Monday miles

Nice, easy, "getting back into it" week.

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Miles last week:
11.5

Miles in 2016:
951

Grand Rapids Marathon Race Pics

A photo I'll cherish forever!

Race Re-Cap: Grand Rapids Marathon

Well, it's done! My time was four minutes slower than last year's marathon (a time I was really, really hoping to improve on), however, I felt so strong throughout the entire race. The last two miles were tough, as is to be expected, but I never hit a wall. Never thought "Why on earth am I doing this?" Even though my finish time was slower than I'd hoped, I'm so happy with myself. I feel like training by heart rate prepared me to start slow, keep it steady, and finish strong. I had a race plan, I stuck to it.  Plus…I ran a negative split!

Miles 1–7 @ 12:23/mile
I kept my heart rate at 155bpm. This was tough. I felt like I had more to give, but kept telling myself that energy I gave now would be better spent at the end. I fueled for the first time at the 5 mile mark.

Miles 8–13 @12:17/mile
Still feeling great. Upped my heart rate to 160bpm. Lots of hills in this part of the race. Fueled for the second time at the half marathon mark.

Miles 14-20 @ 12:14/mile
Miles 14 through 18 were my fastest of the entire race 11:35–12:05/mile. There was a 7 mile out and back stretch that seemed never ending. But despite the mental boredom, I kept telling myself how strong I felt, even though my legs were starting to complain a bit by mile 20. Two fueling bonuses this section were the most delicious banana half I've ever eaten at mile 15, and pickle juice (holy cow did that hit the spot) around mile 18.

Miles 21–26 @ 12:12/mile
That slow pace I started with in the first half paid off in these last five miles. By mile 22 I allowed myself a 1 minute walk/water break at each mile marker. My quads were on fire, but I'd keep pushing until I saw the next mile flag. This stage of the race I passed at least 6-10 people per mile – so good for my mental strength! At mile 23 I started running with an older gentleman that had run the marathon before. We chatted and kept each other moving forward until I stopped for water at mile 25 (I know…only 1.2 miles to go, but I needed to walk for a minute.)

Mile .2 @11:15/mile
Kyle and the girls were waiting for me at the 26 mile mark. I was struggling to keep it together when I saw them at the corner, cheering for me. Then, the girls grabbed my hands and said they were going to run to the finish line with me. If I thought it was difficult before, try running the last .2 mile while holding your daughters' hands and trying your best not to hyperventilate while crying. :) Challenging, but beautiful! I can't wait to see the finish line photos with my babies.

So…that's it. Marathon #2 is in the books. Sunday night when I crawled (literally) into bed, I told Kyle I was pretty sure that was my last marathon. Today, despite two days of the sorest quads I've ever had, and a 48-hour fear of stairs, I'm thinking I'd like to give the Grand Rapids Marathon another try next year. I've signed up for a Heart Rate 102 – Bag 'O Speed plan through the Train Like a Mother Club and will use it to train for the Sergeant Preston Yukon King 10K on January 1st. I truly feel that heart rate training is for me. I ran five days a week, slow and easy, injury free, and finished a marathon with nothing more than terribly sore quads for the next couple of days. Oh…and a great sense of accomplishment. Can't forget about that.

Monday miles

Slowest pace of the week:
12:10

Fastest pace of the week:
11:54

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Miles last week:
36.5

Miles in 2016:
939.5

Tomorrow's the day!

Last run of the training plan selfie

As I type this, I'm enjoying a quiet cup of coffee and thinking about where I'll be in a smidge more than twenty-four hours…THE STARTING LINE! I'm 95% excited, 5% nervous. 

A few notes on weeks 18–24…

My pace at 140bpm has significantly improved with the cooler air temps and lower humidity. My average is a 10:50–11:00min/mile on those <140 training runs. I ran a "Give it all you've got" 6-miler a couple of weeks ago (NOT on the training plan, but I forgot my heart rate monitor, it was 45˚F when I went out for my run, and I really, really wanted to see what I could do.) My pace? 9:50m/mile. Made me smile. Oh…and it made me hurt!! My hips (always a problem last year after my long runs) were so sore. I kind of regretted it, and decided to save the pain for the marathon. Lesson learned.

