Tuesday, April 16, 2013

Heavy Heart

I wasn't going to run this morning. To be honest, I'm still pretty sore from my race on Sunday and from the soccer game.

After the tragic events of yesterday, I HAD to run this morning. I needed to get out there and run for everyone who no longer can. I needed to think and to try to wrap my head around what happened. I'm particularly upset about the 8 year old who lost his life after hugging his dad who had just finished the race. It makes me think of my 8 year old, and my 11 year old, and my husband, and all the times they come out to the finish line and wait for me. That's my son JL cheering me on in the background of this 10 miler.

My thoughts and prayers are with all those runners, spectators, first responders, doctors, and race organizers right now.

Peace and love.


 

 

Monday, April 15, 2013

A new PR: 47:32.38 for 5 miles

Yesterday, I ran the Hatfield 5 and Dime race.  I've run this race for the last 2 years (although doing the 10 mile distance previously).  I've scaled back my milelage this year and have only been doing short runs (i.e. less than 6 miles) since the Disney Half. 

The Hatfield Hat Trick series is one of my favorites...flat, great amenities, and local!  The course is a short 15 minute drive, has ample parking, indoor restrooms, good food, and a great DJ.

I wasn't expecting much in terms of my performance yesterday.  I had been struggling lately to even high 10:30s on my 3 mile runs.  A few of the runs were in the 11 minute per mile pace and one even crossed the 12 minute per mile pace.  I seriously contemplated giving up running after that debacle of a run.

Yesterday's weather was perfect...50s and slightly cloudy.  I started near the back of the field since the race is chip timed.  I went out strong and was pleased to see 9:30 as my pace at mile 1.   I was hoping just to keep it under a 10 minute mile...but didn't really expect to since I knew how slow my training runs had been.  I promised myself I would only look at my watch at mile markers.   Mile 2 came up and revealed a 9:32 average pace.   The miles ticked away quickly and before I knew it I was at Mile 3.  A quick glance revealed a 9:36 average pace.  I was stunned...it didn't even feel like I was working that hard.   Mile 4 was next and I was still holding a 9:36.  At this point, I broke out into a huge smile, told myself I had this in the bag, and took off.   I crossed the line at 47:32...holy crap...I just ran 5 miles at a 9:30 per mile average pace!  SO PROUD!

Gotta love any day that starts with a PR!