Beckley Half Marathon Walk/ Run

This past week I was getting really upset about the race that I had signed up for months ago. The bulging disc in my back was keeping me from running the whole thing and I found out there was no shorter distances. Only the half marathon and a full marathon. I thought I would have to drop completely. Blah!

But then I started thinking...there is a walk option...could I possibly walk the WHOLE half marathon?...how long would it take me?...would it hurt?....would I have the endurance to finish?

Then I thought, what the heck. I'm going to go for it! So I emailed the race director to make sure there were no time limits, since it could possibly take me over four hours to finish! He replied back that there wasn't a time limit and that did it for me. I was all in.

So Friday I went and picked up my packet. I skipped the spaghetti dinner to prepare some things for a small dinner party I was having the evening of the race.

I live barely a mile from the race start, so I didn't have to get up too early for the 8:00 AM start. I only had a small peanut butter and jelly sandwich that morning. It's all I could really stomach. I wish I had eaten a bit more because I got hungry out on the course, but hindsight you know.

My initial plan was to simply walk the whole thing. If I started hurting, I had my phone with me to call my boyfriend to come pick me. I took two Gu Gels with me and Gatorade chews to eat since I knew I would be out there a long time. It was a beautiful day. It started off cool. The sun was shining brightly so it did get warm, but it was a really nice day to be out there.

When the gun went off, my plan went out the window. Everyone started out running and I got caught up in the excitement of the course. So I started running out, very slowly. I wasn't being completely dumb. I knew running hard would hurt my back and endurance. I ran the first mile in about an 11.30 pace. Right after the one mile mark we hit a little hill. I figured that was a good place to start walking. So I did...for a while. I then started thinking towards running the downhill portions. And that's what I ended up doing. It worked out rather well actually. I ran a few flat portions, but mostly I walked.

I ended up walking with a girl that I went to high school for most of the race and she was also walking with intermittent running. I think hanging out with her really helped me not push it too far. Also talking with her really made the miles fly by (she had lost well over 100 pounds! Wow!). I took my first Gu around the 5 mile mark and had some Gatorade chews at around mile 9ish I think. There were plenty of water stops along the way since it was basically an out and back route, you had to go on the other side of the road at some points and there were some circles thrown in, but mainly it was out and back. Anyway, there were lots of water stations, but it would have been nice if they had some Gatorade or something. I think that may have helped me and I'm sure the marathoners could have used something like that when it got warmer out there.

 I started to really feel my legs around mile 11. My calves and hips were just getting sore. I wasn't used to power walking so much. It used much different muscles than I was used to using. Some points I had to run just so relieve the pain! I also felt some hot spots starting on the pad of my foot so I was afraid I was getting some bad blisters! Thankfully, it didn't turn into blisters. If I had to go further I would would have had some for sure. Around mile 11, I started picking up the pace to relieve my muscles a bit, so I lost my walking partner. I tried to just get to the finish line as quickly as possible. At one point I thought I might be able to make it right at 3 hours! But it wasn't going to happen. I got pretty close at 3 hours and 11 minutes! Well under four hours that's for sure! My pace was around 14.30 which I was really pleased with. That's really only 2 minutes and 20 seconds more a mile than most of my training that I had been doing. And since I hadn't really planned on running any of it and walked the majority of it, I was really happy.

I also didn't get passed by the marathoners. If I hadn't run any of it I would have, but I'm pretty happy that I didn't. The winner may have finished a mere five minutes behind me, but that is besides the point! Kudos to the marathoners though. The had to do the same course I did, but had to do it twice. That would be a feat of strength, physically and mentally. It's definitely a West Virginia course with hills. None of them were monstrous hills, there were just a lot of them. 

After the race. Don't be jealous of my blue counter tops!

And it turned out that I won an award! I had asked to be transferred to the walking category, but that didn't happen. Turned out that was fine since I did run some. It was also fine since no one else in my age category ran the race!! I knew it was small this year, but I had no idea it was that small! The girl I walked with, Jasmine, won the women's category for walkers. We were both thrilled!

