Too Cold to Hold 15k

Lindsey and I ran the Too Cold to Hold 15k on January 17th and it was an awesome race. The last time we ran a 15k was in July, 2009, so we were hoping to really improve upon that time. Our previous time was 1:47:45 and our latest 15k time: 1:32:35. Not too shabby! Here are some pics. Enjoy!

I'm Back!!!

My doctor has given me semi-clearance and so I ran with my class for the first time in 2010 (I'm not counting the magic mile). It was SO MUCH FUN! I have really missed running with our groups, let me tell you.

The great thing is that my coach for Tuesday/Thursdays is Barbara! She coached Lindsey and I last year during the week to prep for the marathon and she's just great. And we have a really good group. Everyone seems super friendly - and there's a lot less stress in thinking about a half marathon, rather than full.

But the best part is I felt pretty good. I was super nervous about a number of things:

1. How would I feel about getting up to run at 5:15 am in the cold when I've been "sleeping in" for the past 6 weeks - Answer: fine, no problem at all except that I forgot my watch.

2. Would I be able to keep up with the 11 minute pace group - Answer: I led em! I don't know what pace we ran since we are a combo 11/11:30 group and I forgot my watch, but I felt strong the whole way.

3. Would I be able to run for 4 miles since I haven't really run since the marathon or any cardio (except for a 5K on 1/2 and the magic mile on 1/3) - Answer: Yep! No problemo. I ran 4.5 miles with the Half B group even though I'm signed up for the A group on doctor's orders not to run more than 3-4 miles (whoops - our route was longer than we thought). I could have kept going.

4. How would my knee hold up - Answer: not too bad. I had a brace on which helped and it ached during the end of the run and aches a little now, but no stabbing pain, thankfully.

When I drove out of that parking lot, I had the hugest grin on my face. It is so great to be back!

What's Next?

Now that the marathons are over, the question is looming: What next?

As much as we may not have believed it in April 2009, we are all runners now - and what do runners do? Run!

Shannon has decided to allow her body to heal and has signed up for not one, not 2, but 3 half marathons for 2010! Way to relax, Shannon! LOL.

Lindsey and I are signed up to run the Cincinnati Flying Pig Marathon on May 2, 2010. Woo hoo! We are so excited.

We all participated in the "magic mile" time trial on Sunday and each of us shaved over 4 minutes off our time since beginning this program last April. Lindsey beat us all by turning in a time of 7:05, whew! Way to go Lindsey! That means we all graduate to faster running groups this time around - Yay! We are no longer the slow ones!!!!!

I have to say, embarking on this journey has been a pure pleasure and I so glad the 3 of us did it together.

Jennifer is a MARATHONER!

What a day! Today I completed the Dallas White Rock Marathon. It was a very difficult race - but I did it!

The first half of the race was awesome, even thought I didn't quite feel good the entire race. It just wasn't a good running day for me. Things quickly fell apart at mile 19, where my legs and hips just cramped up on me. But, Lindsey ran with me from mile 17 until the end and I really needed her support and encouragement. Shannon came out and cheered me on at various points throughout the route, and it meant the world to me. My final time was 4:56:57 - not my plan "A" time, but my plan "B" time; and I'll take it!

So, our journey ends with all 3 of us as MARATHONERS! Considering we all embarked on this journey barely being able to complete a mile, I'd say we did pretty good. This experience has strengthened me physically, emotionally and mentally. I will definitely run another marathon.

Lindsey and Shannon are MARATHONERS!!!

Lindsey and I completed the Las Vegas Marathon on Sunday, December 6th. I was incredibly nervous, but we both completed the race!

And - wow - Lindsey is AWESOME! That girl finished in 4:40. A full twenty minutes faster than her planned time! She had negative splits the whole way and definitely demonstrated speed and endurance throughout the race. All with a smile! And how cool that she ran the whole race with her Dad!?!

My race time was a lot slower, but I don't care because I finished!!!! And the best parts were seeing my Dad and brother Patrick out on the course to cheer me on. It was cold, so it couldn't have been comfortable for them.

What a sense of accomplishment. There's something sad that my first marathon is over. But I can't wait to figure out what's next! For now, some well deserved rest and recuperating time.

GOOD LUCK TO JENNIFER - WHITE ROCK MARATHON IN 3 DAYS!!!!!

Last Training Run for Lindsey and Shannon

Sigh. Today was the last training run for the Vegas Marathon. It was the last time I have to get up at 5:15 am to run for this race (I'll be getting up at that time in 2 weeks when I start my traning for the Dallas Rock N Roll Half, but for now it's a nice thought). It was the last time I'll run with my awesome coach, Barabara - at least until next time we are in the same group.

I can't believe we are here already! I was looking through the older posts on this blog (in July and August) and we've really come a long way. I think we are all ready for the marathon. I know that Jennifer and Lindsey are strong and are gonna kick their marathons' butts! I know I can do it, albeit a little slower than they will.

I can't wait to check it out and take it all in. For now, good bye training runs.

Less than 2 Weeks Away!

We are all now in our taper stage - thank goodness! Lindsey and I completed out last "long" run this Saturday. We ran 15 miles at a pretty good pace, although we stopped a few times - once to check out a garage sale! That was really fun.

I can't believe we are one weekend away from the marathon, though. I am getting nervous, but excited at the same time. We have 9 miles to run this next weekend, then take it easy, travel to Vegas, and take off.