95% Excited:

• I'm excited to spend a few hours (4-5!) running through the city of Grand Rapids. I enjoyed last week's taper week, but, this week was stressful and not being able to run off of some of that tension has left me a little cranky.
• I know that this marathon experience is going to be completely different than my first. This time there are more than 4,000 runners (vs. less than 70 marathoners at last year's Oktoberfest Marathon.) With the city of Grand Rapids to soak in, as well as the company of thousands of other runners, my mind is going to have so much to keep it occupied when the running gets tough.
• The weather is going to be perfect! A crisp 40˚F at the start, around 60˚F when I finish sometime between 12:00pm and 1:0pm.
• I have a very specific race plan. The first nine miles I'll keep my heart rate below 155bmp, over the next few hours I'll allow it to creep up at 5bpm intervals until the last mile when I'll give it everything. I know exactly when I'll fuel, how much water to drink and when. I feel very, very prepared.
• Last year I ran four long runs over 16 miles. This time…there were seven. Two 20 milers on the schedule.
• I want to see what I can do this time around. I've spent the past 24 weeks training for tomorrow. That was the hard part. This, this is the fun party at the end!

5% Nervous:

• I've spend the past 24 weeks training for tomorrow. That's 6 months!
• My expectations are high – I want to do so much better than I did in my first race. However, the outcome is unknown, and I like to know what's in store. No surprises. (Yeah, right!)
• Even though I've spent a lot more time running during this training plan, unlike last year, I never actually ran a 20-miler. My long runs were given time limits, and the longest I've spent on my feet is 4:20 minutes. I capped out at 18 miles. My long runs were capped at time AND 140bpm, I'll be racing at a much high heart rate, but still…NERVOUS!

So…that's it. Tomorrow is the day. I'll be sure to find time later next week for a full race report. My first marathon with Heart Rate Training as my guide. Wish me luck!

Monday miles

Slowest pace of the week:
13:05

Fastest pace of the week:
9:50

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Miles last week:
29

Miles in 2016:
903

Monday miles

Slowest pace of the week:
11:21

Fastest pace of the week:
12:25

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Miles last week:
29

Miles in 2016:
874.5

Monday miles

Treated myself to a trail run = happy face!

Slowest pace of the week:
13:30

Fastest pace of the week:
11:26

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Miles last week:
34.5

Miles in 2016:
845.5

Monday miles

Slowest pace of the week:
13:53

Fastest pace of the week:
12:09

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Miles last week:
33.8

Miles in 2016:
811

Monday miles

Slowest pace of the week:
15:39 (walked…didn't have a run in me.)

Fastest pace of the week:
12:02

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Miles last week:
30.05

Miles in 2016:
773.10

Week 17 Recap

A VERY slow walk home

This week I baled on a scheduled run. For the first time ever. This is two days after I ran my fastest Easy Effort 60 minutes. I made it 5 miles at at 12:02/mile keeping my HR at 140 or less. I came home from that run elated! Two days later, it was hot and humid again. My legs were tired, as well as my mind. I made it ten minutes before realizing I didn't have a run in me. So…it became a 45 minute walk instead. A part of me is disappointed, another part it 100% ok with it. I listened to my body, and took a much-needed break.

Monday miles

Slowest pace of the week:
13:48

Fastest pace of the week:
12:37

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Miles last week:
27.0

Miles in 2016:
743.05

Monday miles

Slowest pace of the week:
14:26

Fastest pace of the week:
12:47

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Miles last week:
36.2

Miles in 2016:
716.05

Week 16 Recap – the Good, the Bad, and the Ready

View from last week's long run

The Good
This morning (technically week 17) was one of those "this is why I run" runs. The air temps were perfect, my legs felt strong, my head was in the game. Usually my Easy-Effort 60 minutes have been at an average of 13:30/mile. Today I was clipping along at an enjoyable 12:45/mile. This run felt so good. It made up for…the bad.

The Bad
Friday's 19 miles/3 hours and 48 minutes (whichever comes first) was truly awful. Really, really bad.  I ran 16.75 miles, but it took me 4 hours and 14 minutes. Too long. I should not have been out there for that long. Also, I didn't get on the road until after 9:30am due to a job for work that had to get out. No. Matter. What. So…late start, hot and humid weather, ran for too long, not enough water. On the bright side, my friend Cyndy rode her bike next to me for the last 11 miles. That was so incredibly helpful. Without her stories and encouragement I think I would have called my husband for a rescue ride home. Thanks, Cyndy! :)

The Ready
Sometimes my run schedule feels a bit overwhelming. There's a lot to go into this training plan, besides simply running. Before I leave I spent five minutes foam rolling as "pre-hab".  Lately my easy runs have all been 60 minutes long. Once I'm home I drink some water, then go downstairs to do my ten minutes of strength work, followed by post-run foam rolling. Yes, it seems like a lot. A good hour and a half of my morning. And if I don't get to it first thing in the morning, the entire process is hanging over my head for the entire day. But, you know what? It all works together. I've never felt stronger. In sixteen weeks I haven't had as much as a twinge in any of my body parts. This is working. I feel ready to run 26.2 miles in six weeks.