I'm so so happy that I went for it! I would have felt rather blue if I hadn't given it a shot. My back feels just fine today, my calves and thighs are a little bit of a different story, haha. This gives me hope that I won't have to back out of the 10K on October 3rd and my 15K Trail race on October 10th. I have to get steroids shots in my back, but it might be a while before the doctors can get me. This gives me the confidence that I don't have to quit it all! I was even able to clean and cook dinner for my small party after the race yesterday! It was a good day, that is for sure.

By the way, it is also funny to me how this is by far my slowest half out of the three that I have done, yet I'm so excited about. I guess it's because I didn't think it was possible at all. I think I will have to remember this gratitude in the future when I get down on myself about my paces or how far I'm able to run.

Acupuncture, Physical Therapy, and a Training Team

After weeks of physical therapy for my bulging disc in back that was hitting my sciatic nerve, I realized that I wasn't doing anything under their supervision that I couldn't do on my own. After speaking with my doctor, he recommended figuring out a different method if physical therapy wasn't helping. So I signed up for a three month gym membership. It was definitely cheaper with a sale they were having then paying my co-pay for physical therapy once to twice a week. All I was doing in physical therapy were a few machines to strengthen my core and lower back which I can easily do on my own. I'm also doing stretches one to two times a day. I'm supposed to do twice a day, but I sometimes forget....

After I signed up for my gym membership, I signed up for something that I've been wanting to try for years and that my doctor actually brought up. Acupuncture!  I went to On Point Acupuncture I've had two sessions so far and I'm already seeing results. It doesn't hurt, but I can feel when the needles are working on the tense points and feel a type of electric tingle when she puts it in my hips.

From My First Appointment

Yes, needles in my ear.

There were actually a lot more needles used on my second appointment.

So a few weeks ago I joined a training team! It's the Active Southern WV Training Team. It's organized by a group that has a goal to get Southern West Virginia more active. Sadly, West Virginia is one of the most unhealthy states in the US and the southern part of the state is probably the worst. I even got a co-worker and my sister to go on the first day since it was for people that wanted to train for their first race. It unfortunately wasn't really geared towards first time runners, it was for people that wanted to train for a 10K or half marathon. Therefore, it wasn't really right for my sister who is not a runner, but I tried to encourage her to stick with it even if she didn't go as far as some of the other people. The coaches were encouraging, but my sister hasn't been back and I don't think she has energy to put into it right now (she just moved, started a new job and is taking college classes!). I've been following the Jeff Galloway method again for the Half Marathon. Right now I'm alternating running for 1 minute 30 seconds and walking 30 seconds. I run with the group on Sundays and do two runs during the week. I'm working on strength training and some cross training the other days of the week with one - two rest days. I haven't been able to make all the Sunday runs so far due to family matters (like my oldest sister getting married!!), but I've been getting all of my runs in! This past Sunday I went and was going to try to not do the Galloway and just run the full 50 minutes they had on their agenda instead of my 5 miles. However, one of the members got kind of sick. Between trying to wait for her and facing the humidity, I don't think any of us had a fantastic run. There was definitely walking involved and I some slower times. But it was kind of fun to talk about running with people!

Our First Meeting - Source

I've got my eye on a few Fall races. That I will hopefully be able to do injury free and feeling strong. The ones with the team are the Rocket Boys 10K and the Beckley Half Marathon. I'll definitely try to do these two and maaaybe a couple of others! I'll wait to sign up for anything until I'm further along with training to make sure I'm feeling good. So far it has been great getting back into running!

Half Marathon Training Schedule for Runners and Walkers Week Monday Tuesday TT Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 off 30 min run off 25 min run easy walk off 3 miles 2 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles 3 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 5 miles 4 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 2.5 miles 5 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 6.5 miles 6 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 3 miles with MM 7 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 8 miles 8 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 3 miles with MM 9 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 9.5 miles 10 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles 11 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 11 miles 12 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles with MM 13 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 12.5 miles 14 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles with MM 15 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 14 miles 16 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 5 miles 17 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off Half Marathon Race 18 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 5 miles 19 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 6-8 miles - See more at: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/half-marathon-training/#sthash.3S3c1UJK.dpuf

