Sunday, September 28, 2008

The Magic Number

We're still experiencing late summer here in Michigan, which is very, very unusual. We've been known to get a few snowflakes in October!

The unusually good weather has been a blessing for my training this summer. I didn't have a single weekend that was a rainout this year. Amazing!

Last week I got back into my routine at the gym, after two weeks of NO exercise (and too much carb-binging) due to the cold/cough that seems to be going around. Last Sunday I ran 2 miles for the Apple Run, just to get back into the swing of things.

But I had my sights set on 10 miles today, and then the full 13.6 next weekend, before the weather changes.

I felt good today (although there more than the normal amount of nose-blowing). So the more I ran, the more I started thinking about just getting the 13.6 out of the way today, instead of counting on good weather next weekend. I really, really wanted to finish up my outdoor training by hitting the Magic Number, before heading back indoors to the dreadmill.

SO I DID IT!! 13.6 miles today! A half marathon!!

It wasn't easy. There was a lot of alternating walking and running the last three miles. But I was going to do it no matter how long it took. But it definitely wasn't easy.

I was pleasantly surprised to find that I finished in 3 hrs, 23 minutes -- which gives me a 7-minute cushion from getting swept in January. Hopefully with more cardio training the rest of the year, I'll be able to shave off a few more minutes of time.

But my goal is JUST TO FINISH! And now, I believe I can do it, as long as I am well, and eat right, and get enough sleep the night before ... oh, you know all those IFs!

Jeff W -- I want the BIG MEDAL!! YAY!!!!!

8 comments:

Rae! said...

Holy Cats!!!!!
I am soooooooo proud of you!!!! I knew you could do it and can !!!! I hugged my pc!!!! Awesome. So now you know how you will feel and work to make it better!!!!!

Wooo Hoooooo!!!!!

Unknown said...

Awesome Job Deb!!! It was great seeing you.

See you again next year. I'll get Jeff working on those medals soon.

Matt said...

Excellent Job Deb!!!! WOOOOOOO!!!!!

Jeff W said...

Check you mail

MikeF. said...

I also just hugged my laptop. OMG!!!!!!!!!!!! That is so awesome Deb!

bigbrian-nc.com said...

You Go Deb!

Heath said...

Awesome Deb!! Now you know you can do it, and it's just a matter if imporoving the time a litte. I'm so proud of you. Hopefully, I'm not too far behind you.

Chris said...

WOOHOO! Congrats Deb! Now that you've run 13.6 miles, what are you going to do?......

Go to Disney World and run 13 more! LOL ;-)