My best workout for week 16: My two rest days! I ran a lot of miles this week. Rest is so important.

Monday Miles

Slowest pace of the week:
15:11

Fastest pace of the week:
12:05

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Miles last week:
29.4

Miles in 2016:
679.85

Week 15 Recap

Magic numbers?

Something magical happened during Sunday's EAT – Enhanced Anaerobic Threshold workout. I ran 3.75 miles at paces between 8:12 and 8:44/mile. Yes. Me. I ran that fast. I've never run that fast for that long before. Ever.

So…what the heck is this workout and why so fast?

I'm not sure I have the answers for you yet, since I don't even know what just happened.

The workout called for a ten minute warmup followed by three 2K segments at slowly increasing heart rate zones. I started at 160 and eventually made it up to 180. It sucked! Each of those 1.25 mile segments was progressively harder and it was difficult to keep my brain from telling me to stop. Really, really hard.

I think there were a few factors in my favor though:

1) It was 65˚. I was running outside, under gorgeous blue skies in non-humid air. After six weeks of hot, humid Michigan weather, this felt amazing. I know that air temps had a lot to do with it.

2) The feeling of running "fast." I'm not normally a "fast" runner. I've run a 5K in 26:13 which is a 8:26/mile pace. I remember running that race (I placed 2nd in my age group! Woot-woot!) and thinking how incredibly fast and hard that was.

What this all means, I don't know yet. According to the worksheet from my heart rate coach, my projected marathon race pace is 9:23/mile. That's a finish time of 4:05:51. My brain doesn't compute.

My best "Easy" pace for week fifteen: 13:18 (Because, those miles in the 8's were NOT easy!)

Monday Miles

Found change from Friday's long run!

Slowest pace of the week:
14:58

Fastest pace of the week:
10:52

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Miles last week:
26.9

Miles in 2016:
650.45

Michigan Runner Girl Podcast…and me!

My oldest daughter in my favorite MRG hoodie

I'm a podcast girl from way back. You know…like five years ago or so when "podcast" became a word. Waaay back. ;)

One of my favorite running related podcasts is Michigan Runner Girl by Heather Durocher of MichiganRunnerGirl.com. I've listened to each weekly podcast and enjoyed every last one. She informs MI runner girls (and guys, I'm sure) about great places and races around the state, has interviewed race directors, coaches, nutritionists and more. This week…she interviews me. Twice.

I'm honored to share this journey with Heather and her listeners. Maybe someone will consider heart rate training themselves. Come on in…the water's warm!

Week 14 Recap

Notes for the week:

1. Do you see that number to the left? It's a 10:38 min/mile. This was from a "free" run. Not at a heart rate cap of 140, but it proves that despite 81˚and Michigan humidity, I actually CAN run something speedier than these super slow paces I've been seeing. It makes me really anxious to run in my favorite weather conditions of 45˚ and partly cloudy. (Maybe that autumn weather is just around the corner? I can only hope.)

2. Friday morning I have a 17 mile long run on the books. The way my training plan is given to me, even though it says "17 miles" it also gives me the maximum time limit of 3 hours and 24 minutes. I'm hoping that I can get to 15 miles before my time is up. As of right now the weather is calling for 97% humidity and 70˚ when I hit the road first thing in the morning. I am SO ready for cooler weather!

The numbers: My best "easy" pace the past two weeks was at 13:32. 

Monday miles

Sometimes it's worth it to get up early

Slowest pace of the week
Probably one of the gorgeous hikes with my family in the UP.

Fastest pace of the week

13:32/mile

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Miles last week

21.1

Miles in 2016

623.45

Monday miles

Sometimes it's worth it to get up early

Slowest pace of the week
– Probably one of the gorgeous hikes with my family in the UP.

