 6:46.  not an official Boston finishing time, but she did receive 2 medals when she crossed the finish line; one for her and one for her baby.  If I can complete the course 32 weeks pregnant in 6 hours, it will require me to maitain an average pace of 13:45.  I think that is totally doable.  So far my doctor is supportive of my running.  I will continue to talk to him about it at each appointment.   My dad is very supportive and frequently reminds me that I need to listen to my doctor and my body.  If I can't run Boston, it won't be the end of the world.  I'll work hard to BQ again.  Ask me today though and I think I can do it.  But we will see how I feel come April 16, 2012.

Mail Call

Although I had already received my confirmation email, it was so exciting to find this in my mailbox Monday afternoon. 

It feels more official now!  :-) 

I'm in!

Dear Stephanie,

This is to notify you that your entry into the 116th Boston Marathon on Monday, April 16, 2012 has been accepted.

Oh my gosh, I am so excited!  I want to jump up and down and cry all at once.  Not only that, but my dad got in too. 

I will definitely have more (as stated by my dad) piss and vinegar in my step tomorrow when out doing our last trail training run for DWD on the 24th!!! 

How many people can say they run with their parent, let alone qualified for Boston and will be running Boston with them as well?

Today is a good day.

Thank you for submitting an entry to the 116th B.A.A. Boston Marathon.

I pulled the trigger as soon as 10am hit.  I submitted mine and my dad's registration for the Boston Marathon.   According to what I read on the B.A.A.'s face book page, I still have to wait until Friday morning to get the 2nd email with my confirmation that I am in. 

Ah!!  This waiting game is so nerve-wracking!

Bayshore Marathon Race Results & Review

Short Story:

I ran the absolute perfect race both mentally and physically.  Finished in 3:28:59, placing 11th out of 117 in my age group (30-34) and qualifying for Boston!  My dad finished 3:30:06 placing 11th out of 66 in his age group (55-59) and also qualified for Boston. 

Long Story:

My dad picked me up from work Thursday afternoon and we headed to his house.  We were going to be hitting the road first thing Friday morning, so I figured it would be best to just stay the night.  We had a delicious breakfast of cinnamon raisin french toast Friday morning and were on the road before 10am.  We made it to Traverse City around 2:30pm, stopped for lunch and checked into our hotel.  Since we had a few hours to kill before packet pick up, we headed to the downtown area of Traverse City to check out some of the local shops and to stop in Running Fit.  They had some really nice Bayshore tops and I am kicking myself now that I did not pick one up.  Hopefully I can order one on line.

After about 2 hours of roaming around downtown, we headed over to the high school to pick up our race packet.  The packet pick up was very quick.  We were in and out within 5 minutes.  The shirts are fairly nice too and actually fit me well.  The back lists the two sponsors of the marathon; Brooks and Running Fit.

After we picked up our packets, we stopped to get a few essentials for the morning; coffee, water, chocolate milk and bagels!  We dropped everything at the hotel and headed out for our last meal before the big event.  Like my dad, I always try to keep my pre-race meal something that is easy on the stomach.  We chose Ruby Tuesday's since it was close and we figured we could get a basic chicken and carb dish.  Dad and I both ordered a grilled chicken breast w/ mashed potatoes and spaghetti squash.  After dinner we headed back to the hotel to lay out all of our race day gear. 

Race Day:

I was wide awake at 4:50am, 10 minutes before the alarm clock went off.  I brushed my teeth, ate my bagel and drank my coffee.  We got dressed and headed to the college campus.  We both had a throw away sweatshirt and poncho.  What a blessing those would be.  It started to rain before the start and it was nice to be warm and dry!  With about 2 minutes to go, we stripped off the poncho and sweatshirt, threw them aside and were on our way. 

The first few miles were around the campus and through the neighborhood before turning and heading out on to the east arm of Grand Traverse Bay.  Around Mile 4, my dad and I came upon Dan & Jay, two of my Red Eye Relay teammates!  We ended up running most of the marathon with them.  I think having the small group to chit chat with really helped me stay out of my own head.  I have had problems in the past with the mental factors of a long race really getting to me but I managed to stay out of my own head for the entire marathon.  I was pumped when we hit the turn around point of the out and back course. 

I slapped hands with the spectators, continued to make small talk with dad, Dan & Jay, took in the view of the water and beautiful homes, etc... 