Half Marathon Training Schedule for Runners and Walkers Week Monday Tuesday TT Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 off 30 min run off 25 min run easy walk off 3 miles 2 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles 3 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 5 miles 4 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 2.5 miles 5 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 6.5 miles 6 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 3 miles with MM 7 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 8 miles 8 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 3 miles with MM 9 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 9.5 miles 10 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles 11 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 11 miles 12 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles with MM 13 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 12.5 miles 14 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles with MM 15 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 14 miles 16 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 5 miles 17 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off Half Marathon Race 18 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 5 miles 19 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 6-8 miles - See more at: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/half-marathon-training/#sthash.3S3c1UJK.dpuf

Half Marathon Training Schedule for Runners and Walkers Week Monday Tuesday TT Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 off 30 min run off 25 min run easy walk off 3 miles 2 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles 3 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 5 miles 4 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 2.5 miles 5 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 6.5 miles 6 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 3 miles with MM 7 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 8 miles 8 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 3 miles with MM 9 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 9.5 miles 10 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles 11 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 11 miles 12 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles with MM 13 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 12.5 miles 14 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles with MM 15 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 14 miles 16 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 5 miles 17 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off Half Marathon Race 18 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 5 miles 19 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 6-8 miles - See more at: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/half-marathon-training/#sthash.3S3c1UJK.dpuf

Half Marathon Training Schedule for Runners and Walkers Week Monday Tuesday TT Wednesday Thursday Friday Saturday Sunday 1 off 30 min run off 25 min run easy walk off 3 miles 2 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles 3 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 5 miles 4 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 2.5 miles 5 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 6.5 miles 6 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 3 miles with MM 7 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 8 miles 8 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 3 miles with MM 9 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 9.5 miles 10 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles 11 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 11 miles 12 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles with MM 13 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 12.5 miles 14 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 4 miles with MM 15 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 14 miles 16 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 5 miles 17 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off Half Marathon Race 18 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 5 miles 19 off 30 min run off 30 min run easy walk off 6-8 miles - See more at: http://www.jeffgalloway.com/training/half-marathon-training/#sthash.3S3c1UJK.dpuf

Moving News

No I didn't forget to post this time. I've been without internet at home! And I don't like it! (First world problem, for sure).

Weight: Still the same. 163. Is this my new normal? Should I just live with this weight and concentrate on strengthening my running and cycling? I'm beginning to think so. I want to keep my weight in check and eat healthy, but right now I'm so sick of trying to lose weight. On the other hand, it will be easier to complete the above sports, the lighter I am. I don't know! I guess I'll figure it out one day or just keep trying.

Speaking of running, I did spontaneously sign up for the Marshall (University) Half Marathon! In two weeks!

Source

It was either this or a cupcake 5K run in which you eat six mini cupcakes, run a mile and a half, eat six more, run to the finish line, Then eat as many as you can to take seconds or minutes off of your time per cupcake you eat! Yeah that just sounds like a tummy ache! Or maybe more than just an ache...haha

I'm not ready for the whole Marathon yet, but I thought the Half would give me something to look forward to. Marshall is not my alma-mater. In fact it is the state's rival with my alma-mater West Virginia University. But my sister lives there and I do owe Marshall something, since five generations of my family have attended this university!

One of the parts I'm really looking forward to is Bart Yasso, running legend, will be speaking the day before the race! He will also lead a short run. I hardly ever get to see famous people and since I started this healthy journey and now know who Bart Yasso is, I'm extra excited!

I feel a little guilty for spending the money on this though. This Thursday will be my last day at my current job. I've been so stressed out! My boyfriend and I are moving back to our hometown to be closer to family and because he took a better job. But this leaves me having to find a new job, which hasn't been easy, and feeling lost.

Where we live now, there are so many trails to run and bike. I've grown used to living here and like it very much. The town we are moving to, I'm not sure how everything will turn out. I didn't particularly like living there as a teen, but what kid likes their hometown? So yes, I signed up for a race to take my mind off of everything. Its bound to be better than having a breakdown! haha

Alright, I should probably get back to work, but I will try to post something this weekend. I'll be working on moving, packing, and unloading (hopefully in our new home), so I'm not sure how exciting my life is going to be for the next couple of weeks (any different then usual? No.).

Carter Caves, KY

P.S. Yay for Fall, by the way. Thankfully we had gorgeous weather this weekend to celebrate my older sister's birthday (in Kentucky) and then for my long run, 10 miles, on Sunday! I'm not so sure about this whole running thing in cold weather!