Fastest pace of the week

13:32/mile

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Miles last week

21.1

Miles in 2016

623.45

Week 13 Recap – Tahqua Trail Run

"Flat Lisa" ready for the race

Notes for the week:

1. I took the week easy, a slight "taper" for Saturday's run. While I didn't run my scheduled long run of 16 miles, I did a few "easy" runs during the week as well as an 8 miler on Tuesday followed by Saturday's 6 at race pace.

2. THE RACE: 

A) First thought…LOVED IT! 

B) The trail was very technical. There wasn't a flat stretch anywhere along the six mile route. Roots, steep climbs, sudden drops. My idea of soaking in the scenery while I raced quickly went out of my head. Instead, eyes on the terrain in front of me the entire time. 

C) So…that "Race Plan" with slowly increasing heart rate zones? Didn't happen. I tried SO HARD the first twenty minutes or so to keep in under the 165bpm, but I felt really good with my heart rate around 170. Plus, with so much climbing for the first mile or so, I would have been at a walk pace if I ran any slower. My average heart rate for the race was 185. And guess what? I felt great! Strong legs, strong heart, strong mind. Not once did my brain tell me to slow down to catch my breath. I did walk up the last two flights of stairs at the climb towards the end, but so did everyone around me. Our poor quads needed a break from the climbing.

D) Making the choice to drop down to the 10K was the right one. After heading back to the campsite with my husband and girls, we swam for an hour or so in the river, then hiked the 5 mile trail from Lower to Upper Falls. If I'd run the 25K, there's no way I could have done that. Family time = more important, for sure.

The numbers: My best "easy" pace the past weeks was at 13:13. My race pace? 13:50 for butt-kicking miles. 9th in my age group (out of 19…my typical "middle of the pack" placing!)  :)

Monday Miles

Beautiful run scenery!

Slowest pace of the week
14:05/mile 

Fastest pace of the week

13:13/mile

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Miles last week

27.3

Miles in 2016

602.35

Race: Tahqua Trail Run

Tomorrow morning I'll be lining up for the Tahqua Trail Run in Paradise, MI.

A few thoughts:
1. I'm excited and looking forward to running along the Tahquamenon river
2. I'm curious to feel what it's like to race with a heart rate plan.
3. It's going to be great to feel a little "speed" under my feet!

Wish me luck!

Week 12 Recap

Notes for the week:

1. Friday we leave for the UP and my 10K at the Tahqua Trail Race. I'd originally signed up for the 25K, but after running 10.5 miles on the North Country Trail last week, realized that tacking on another 4.5 miles, then expecting to hike with my husband and daughters for four days wasn't a good idea. I don't want to be the gimpy mom trying to painfully slog on the trails with her family. So…I changed my entry. Six miles of trails will be perfect!

2. I have a race plan for Saturday's six miles. FIRST. TIME. EVER. The 10k will be split into 2k increments. I'll start off with my HR between 160-165 for the first 2k with it slowly rising to between 180-185 for the last 2k. I'm a little nervous. I ran a half mile or so the other day at 185 to get a feel for it. Although I'm pretty sure this is what it felt like to run "regularly" in the past, after spending three months keeping my heart at a low, happy place, this seems really challenging! But, I can do it!

The numbers: My best "easy" pace the past two weeks was at 13:05. 

Monday miles

10.5 miles on the North Country Trail = happy

Slowest pace of the week
15:29/mile 

Fastest pace of the week

13:20/mile

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Miles last week

26.2

Miles in 2016

575.05

Weeks 10 and 11 Recap

Tempted to jump in!

Notes for the week:

1. I'm getting really excited about running in cooler weather. The heat and humidity have been relentless. On a couple of the mornings when I've gotten out before the sun, I can tell my pace at 140 is quicker than before. Also, those times when I can't get out before the sun, I feel as though running is easier than it was last summer. (Perhaps this heart of mine is getting stronger?)

2. While I really enjoy running for time vs. miles, it makes it difficult to run different routes. I'm never sure how long it's going to take, therefore almost every run has been an out-and-back. Getting kind of boring!

The numbers: My best "easy" pace the past two weeks was at 12:15. 

