Chicago MARATHON!

Well I did it. I took the plunge and registered for my first Marathon, with prodding from a friend.  Now I'm broke and scared, I mean super excited. :)

Yikes.  It's not until October but that means running a lot all summer in the heat and with the kids home... somehow.  We'll see how it all goes.  They may be spending some quality time at the grandparents house this summer.

Otherwise, I found a running partner that runs my pace! :)  We have been running once a week and maybe more when our schedules match up.  It's nice to have someone to meet and it holds me accountable.  I've gotten up to 8 miles on the long runs... pretty good as I'm still 7 weeks out from the local 1/2.  I think I'll be fine.  I think I will try to dial it back on that one and just use it as an easy training long run.  That way I can give my all in Nashville 4 weeks later.  I think last year I wiped myself out on that run and that made Nashville really difficult...  or maybe it was something else.  Who knows.

Mississippi Coast Marathon (or half marathon!)

Yes, I'm considering a full marathon.  Maybe.  November 26.  We are at the in-laws this year for Thanksgiving down in Mobile, AL, so I was looking for a race that weekend.  I found one about an hour and 1/2 away the Saturday after Thanksgiving and two days after my 35th birthday!  Whoa!  35!  I guess maybe that would be a good way to celebrate, either my first marathon or a great 1/2 marathon.  The Mississippi Coast Marathon.  It's small, cheap and flat.  I'm excited about the opportunity.  It's a ways off, but I should have plenty of time to train this fall with both boys in school full time.  I do have other obligations Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays, but still should have time to get training in and up my mileage considerably.

Now to find a good 1/2 marathon in late September, early October to test my fitness.  Hmmmm...

In other news, the Nike Training Club app is awesome and getting me toner and fitter and stronger.  I love it.  But, I am in serious endurance deprivation from a lack of long runs over the past few months, though think I can get it back pretty quick.   I need to get consistently back to 25 mpw.  I'm struggling now with 15-20.  Then I will try to up to 35 if I can hang.  Usually if I get past 28-30 I am constantly tired but maybe I just need a bit more consistency until my stamina can get built up.

I'm heading to Detroit Thursday for a friend's wedding!  Can't wait to see old friends and have a girls weekend.  Maybe I can sneak a run in....  we'll see.

On the consumption front, I have been CRAVING these:

I just want DP all the time.  I haven't been drinking soda for a while so this is just strange.  I give in to the urge every now and again, while hoping I kick this little habit very soon...

What are your fall race plans?  I am pumped!!!

First Post!

This is my new running blog. I want to have a place to keep up with workouts and also races and improvement. Thanks for checking in on me, feel free to leave a comment if you want to!

Sunday 1/8: 6.5 miles on treadmill

Saturday 1/9: 6.2 miles on treadmill

Wednesday 1/5/11: 8 mile run easy

Tuesday 1/4/11: 45 elliptical interval workout

Monday 1/3/11: 30 minute elliptical workout

Saturday 1/1/11: Frostbite 10k Hendersonville, TN - I PR'd with 52:07!

Upcoming Races:

2/6: Cedars of Lebanon 1/2 marathon Lebanon, TN

3/26: Run for Children 1/2 marathon Bowling Green, KY

4/30: Country Music 1/2 marathon Nashville, TN