Biggest Loser Half Marathon Recap

I achieved a new PR (personal record)!! I finished the Biggest Loser Half Marathon in Erie, PA in 2 hrs., 15 minutes and 51 seconds. That's ten minutes faster than my first half marathon! I went from an 11:10 pace in my first one to a 10:22 pace! And that's with a bathroom break during the race!

Source

This is the race course. It is completely on Presque Isle. It was a gorgeous and very flat course. The race began at 7am, so my beau and I got up at the crack ass of dawn to get ready. We drove to Erie the day before, about a three hour drive from where we live. After getting ready that morning, we had to get some breakfast. We went to McDonald's and I got an Egg White McMuffin and a water. I have these type of sandwiches at home so I figured it would be fine. We ate on the way to the island because on a normal day it can take twenty minutes to get from the entrance to the point of the island where the race would begin. We had marked out where we needed to go the night before and they were not kidding about how long it takes to get out there!  So we wanted to leave plenty of time for traffic. And I'm really glad we did. I had plenty of time to use the port-o-potties (not that it helped much) and we got a good parking spot. There were plenty of people rolling in, this was around 5:30am. Crazy runners.

Is it just me or do I look completely freaked out?

The start/finish line.

On good thing about getting up so early, we got to watch the sun rise over the water.

 The race seemed well organized with plenty of bathrooms at the start/finish line as well as on the course (since there are already bathrooms on the island, they were easily accessible during the race), some vendors, even a concession stand that was open and selling coffee at 5:30 in the morning! They separated the half marathoners and the 5K runners with the half lining up and starting first. I'm not sure what happened, but the race did start a little late and with a crowded chute, I was getting ansy.

Waiting...

 I decided I would line up with the 10:00 minute mile pacers. That was my A goal. I didn't think I could do it the whole way, but I thought it might motivate me to keep a more evened pace. And the pacer had a pirate flag. It was meant to be.

Finally, we started moving. About .2 miles in, I realized I had forgotten to start my watch. Doh! Then I realized I must have hit something while I was waiting because it was no longer on run. Extra doh! I got it working though, which was not easy as I was running.

I stayed with the 10:00 pacer really well, even during the water stations, where I still have to walk. I walked quickly just enough to gulp a drink down and then started running again which kept me right with them. I did that until mile 7 or so. That is when my stomach decided it hated me. I could feel it rumbling before, but I thought I might be able to ignore it. Well it would not be ignored. I saw a bathroom at mile 6 but again thought I could hold out. Like I said above, it was not happening. I started slowing up just a little bit at around that 7 mile marker. I could still see the pirate flag just barely ahead of me. I didn't think I was going to make it though. I'm not sure if it was the fried fish sandwich I had the night before or the extra Power Bar fruit gummies I ate during the run, but my stomach was roaring. There were no other bathrooms and I was heavily considering either going behind a very skinny tree or getting a lift with one of the cars passing us in the open lane. At mile 9 though there was a ranger's station that had a bathroom. Thank heaven! I made it and all was well.

I totally lost sight of the pirate flag after that of course. And I started to get really hungry. I'm not sure if it was because we started a little late or because I had eaten so early. Maybe a combination of both. So I had more fruit chews, way more than I usually eat. I only had one of the Clif Shot Blocks. I usually have two of those during a run like this, but they can upset my stomach and I didn't want to take the chance of making things worse. So I stuck with water, a little bit of gatorade that was offered on the course, and my chews.

They had water stations every mile and water/gatorade every other mile! That's fantastic. They didn't really need it this year since it was a lovely cool day, but it was nice to have that option. My strategy going in was to have water every two miles and gatorade if I needed a little extra boost. The few miles before I found a bathroom, I didn't have anything. I didn't want to put anything more into my stomach!

After the bathroom incident, I felt pretty good. My pace did slow down a little, but I kept it right around 10:00. And really the scenery was beautiful. A mix between beautiful trees, marsh lands, and bright Lake Erie. And with that I finished in 2:15!

Not sure if you can really tell, but I'm running towards the finish line.

Trying to not let that girl pass me! The time shows the gun time, 2:16.42. Chip time 2:15.51

 Overall it was a nice race. I might have hit closer to my 10:00 mark if it hadn't been for the pit stop. I'm really proud of my race though. Except for my left knee (not the one I messed up) hurting the last mile or so, my legs did well. I'll make sure to tape both of them next time!

