Training week 5 with RunnersWorldTulsa (my week one)

Well I started a little late with the whole half training thing. I have been running, just not with the group. I ran a couple of 5ks and then my older girls left for VA last Saturday. I actually got out and ran the training run with the group. Since I haven't been running like a should, I decided to run with the 14+ min/mile group. I had a blast! I might run with the 13+ next time, but truly enjoyed today's run. It was nice and easy. I could breathe the whole time and didn't feel like I was struggling. It was wonderful. It was nice and breezy and cool (since we started early). Way better than running when it is 90-110 degrees! No pics today, but will try to make up for that on my next run!

First Steps Out of Door are the Hardest

Totally didn't want to run today, but I did it!!

seeing the beauty in everyday!

Today, I woke up knowing that I needed to get out there if I was going to keep up with my half marathon training. I haven't even gotten to do one group training run. I've done a couple of 5ks, and then this weekend had too much to do. This Saturday 2 of my teen girls are going to visit their dad. The oldest will be leaving for a year :'(. I'm sad about it, but I'm trying to not dwell on it. I am looking forward already to the 13 year old to return and she hasn't even left yet. The house feels empty when they are gone.

Anyway. Enough of that. I got out and thought I would go to the track at the high school. I walked over there, and a bunch of rowdy teenage boys were getting ready for football practice. I really don't need a bunch of young whippersnappers laughing at me while I wheeze and shuffle my way to better health. I decided to just take one of my regular routes.

Down a country road

Here is a bullet point recap:
It's hot.
Carrying a water bottle is awkward.
Sweat is dripping in my eyes- OWOWOWOW!
Crap, dead cat in the road, go to the house and let heavily tatooed man wearing a welding mask about it. (I was worried they may have kids who would see it), He assured me that it wasn't their cat and they didn't have kids.
Man I hope that guy wasn't a serial killer.
Another guy walking down the same country road, Rapist? no talk about the weather.
Dogs, Hopefully not aggressive. Nope.
More sweat in my eyes.
I can make it to that stop sign...maybe the shade....no I can do the stop sign.
Cars, get over a little!!
Another dog. one little bark
More sweat...Almost there!
Finally made it to my road. Ahhhhhh time to cool down.

Storing some hay in the Hay Capitol of the world!

Pretty much how it went. 45 min went about 3.5 miles. Under 13 min mile which was my goal.

Race Recap Mohawk 5000

This is after.

Kylah getting ready to start!

Ashleigh getting ready to start!

This was the girls' first race ever. We got up bright and early to head to the race. On the way there Ashleigh was telling me how nervous she was. I told them not to worry. Every race I had ever been to had lots of walkers, they wouldn't come in last. I was very very wrong. This was a small race, they came in last. They told me to go ahead and not worry. I told them I would be at the finish line. I couldn't help myself though. I had to keep checking on them. I would run back until I could see them, and then continue towards the finish line. I'm not positive about how far I actually ran. My runkeeper messed up a little. I finished in 41 min. The girls' finished in 48 min. I ran back with water to cross the finish line with them. We all three placed in our age groups and got medals! Awesome experience. Hoping to have lots more races with them!!

With our medals!

Ginormous Goal Beginning-Scared of Utter Failure

Goodbye my lovely!!

I have decided on a goal. It's a big one. I'm going to give up soda. Again. For good this time. If you have been around me enough, you know giving up Dr. Pepper (in any of its forms) will be like giving up crack. It has been weighing on my mind lately. I have been realizing that I have a hard time going without it, and how much I really drink. Really, honestly and truly, I drink at least 200 oz a day. I just added up today's total. Yikes. It is bad for my health, and I know that. It is basically an addiction that I have to break. So, starting tomorrow, I'm going to stop drinking soda. I'm not going to substitute any other sodas for Dr. Pepper. I will be drinking water, juice, crystal light, lemonade, and milk.  This will not be easy. I am going to take it one day at a time starting tomorrow. Wish me luck!

Yes it will!!!

The Wind Comes Sweeping Down the Plains-Welcome to OKlahoma!

Looked a little stormy today.

Today I decided to get out there and run. I looked up motivational quotes on Pinterest and got dressed. I headed out with my runkeeper going and the music on. It was windy!!! I'm not sure if there are any storm warnings, but by the end of my run the sky had a greenish tinge. If you are from Oklahoma , a greenish tinge is not a good thing. Like most Oklahomans, I'm not going to get too worried until I see a funnel cloud.

look at those clouds!

I took a different route than normal. I conquered my fear today. I went over the old 33 bridge. There is no shoulder, and people aren't really used to runners. So, I was worried that I would get hit by a car. I made it! I also had to run on Hwy 88 for a short time. It slowed me down a bit, because I had to run on a slope in the grass to avoid the cars.

I'm on top of the world!

All in all a good run even though it was REALLY windy! I should have gone farther, because I have lost a lot of my running ability. You don't use it, you lose it. I went too long without running. I'm looking forward to the next training program with Runner's World.

I promise I have two legs, but I was running.

2.53 miles in 32 min (with 5 min warm up)

Walkin' in the Sunshine

A few of these have happened to me.

Today, I walked through the sunshine. It was warm. I had every intention of running today, but once out there I lost all motivation. Billie Jo called me, and we can't ever have a short conversation. I just never felt it today. I am glad I got out there and at least got a walk. So yay for me and all that. Tomorrow will be better. I plan to get out there in the morning before it gets hot.

today it was a 18 minute mile, since it was walking only

Motivation for tomorrow.

Even Bad Runs Are Good

I love running in the country!

Monday I went out and took advantage of the older girls being home to watch the babies. I started the runkeeper and headed out. I actually listened to music this time (one ear only!). It was enjoyable, until I looked down at my runkeeper, and noticed that it wasn't working. UGH. It said I had already gone a mile, in 5 minutes. I wish. So I'm not positive how far I went or what my average min/mile was. I did go appx 36 min and I think my average min/mile was somewhere in the normal range. It did get difficult, and I forgot to go to the bathroom. Luckily this was a short little run. You would think country roads wouldn't be all that busy. Well here in Inola, they are always busy! And I just knew if I hung my butt out there, someone I know (I know lots of people) would see my white behind and tell everyone about it. Luckily though, I made it home without incident. Hoping tomorrow's run works out better. It did feel good to get out there, and my foot felt pretty good. I've started wearing my boot to bed again, because the foot has been hurting. Today is Zumba practice and Sabrina's Zumba class tonight, so no running today for me.

The roads will wait for me.