At about mile 20 my dad started to slow slightly and told me not to slow down.  "No way, we trained together, we finish together" I told him.  He picked the pace back up a bit, but again slowed around mile marker 22.  and again he said "do not slow down".  So I didn't.  I ended up running the last 4 miles by myself.   I was trying so hard not to pay attention to my Garmin, but it was impossible.  I was on pace to finish around 3:30!  I kept telling myself to keep this pace, you can do it, think of everyone who has supported you.  I rounded towards the entrance to the high school track and received that one last push I needed; there was Jaclyn shooting my name yelling "yeah Steph, Boston!!". I turned and smiled, waved to her and ran as hard as I could on to the track and to the finish line.  They announced my name as I crossed the finish line and I put my arms in the air.

I cried.  Not only did a run a sub-3:40, not only did I reach my unspoken goal of 3:37, but I crushed them both and finished in 3:28:59!!  And it was pain free!  I received my medal and just then I heard them announce "Steve Edwards".  I looked at the volunteer handing out the medals and yelled "that's my dad" and ran over to the finish line to greet my dad.  and, of course, cried again. 

Dad finished in 3:30:06.  We both smoked our previous marathon PR's and qualified for the Boston Marathon.  I beat my previous PR by 15:03 (3:44:00 at Chicago last year) and my dad beat his previous PR by 10:00 (3:40:49).

It's Tuesday and I am still beaming from ear to ear over how well this race went.  From start to finish, I wouldn't change a thing!  I could not have had a more perfect race both mentally and physically.  I feel fully recovered and can not wait to get out and run! 

I am marking my calendar for September 14th.  This is day 3 of the Boston Marathon registration.  That is when anyone who ran a qualifying time 10 minutes or faster than the set time by the B.A.A. can register.  Here's to hoping it doesn't close before then because dad and I have plans of running this together!!

Official Results:

Time: 3:28:59

Pace: 7:59

AG Place: 11 / 117

Overall: 237 / 1464

Splits: 1:44:17 & 1:44:42

Marathon Madness

I got absolutely nothing accomplished at work yesterday.  All day I read news feeds from Boston, stalked the ones I knew running on the athlete tracker, checked facebook status, etc...  I even shed a tear or two of happiness.  What an exciting day and a great motivator!  Yesterday's events certainly has me even more fired up to train hard over these next 6 weeks so I can reach my ultimate goal; to qualify for Boston!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

The 2nd place female finisher, Desiree Davila, lives about 40 minutes from my city and trains with Hanson's running group.  I knew she would be running Boston, but had no idea how well she would finish. Way to represent Michigan Desiree!

As for the men, well, I am speechless.  It seems un-human like to be able to run that fast for 26.2 miles!  So incredible and fascinating to watch.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Check out these fabulous bloggers who ran the Boston Marathon!

Stephanie, who ran her 50th state yesterday and 59th marathon.
Christine, first time Boston marathoner and I am 100% positive it won't be her last.
Sarah, ran the Gansett marathon Saturday and Boston on Monday.
Jim, running 50 marathons after turning 40 years old.
Cate, who ran her first Boston 20 weeks pregnant.

Rest is Best and other ramblings

After 2 days off from running, I am feeling much better!  My left quad is still a little sore, but it's tolerable. Best part is that I can actually sit down to use the bathroom without having to use my arms to lower myself and push myself up again! 

I ran this morning too!  It was a slow, rough start but by the end, I was feeling good.  I ran 5.5 miles in 47:31 at an 8:38 pace.  Nothing to write home about, but I ran and that alone makes me happy.  I may even run again tonight.  As of today, I am 5 miles behind for my training this week.  I must get this mileage in and its gorgeous outside so I may as well take advantage of the weather too.  I plan to keep a conservative pace.   Hopefully by tomorrow I can do those mile repeats I have been eager to attack!

I am meeting my dad this Saturday to run Potawatomi Trail...again.  Here's to hoping that these 13 miles won't hurt as bad as the last 18!  It's my only chance to hit this trail again before the trail half marathon on May 1st.  Last year I got 3-4 runs in on this trail, so I am not so sure how well I will do.  My time last year was 2:03 and I would love to break 2 hours.  Funny how different pace & time is from running a road half and a trail half.  My last road half was 1:37:45 and here I am hoping to break 2 hours.  Guess that tells you how difficult trail running can be.

Boston is in 5 days!  I can't wait to see how Ryan Hall and Kara Goucher do.   There are a few from the blogging world I will be sending running vibes to that day as well.