The swag.

Source

After the race my beau and I decided it would be a great idea to swim in Lake Erie. So I decided to just go in with my clothes on. It was freeeaking cold! It's the middle of August and that water was ice cold! We didn't last long, haha.

It was sunnier than this might seem. Great for running!

 Also, I wasn't feeling well. Unfortunately, my stomach was majorly upset all day. Thank goodness our hotel room was nice and our king sized bed was comfy. I spent a lot of time in that room and not for any good reasons! My beau was very nice about it though and stayed with me even when I told him he should go out and find something fun to do. After lots of Pepto and a nap, we did take a little time out to do a first for me. We went to a casino!

Presque Isle Downs and Casino

I didn't win the big bucks. Better not quit my day job.

Today we decided to hit up a zoo. We had a really good time and it was nice to walk out my slightly sore legs. Even though we didn't do as much as I had thought we would, since I was dying on Saturday (dramatic much?), it was so nice to get away. And I leave you with a cute picture:

I thought this Red Panda was adorable!

P.S. I didn't stay on track with my eating. At all. But when you don't feel well you eat what sounds good. Doing better today and back on track completely tomorrow!

Deckers Creek Half Marathon

I did it!! I finished my first Half Marathon!!! Eeeek!

I can't even describe how nervous I was about this race. After the troubles I have had with my knees and running a distance I have never run before, I was freaking out. I went out and bought a little strap for my knee to support my knee a little better. I had done a 3 mile run on Wednesday and my left knee felt good, but the right still hurt a bit, so I ended up walking the last half mile.

I went to the Deckers Creek Half by myself, which didn't help my nerves. It's about 30 minutes from my home and they only had morning packet pick-up, so I got up a little before 6 am. I had an English muffin with egg and Canadian bacon with some hot tea. The weather was feeling nice while I ate breakfast. It had rained the night before so it was nice and cool, but no clouds were now in sight. I left around 6:45. We had to catch a bus from the packet pick-up to the start, the bus left at 7:45 for the 8:45 start time. After I found some parking, I walked to the park where the pick-up and buses were. There were long lines for the pick-up. There was no option to pick packets up the day before, which I definitely recommend they do for the next year. They went pretty fast, but still it held everyone up. I went back up to my car to drop my bag off, put on my shoes, got my gels, headphones, a granola bar, and my bib. I got on a bus very quickly, thank goodness, because of course there were lines at the starting point...for the porta potties. I know some people started late because of the lines, but it was chipped timed so as long as they weren't trying for first, I don't think it was a big deal. I was on time, barely.

 

I'm not sure you can really see this picture. But the trail has a significant elevation drop, which for a first half is nice. You can't really feel it, but it's not up hill! The first 11 miles are crushed limestone and dirt and the then the last bit is hard top. I'm lucky that the trail is not all paved since the dirt is much easier on my knees. I felt good the first 4 miles then both of my knees were hurting. I switched my strap from one knee to another a couple of times. It seemed to really help my left knee. After about mile 7 or 8, my knees just kinda stopped hurting, but I didn't walk because I was too afraid that if I stopped the pain would come back.

 

I ran a slow pace, but I wanted to take it easy so that I could make it. It worked out well. Other than the water stops (there were 7 total), I only walked for about 2 minutes total. A lot of my little stops were switching the strap.

 

The trail was extremely pretty. It followed Deckers Creek the whole way and for the most part was shaded by trees. The beginning was clustered, but it wasn't long before everyone spread out. I could see this being really frustrating for the faster runners who actually compete in these things. They do have to start times to try and alleviate this issue as much as possible though.

 

 

Around mile 10-11, there was a band playing a water sprayer. This was a nice distraction since there were no trees at this point and it was getting hot! It was in the high 80's when we finished, with lots of humidity of course. I was afraid that the black top would just destroy my legs, but I just kept telling myself to trudge on. I was one of the very few people running the last mile which made me pretty proud. There was a bit of a hill, but this was better for my legs than going downhill. The spectators at the end were cheering us through and my name was announced which is always fun!

 

My boyfriend didn't come along, so I didn't have anyone waiting for my at the finish line which was disappointing. I headed to the food tables, which unfortunately for me were down some stairs. Oi, it hurt to up and down those! But they had a nice spread of food with water and Gatorade. I drank and ate while listening to a different live band they had. It was nice.

