#5

It took almost one year to the day....but I have completed my 5th half marathon!

I wish I could post that I met all my goals for this race....but I did not.  But I finished the race....which I wasn't sure was going to happen around mile 8.

The good news is, it didn't start raining until around mile 10.  And actually the rain was welcomed!!  The humidity was right around 97% for the entire run.  I'm not sure if it was a nutrional thing, the humidity or it just wasn't in the cards for me. 

At the OKC Memorial before the race

I was averaging right around a 9:40 (ish) minute mile up until mile 8.  A couple of big hills, the humid weather...and all of the sudden my stomach was at war with my body.  I went from the strong pace I had above to a 11:16 mile on mile 9.  And for the first time in any half marathon, at around mile 11, I had to stop.  So my unofficial time was 2:16:05.  This would be my "cheater" time as I stopped my Garmin.  But I finished!!!

Chad also had a battling marathon.  I was so proud of him for pushing through, not giving up and finishing.  We were both disappointed with our times, but also proud that we didn't shut down and we crossed the finish line.  26.2 miles....not bad for a Sunday morning Sweetheart! :)

Washout Possible????

This is the 7 day forecast for Oklahoma City.  Notice the caption for Sunday....the day of the OKC Memorial Half Marathon.

Well, it looks like my hopes of better conditions may not pan out this year.  With all the training Chad has put in to run the full marathon, I am really hoping this forecast will be wrong/change/or the rain will hold off until closer to the end of the race.  But I also know that having a pity party about the weather won't help either.  So it looks like we will need to prepare for the worst conditions (again) and hope for the best.  And if the weather IS similar to last year.....I will have a new goal.  To BEAT my "worst conditions ever 2011 half marathon" time of 2 hours and 16 minutes. :)

Undercover Weather Watcher

I admit it.  I have become obsessed with the weather forecast for Oklahoma City, OK for Sunday April 29th. 

Scattered T-Storms...High 73...Chance of Rain 60%....then 30%......now 40%



I must stop the insanity!  It is only Monday evening!!! 

Lots can change in a weather forecast between now and Sunday.  And if I keep going at this rate, I may have a second degree in Meteorology by then.  But after enduring last year's conditions....you may be more than a bit paranoid as well.  I won't bore you with re-hashing last year...but in case you missed it here is a recap  OKC 2011

If last year's race taught me anything it is to be prepared.  I will go ready for any kind of running conditions mother nature can throw at me short of a snow storm.  And I know that I have tackled a half marathon in the pouring rain and even hail once before....so I know I have it in me.

 I'd just rather not do it again. :)

 

Nebraska Weekend

We are enjoying a great weekend in Nebraska with family and friends

Shana's baby shower in Grand Island

The funny preggo picture tradition continues....I have pictures from my baby shower, Laura's shower and now with Shana embracing the baby bump.  Silly photos date back to high school and college with these two...some things never change! :)

8 days until the Oklahoma City Half Marathon!!!

I still need to run my 4 mile long run tomorrow morning and hoping I can keep up a race pace this time if possible.  Chad and I plan on running together Sunday morning in Hildreth before heading home.  I was able to run a pretty darn fast (for me at least) 3 mile tempo run this past week with Mitchell's help.  He rode his bike home from school and I ran....wow has he gotten a lot stronger and faster from what I remember last year!  I averaged a 8:49 minute mile pace...which made me think I need to have him ride his bike with me more often. :)

Two Weeks

This is what my last two weeks look like training-wise......

15	15-Apr	Jog 40 min	Cross train	3 miles at 9:35 pace	Rest	Cross train	4 miles at 9:35	Rest
16	22-Apr	Rest	Jog 30 min	3 miles at 9:35 pace	Rest	Rest	1/2 Marathon!!!

I originally had a pretty lofty goal for my 5th half marathon, but with the way my running has been going as of late I think I will be happy with anything under 2:10.  Again this year, I will also plan to walk back on to the course so I am able to run the last several miles of Chad's marathon distance with him.  As of today's 40 minute easy run, I have also logged over 200 miles in 2012!

I found this old picture while cleaning out a box in our closet.  This was taken in December 2002.  10 years later Chad is running marathons and competing in triathlons!  I am running (something I would have laughed out loud at 10 years ago) and about to take on my 5th half marathon.....amazing!  I can only imagine the journeys I will think about when I look back on pictures from this time in our lives another ten years from now.

13,12 and 5

13 years ago we officially became a couple.
12 years ago I said "yes!"

April 12th may not be our wedding anniversary but it still holds a special spot! 

Someday these boys will take a picture together where they are both looking at the same time.....I just know they will.

Hoping the weather holds off long enough on Saturday for a quick 5 mile long run and also so we can attend the Jr Wildcat Events at the KSU Baseball Game!

New kicks

New shoes....I have been told there is nothing quite like it.  For the second time in my blogging history I have posted a picture of my new running shoes. But if you happen to know me, and have a grasp on how low matainence I am when it comes to shoes....purchasing new shoes is a big deal and not something I usually get all that excited about.

I've been in a running funk lately. I've just felt tired, my legs have seemed heavy and I have just felt overall like I have been slow and running has been more of a struggle then I would like it to be. Enter my new Mizuno Wave Inspire 8's!!!  Review of my new running shoes
My last pair of Mizuno's were just okay, and I was thinking of trying a different brand after logging over 350 miles on my last pair.  But thanks to the good people at the Manhattan Running Company I was able to find a fun new pair of shoes, I stuck with what still felt the best and my 28 minute treadmill 5K today felt quite a bit better.  What a difference new shoes can make!

I thought I would also include more shots from our Easter Weekend. The last shot is of my dad and his new knee. He is doing great and we are so happy his recovery continues to progress so well.