Slowly getting faster.

I am sure you can all agree with me that with each race or run we learn something new.  In the case of my 1/2 marathon this last weekend I learned a book's worth of things.  I thought I would post what I wrote in my running journal.  Beware, it is pretty honest and you may realize I am even crazier than you thought.

1-Train in harsh conditions.  The treadmill is awesome and allows me to keep up with me reality show addiction but I can't use it for every single run.

I need to learn how to run in heat, cold, wind, fire....ya know?!?! Don't expect a race to be perfect because it won't.  If you can train in all conditions and push yourself through the harshest temperatures and courses then you will have that edge on your competition.  You weren't born with a whole bunch of natural running talent but you were born with the drive necessary to train as hard as necessary to do your best.  Although, you were born with the natural ability of letting your body recover for large amounts of time......couch and refueling are my best friends although the bed sores are not.

2- Don't try anything new the week of a race. Yeah, 20 miles of snow running for the first time ever.....not my smartest moment.

3-Get organized.  Maybe don't get to the race destination the night before at 10:30 P.M. and stay up late talking with friends after a car ride of gummy apple rings and twizzler munching.  Also, find out exactly where the dang race is.  It didn't help that the email they sent just listed the park name (no address) and changed routes 3 times in the last week but I still should have called and figured out exactly where I needed to be.  PS The race directors did a truly amazing job with this race between the course scenery, volunteers, aid stations etc......mother nature was the beast and tried killing me.

5-Get a running coach!!! I am so happy that I have Alex to coach me now.  This was the biggest lesson I learned.  For some reason I thought that running on a whim and just trying to fit as many mile as possible each week was going to make me a rock star.  The 3 girls that beat me ALL had running coaches and they couldn't believe that I didn't.  Yeah, I am learning the importance of an expert and an outsiders perspective on my training:)   It is time to learn about pacing, racing strategies and training galore.

6-Accept that some things are out of your control, like the weather. I guess I could have put some clothes on to stay a little warmer:)

7-Trust my training.  When those negative thoughts start creeping in, push them out with the thoughts of the hard work that you have put in.  (I am working on a post all about the mental aspect of running and working out because that is something I really struggle with).

8-Eat and drink during a race even if you don't feel like it.  I caused my own stomach to hurt during the race because I was so frustrated with myself and I didn't drink or eat a thing because I didn't feel like it.  Yes, I know that was the stupidest thing I could have done.   Your body needs to be refueled often during a run in order to preform your best.

9-Don't put so much pressure on yourself because guess what.....there will ALWAYS be another race to reach your goals.  Life isn't perfect and I can't expect myself to be perfect but I can go out and give my all and ENJOY it at the same time.

10.  Oh yeah, double knot your shoelaces.  It is hard to start back up again and not crawl over to the gutter when you have to stop to tie your shoe.  Also, don't drop your drivers license while running.

11.  Be your own best friend.  Nothing wrong with making up cool cheers for yourself as you run along.  Even when the going gets tough and I am frustrated with my performance I MUST treat myself the same way I would treat all of my bff's!!!

It was awkward when a teacher walked into the faculty lounge and caught me taking a picture of me hugging myself.....they have no idea about my blog or my weirdness for that matter. I think she was scared.

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What is a running/fitness lesson that you have learned recently?

What is your latest food obsessions?

-Besides skittles of course I am OBSESSED with Clementines.  I have eaten 7 today.  No chance for me to get scurvy.  PS I eat them whole.  I peel off the skin and pop the whole thing in.  I am weird.

Would you rather workout in the heat or the cold? Humid or dry?

-I think the dry heat because that is what I am used to.

Do the people you work with know about your blog if you have one?

-Nope, they already think I am crazy enough by eating 4 lbs. of raw veggies for lunch everyday and my obsession with running.