Monday Miles

Slowest pace of the week
14:06/mile

Fastest pace of the week

11:47/mile

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Miles last week

24.5

Miles in 2016

548.85

Monday miles

Slowest pace of the week
16:08/mile

Fastest pace of the week

11:07/mile

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Miles last week

21.3

Miles in 2016

524.35

Weeks 8 and 9 Recap

Change of scenery for an easy run

Notes for the week:

1. Two weeks to make up for here. Two weeks ago we celebrated Independence Day with family over the weekend, then Kyle's family from TX stayed with us for a few days. Despite all the busyness I was able to fit in all my runs for the week. Not once did I dread having to get up early to fit in my miles minutes. Not once.

2. The heat and humidity is kicking this cold-weather-girl's butt. There have been a couple of runs the past two weeks that no matter how early I get up to beat the heat, it's tough for my body to keep my heart rate under 140.

3. Last week I started adding "accelerators" to a couple of my runs. Basically pick-ups or fartleks. Holy speed, Batman! One of them was at a 7:30 pace. It felt SO GOOD!

The numbers: My best "easy" pace the past two weeks was at 12:38. The humidity is killing it for me. I'm not worried.

Monday miles

Sweet Pea – beautifying my runs

Slowest pace of the week
14:30/mile

Fastest pace of the week

12:53/mile

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Miles last week

25.5

Miles in 2016

503.05

Monday miles

Found while running = running with scissors!

Slowest pace of the week
14:15/mile

Fastest pace of the week

12:38/mile

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Miles last week

23

Miles in 2016

477.55

Hitting the trails

Love the branches of this tree

The Tahqua Trail Run 25K is now just five weeks away. Five weeks until I'll be running 15 miles on the trails around Tahquamenon Falls. Last week my long run was on the North Country Trail. That has me feeling a bit more prepared (heart rate training and trail running are a perfect pair!), but I'm trying to incorporate a few more trail miles into my week. This week, I found a great one…sandy, hilly, shaded…beautiful!

Sand…like running in place

Week 7 Recap

Notes for the week:

1. In the book Born to Run by Christopher McDougall, he quotes ultra runner Caballo Blanco as saying…

Think Easy, Light, Smooth, and Fast. You start with easy, because if that’s all you get, that’s not so bad. Then work on light. Make it effortless, like you don’t give a shit how high the hill is or how far you’ve got to go. When you’ve practiced that so long that you forget you’re practicing, you work on making it smooooooth. You won’t have to worry about the last one – you get those three, and you’ll be fast.

When I read that quote years ago, I thought "Yeah, right." Well…it's happening. During one of my 45 minute runs I realized that despite the heat and humidity, I felt "Easy, Light, Smooth." I trust the "Fast" will come. Truly an awesome feeling!

2. Something else I've noticed is the complete change in my running form. Coach MK requires that you "lock your cage" before running. Basically, shoulders down and back, chest out. I feel taller, for sure, but didn't notice how much that also changes how I run. I learned that smaller steps are easier than long strides when your cage is "locked." Smaller steps also mean lower heart rate, in my case. Quicker turnover = faster pace. I honestly feel as though after seven weeks of hard work and perseverance, things are starting to change. It's kind of exciting.

The numbers: My best pace last week was at a 11:32. This week, a hot and humid 11:49.

Monday miles

Wearing all the AMR gear!

Slowest pace of the week
14:52/mile

Fastest pace of the week

11:49/mile

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Miles last week

18.6

Miles in 2016

454.55

Getting Stronger: RKS Kettlebell Workout

I've always added some type of strength-training into my workout week. I've done so many programs, it's almost embarrassing to list them all: Jillian Michaels, Sean T's T25, 21-Day Fix, and more. Even Tae Bo and Kathy Smith back in the day. (Those last two earned me some serious biceps before my wedding!) I've even built my own routines with free weights I've used since high school. Strong was important to me long before having children. Now, I love showing my girls how beautiful and functional strength is.

Back in April I ordered the RKS Kettlebell Workout from Amazon. I needed something new to add to my library. I was getting bored with the status quo. Now, let me warn you, RKS wasn't the best choice for workout excitement. It's boring. Really boring. One of the workouts is nothing but kettle bell swings for 20 minutes. But…and this is a BIG "but"…it works. I started out with two workouts per week, but once #HRT started, I switched to once a week. (Lately as the cross-training that follows my 130 "Engine Building" run on Tuesdays.) A few weeks in I noticed that I was getting shoulder definition. Then, my hamstrings were a bit more defined than they've ever been (my butt and legs would burn for a few days after a long workout.) Now, two months later, I have proof. Last weekend, my husband asked me to help him take the hardtop off of our Jeep. I've never been much help with this in the past, but no one else was around. Guess who lifted her half without an issue? This girl. First time ever.

