Running Down A Mountain

The half marathon was harder than I thought it would be. Sure, my longest run had been around 8 or 9 miles. But I wasn't prepared for how the downhill would hurt my knees. I knew I wasn't going to be fast, and being left in everyone's dust wasn't awful. It meant for most of my run, it was me & nature. To be in a valley between hills, mountains and farms, was peaceful. To see horses running in the fields, was inspiring. Less inspiring was seeing two dead skunks on the road, two dead deer beside the road, and even a small dead vole on the road.

The water/Gatorade stations had very friendly encouraging people there, so I would be sure to remove my iPod earphones to converse with them. Yes, I was discouraged against wearing an iPod, since we did run on roads with cars. But a lot of people had them.

My favorite part of the race was the end. Once I hit the main street, I saw Geoff & the boys at the end. Ringing their bells, cheering for me (Elijah called me super!), it spurred me to run to the end faster. I was virtually the only person in sight, so all the people lined on main street had no choice but to cheer for me. It was awesome. I would raise my hands in the air, ham it up, huge smile on my face, knowing that the end was nigh. Almost across the finish line, they called out my number, "And here's number 1140, look at her smiling. That's Melissa Armstrong, Lance's wife." I looked up at the clock, very happy with my time, and they handed me a sopping wet ice cold towel. NICE! I draped it over my shoulder, grabbed a water, and walked into the first aid tent to sit down. They kept asking me if I was okay, I said, I just want to sit. Once I felt like my knees would survive movement, I left, grabbed more water and reunited with my fans.

My goal had been to finish in less than 3 hours 30 minutes, I finished in 3:13. Geoff says it is a good starting off point for my next race. While I am not ready to think about running for a few more days, I'm not ruling it out. Next race, I'm looking for flat. I want it flat, so I can be faster.

I Am A Half Marathoner

Less than a half mile to go

Well, resting all day yesterday, plus my training, must have done the trick. While I struggled through miles 8, 11, & 12, I was able to complete my first half marathon in 3 hours 13 minutes. I was hoping to beat 3:30, so goal succeeded! I have a blister on my fourth toe, left foot, very sore knees, and some back pain. But I also can say, I am a half marathoner. Now I want to rest!

(I may write more when I'm less tried)

You're Joking Right

After months and months of training, almost a year of planning to get here, I woke up sick this morning.

For me, not running, is not an option. Call it my cheap Scot roots, but I paid for this race, I'm gonna do it.

I don't know how, it probably won't be pretty, but I plan to complete the task before me. Pray that I am able to get it done.

(side note: if I think I am in any serious medical danger, I will seek out help)

Almost Go Time

I've been resting all week, per my instructions, and it's been ok. I kinda missed hitting the gym at least once.

We leave today for Steamboat Springs, race is at 7:30am on Sunday. I'll have the laptop, so I will try to blog about it and possibly post a picture.

Keep me in your prayers, we're almost there!

Not Sweating It

I did not meet the goals last week, but I'm not worried about it. The race is so close, and my excitement is mounting.

This week...
Tuesday run 4 miles (which I did, outside, the weather was great)
Wednesday & Thursday run 5 miles
Saturday & Sunday run 4 miles

Then I rest the whole week before the race. I also get to carb up. Whoo-hoo!

Pray I stay healthy (my allergies have been acting up), and that I stay encouraged.

Don't Ask

First off, there were no pictures of me from the Cherry Creek Sneak. seriously, I looked through all 630 some odd pages. I'm disappointed too. Good thing I have the ones Geoff took.

Secondly, last week's training was a disaster. So let's move on.

Race day is in 20 days. Go me go!

This weeks goals are...

Tuesday & Wednesday run 5 miles
Thursday cross-train 45 minutes
Saturday run 6 miles (I may do more, since I didn't do my 12 last week)
Sunday run 5 miles

Normally, Monday & Friday are rest days. But since I haven't touched my shoes since Wednesday, today I'm going to do some time on the bike, then maybe run a mile.

Keep encouraging me. Pray for me to stay healthy.

Not Quite

My goals were not met, due to some scheduling issues. I'm not sweating it, I'm staying flexible. I still feel good mentally & physically. My long run this past weekend was for 90 minutes, around Garden Of The Gods. Got my first real taste of running up & down hills. Not so awful, but not a lot of fun.

This week I'm not sure how it will play out but here is the goal list.

Tuesday & Wednesday run 4 miles
Thursday cross-train for 45 minutes
Saturday run 12 miles (Holy Cow!)
Sunday run 4 miles

26 days left!