Sunday, February 24, 2008

Record week!

Did you miss me? I just realized that my other blog is private so thought I'd put in a long, rambling update here.

I am still getting over the residual effects of the flu from 2 weeks ago but found that this week felt GOOD! In spite of still having some head/chest congestion, I'm feeling strong and invincible. I don't know why that would be--it's freezing cold here and it's been hectic at home, maybe I've just found a new gear.

I ended up doing 23.2 miles this week, part of that is because I couldn't get my long run last Saturday, so I did it on Sunday (tacking it onto this week's miles). That beats the 22 miles I did during the week of last fall's half marathon! Woo hoo, the Indy Half is still 2 months away! I'm so unbelievably excited to see the progress of the past 2 months. I'm finally able to find a pace I can sustain through an entire run, so no more walking breaks taken during a run. I feel strong, I feel determined, and I feel like I could do anything. Ok, there are still days where I can barely drag myself out for a run but once I'm there, I'm having FUN. I think the realization that I'm ENJOYING my runs is as big of a shock as anything. It's strange that now I'm dreading my rest days--the release I get from a run is pretty addictive.

I'm training for the Indy 500 Festival Half Marathon with a group from a local running store (Indiana Running Company) and the group runs are good at keeping me on schedule. The trainer is debating making the goal of the fall program a marathon. I have serious doubts about that being a good choice for me right now, but we'll see how things go in May.

I really don't know whether I like the group runs or the individual outings more. They each have their benefits. I have had enough of the ice and snow though, isn't it time for spring now? The past 3 days, I've run indoors because of the ice storm. I was debating going out to the trail yesterday but changed my mind when I cracked my kneecap going out to get the mail. I have a love-hate relationship with my treadmill right now.

Today's a rest day, then back to it tomorrow!