 

 I was going to stay for the awards and raffle, but I had to travel later to go to a bachelorette party. I texted my two friends who have done a few sprint triathlons with me and I may have started crying in the car when they texted back how proud of me they were. It had just set in that I completed a goal that I worked so hard for and was so nervous about! I ran 13.1 freakin' miles! A girl who couldn't run 30 seconds two years ago, just completed a half marathon! Hell yeah I'm proud of myself.

 

My official time is 2 hours 25 minutes and 40 seconds. My first goal was to get under 2:30. I definitely succeeded!

My next half will be in August. I'm hoping that my knees will be healed and I can get an even better time. I'm thrilled, absolutely thrilled with my first half time though!

After I finished!

 

Our swag. Cotton shirt, recyclable bag, and a key chain token.

 

 

 

I'm sore today and my right knee is a little swollen. That's okay though, I would do it again in a heartbeat. Lots of rest, ice and stretching in my future. I still can't believe I did it!!

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Not Every Week is Great

Life is not all sunshine and butterflies. You know this and I know this. This week and last week have not been great as far as eating goes and today I had a craptastic run.

It really started with some stress from work last Thursday. Instead of going on the run that I knew would make me feel better, my body felt tired from the stress, so I came home and ate the rest of the bag of honey Kernel things that I had. Then, then! we ordered pizza. I ate three slices instead of stopping at two. After that I was supposed to clean house in preparation for my dad coming, nope that didn't happen. I took a three hour nap! Who does that!?! When I woke up (very confused at what day it was) I got a little bit of cleaning done and then went back to bed.

I realize that sometimes your body needs a break and that you have to deal with emotions in some manner. I don't mind that I took a glorious nap, but I do mind that I ate uncontrollably and when I was alone. It felt like I was 240 pounds all over again, hiding my eating from my boyfriend, and then over eating at dinner when he gets home. Frustrated to say the least, but it's all about learning. Next time I'll go straight for the nap ;) or at least take a walk when I don't feel like running or biking.

Of course I ate more junk food then planned over the weekend while I was in Tennessee. Even though I worked out all week, you really can't out work a bad diet. My weight is up this week at 161.2. I know it will eventually head back down, but I tend to do this over and over and that's why my weight loss has been rather slow. Sometimes I just get frustrated with myself and need to vent!

As far as workouts go for the week: I had my 5K on Sunday, did a 1 mile run and 20 minutes on a stationary bike at the hotel gym on Monday, did 8 miles on Tuesday, worked on cleaning our backyard up on Wednesday, 2 miles and 25 minutes on the stationary bike on Thursday, which brings me to my craptastic 10 mile run today. 

Oi Vay, I just could not get my head in this run. I started out already not feeling it and it just kept getting worse. Around mile 3 my stomach started hurting majorly and the bathroom isn't until mile 5. I seriously considered using the bushes, but it creeps me out so I just held on as best as I could. I had to walk a little so that my stomach would settle back down. I made it though. But after the pit stop I just had to energy left. I even ate some new fruit gummies (which I can't remember the brand right now and threw away the package), but they didn't give me any extra energy. My legs felt incredibly heavy and I just didn't have it in me. I didn't quit though. Best things about out and back courses, you have to finish to leave! I did have to walk a lot though and ended with an 11:30 pace. I'm surprised its not worse due to the amount of walking I did.

Well over ten minutes slower than my last 10 miler, but at least I experienced a difficult run and know I can finish it in case this happens at my half marathon. I suppose you could say I hit 'the wall' that runners always talk about. Blah I hope I don't experience it on my next one.

A couple of things could have caused this bad run. Not drinking enough water, the day before or the morning of. I didn't take a rest day the day before and maybe my body was tired. Maybe I should have slept a little longer so that I would have felt more rested. And my water bottle apparently wasn't closed all the way so kept spilling water all over myself and ran out of water more quickly.

Oh well though! It's over and I finished it! For every good run there are three bad ones and I had a pretty good run on Tuesday, so I guess this is just par for the course.

Hope you have a healthy weekend! Maybe 4-wheeling tomorrow with Richard and his family (I'm not that into it, but its quality time together) and then work Sunday.