I have three more weeks before I've gone through the 16 workout program. I've already decided to start the system over again, this time with a 20-lb kettle bell instead of the 12 and 15-lb bells I was using. If you're looking for an effective workout that you can incorporate into your running, boring as it may be, I highly recommend this one!

Week 6 Recap

A friendly reminder

Notes for the week:

1. Six weeks ago I couldn't run a mile without having to stop and get my heart rate below 140. Not anymore! (Insert little girl squeal.) I've always struggled with hot, humid summer miles. Last Sunday, due to Father's Day commitments, I couldn't run until 2 o'clock in the afternoon. It was 82˚, sunny and humid – a perfect storm for head-pounding exhaustion. Didn't happen. I ran the 45 minutes that were on my schedule problem free. Other than the sun feeling hot on my skin, it felt like a typical run. For the most part my heart rate stayed around 140 (there were a few hills where it would spike.) Seems strange to say it, but it was one of my best runs these past six weeks.

2. Tuesday workouts have become some of my favorites. I have to run for 30 minutes with my heart rate BELOW 130 (I've been doing this on the treadmill, so much easier to track) followed by 30–60 minutes of cross-training, for me that's a kettlebell workout. It makes for a long workout, but the low intensity run followed by weights makes me feel like I've really accomplished something. Loving it!

The numbers: My best pace last week was at a 12:15 (although this should be a "non-issue"…right?) This week, a very comfortable 11:32.

Monday miles

Picked up by my "crew" after my 45 min.
run last week – didn't make it home

Slowest pace of the week
14:38/mile

Fastest pace of the week

11:32/mile

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Miles last week

17.7

Miles in 2016

435.95

Post-Run Lunch: Quinoa Wraps

These Quinoa Wraps from Marin Mama Cooks are my favorite super-quick post-run lunch. They are loaded with veggies, protein and carbs, and super versatile.

I love that I can make the filling the night before (as dinner) and have enough left over for quite a few lunches. I've also frozen the filling in individual servings, then let one thaw on the counter during a long run. A minute in the pan after my shower and I have a perfect post-run meal in front of me before the "rungries" set in.

You can print the recipe through the link above, or visit my family blog for the link. Enjoy!

Week 5 Recap

Now…let's achieve this on flat ground!

Notes for the week:

1. This completes my fifth full week of heart rate training and my first full week of marathon training…yikes!

2. Soooo happy to sleep in Saturday morning after my DNS. I thought I'd be upset with myself but I wasn't at all. I'm #coachedandloved and trust that I made the right decision for right now.

3. While under perfect conditions last week (read: running downhill in 60˚ shade) I glanced down to see my heart rate was at a perfect 140 with an 11:04 pace. Woot-woot!

The numbers: My best pace last week was at a 12:16. This week, a very comfortable 12:15.

Monday miles

Cool mornings = lower HR

Slowest pace of the week
15:48/mile (had to keep it under 130!)

Fastest pace of the week

12:15/mile

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Miles last week

16.5

Miles in 2016

418.25

DNS = Did Not Start

DNS. Did…Not…Start. That will be me tomorrow at the Ludington Lakestride Half Marathon. It would have been my seventh half, second time running the Lakestride. Instead of toeing up at the start tomorrow morning, I'll be sitting on the deck in my PJ's, drinking coffee. (Actually, when you put it that way, DNS sounds pretty good!)

So, why the DNS? I signed up for the half back in January, long before I knew I'd be starting this #HRT journey. The suggestion of my coach (as told to other mother runners in my #HRT group), is that unless you can treat these 13.1 miles as an easy training run – keeping your heart rate under 140BPM, don't run. That means I'd have to swallow my pride and run 2-3 minutes per mile slower than my half marathon in April. Not doing it.

I know I'd get swept up in the excitement and push myself.

It's guaranteed that my inner competitive side would take over and I'd want to pass people and prove that I'm not always this slow.

I'm not even going to put myself in the situation. No running. I am, however, picking up my race packet this evening – first time ever I've gotten a shirt for a race I didn't run. Yes, seems a little like cheating, but it's not like it's a Boston Marathon shirt for goodness sake. It can't be that big of a runner-code no-no.

Tomorrow morning I'll remind myself that I've made the right decision. I am #coachedandloved and #trustingtheprocess