12.5 Miles...I Need A New Playlist

Today I achieved an all-time record in terms of distance...12.5 Miles! It doesn't seem too long ago that I was super excited about running 5-6 miles. This after running 11 miles for the first time last week. 

I'm proud I could do it, but I'm also humbled by the distance. 

I ran the hilly route around my home twice. It meant hitting 3 decent hills and two gradual inclines once around for 6 miles, and then deciding to keep going to go for them again for a second 6 miles. Honestly, the first 6 miles was fine. The next 3 miles was OK, and the last 3 miles kicked my butt badly. The only thing that kept me moving was my mindset...I thought if it feels this bad now...I can handle this bad...keep shuffling...keep going. And I did.

One thing I learned is my current i-tunes playlist for running isn't long enough. I ran in silence for the last 4 miles. I thought I would hate running without music...I actually didn't mind it. I listened to my thoughts, encouraged myself to keep going and took in more of what was going on around me. 

Hubby called me just as my feet stepped onto our street. I give him a time...worry about me if I'm not home by...XX time. I was just 3 minutes short of that time today. I admit, a few tears fell as I sighted our home. For the first time I felt that overwhelming feeling where you push beyond your obvious physical limits. I recognize that people do this ALL. THE. TIME. But for me, it was a first, and it was not an easy first. I don't know if I have too many more firsts in me. 

My half marathon isn't until Mid-April. I suspect I'm over training....I plan to pull back a little on the length of my long runs and add in some shorter runs to keep my weekly distance up. One thing I proved today is that I can do the distance...even if it's not pretty. Now, I just need to give my body some time to recover I think. 

6 Miles & Hill Training!

After lamenting about the terrible weather for training and my inability to get decent hill-work into my schedule, Mother Nature presented me with temps in the upper 20's (that's 20F), sunshine and no wind. Luxury! 

Needless to say I had to run my local hilly roads and managed 6miles. The first hill was tougher on my pace than the second hill. I think it's because the first one is short and steep, whereas the other is longer and feels more gradual, even though it has a higher climb. In both cases, I shuffled, but I did not stop.

I just have to be able to do this twice over (plus a bit) and I have that half-marathon nailed. Hoping for continued good weather so I can keep training on this course!

Winter Training For A Half Marathon - Who Came Up With That Idea?

My dress standard for winter running!

In April and November 2014, I completed my first 5K and 10K races respectively. What is a girl to do but start training for a half marathon? But which one?

After carefully examining all half marathons in 2015, I selected the NJ half because it is flat, and you get great views of the Atlantic Ocean. A downside was the 3-hour time limit which ensures the course is cleared for the marathoners run to glory (without running the back of the pack down). However, it turns out I will be traveling to a Fitness Weekend on the weekend of the NJ Half Marathon, so that has led me to select another race. The weekend before is the MORE/FITNESS/SHAPE Half-Marathon for women to be held in Central Park, NYC.

I have to admit I'm VERY nervous about this race. Whenever I chat to a fellow runner about it, the following conversation ensues:

Me: "I'm doing a half in April"
Fellow Runner: "Great! The NJ Half?"
Me: "No, the MORE/FITNESS/SHAPE Half in Central Park"
Fellow Runner: "Oh! That one is hilly! Make sure you train for hills!"

So, it appears I'm switching my flat scenic course for a hilly scenic course! At least they give you 4 hours to finish it!

Here are the famous climbs....I mapped the first 6 mile loop of Central Park (1st picture below) and my nervousness increased when I realized I'd have to run this twice plus another 1.1 miles to finish. I have found a local loop on roads in my area (2nd picture) that has some hills of similar amplitude, I just need to be able to get out there and practice on it - the snowy and icy conditions on our roads have prevented me getting any real training miles on it, I hope that will improve in March.

Elevation of The 6 Mile Loop of Central Park

Elevation of My Training Run - If I Ever Get To It!

On a brighter note, I had an all-time high for the distance of my run today. I managed 11 miles at an 11:55 pace per mile. I'm a very slow runner, but proud that I'm starting to log some good distances. This long run was at a well maintained park (no ice on the paths) with mostly flat terrain, so  not ideal for training, but at least I could run.

My Goals for the Half Marathon:

1. Finish it.
2. Finish it in under 3 hours

If the course was flat, based on today's run, I could achieve my second goal. I must admit though that I was knackered for the last mile - hoping another 6 weeks or so of training will get me ready enough for the full 13.1 and that I get some time running those darn hills. Wish me luck!