Thursday, March 29, 2012

My Dream Goal Coming In Focus

Just got in from my best run ever. I felt great and the weather was perfect. It was my big 12 mile run - one more run this week (5 miles), then it's 3 weeks until the next race. I still find anything over 10 miles to be very intimidating. My tummy gets very nervous before I head out, but I got into the groove quickly with this run.

I finished the 12 miles in 1:49:35, and when I saw that time, I couldn't help but get emotional. Because I'm so cheesy. I didn't think I had any energy left, but I sprinted the last 30 feet and felt awesome. What got me emotional is if I can keep up that pace on race day, I will finish right at or a little under 2 hours - a farfetched dream goal of mine. I try not to think about it because I don't want to be disappointed if I finish with something like 2:03:xx, but I secretly long to finish there. This race course will be hillier than my route - even though I do have some good hills I've been running - and I will have to keep my adrenaline in check, but I want it. Badly. I have a former neighbor from TN coming to run this race and it will be her first half. I'm sure I've mentioned her before. She's a phenomenal athlete, but running isn't her favorite sport - she's a triathlete, and enjoys the biking/swimming more. Anyway, she's training to finish the half in 1:45:xx. Hello?! Unbelievable. While I know I am unable to achieve that at this point (or ever...), she's my inspiration to push myself further. She's a mother of 4 boys - I want to be a fast momma too. My time may be fast only to me, and I'm fine with that.

I'm on such a high right now. Feeling thankful I'm able to even run and appreciate these small feats.

Tuesday, March 6, 2012

What Now?

Well, something is wrong and I'm pretty pissed and sad about it.

Last week, I bought new Super Feet Inserts. The blue ones...exactly like I had before for almost a year. Exactly. But not exactly because now when I run, my right leg kills me. Looking at a picture of muscles in the leg, I guess it's the peroneus longus that hurts so bad...or is it the tibialis anterior? Oh, hell if I know - it hurts and it wasn't doing this before! Those inserts aren't cheap, which is why I'm so mad. But also because I feel like an idiot - really...how hard is it to put in an insert? I'm going to put my old insert back in and I guess go visit the local specialty store tomorrow. I had to stop twice in my 4.5 mile run today - even walk 1/4 of a mile because it hurt so bad (felt really tight). Grrr. The only thing to do is find a solution and hope that I didn't do any damage.