I did it!!

Funfest 10K was a success. My three goals: 1. Run a 9 min mile. I actually did a 9:45 mile, but I still consider this a success because it was in the 9 minutes...ha. 2. Dont drink water at every aid station. This was a tough one becuase at 7:30am it was already 85 degrees with what felt like 100% humidity and no breeze at all. I stuck to my marathon guidelines of only 4-5 gulps of water at every 2 mile interval. This worked well and I didnt feel the water sloshing around in my belly. It also helped me keep focused on the running and keeping my pace. It also gave me something to look forward to. 3. Not letting the adrenaline get to me. When you stand at the starting line, you get those butterflys and I tend to take off at a faster pace then I should and I end up beat early on. It certainly wasnt a problem this time. I went to my car to try and find a visor or something because the sun was horrible. All of the sudden i hear the gun go off. I had to run from my car and actually started the race 45 seconds in so I didnt have time for pre-race jitters.

All in all, it was a sucess. However at the end of the race I thought, if this was the marathon, I would have 20 more miles to run...YIKES!! My husband reminded me, that is why we have to train.

10K Time

I am running this Saturday in Texas City's 10K Funfest Run By The Bay. I did this two years ago, totally unprepared, and still got 3rd in my age group. Although I haven't been running a ton, I know I am in the best shape of my life. I am excited to compare my time to the first go around. The only bummer is that Adam wont be running with me this year. Even though we dont run side by side, it is nice to see him at the finish line.

My challenge this race is to stick to a steady 9 min. mile, don't drink water at every aid station, and don't let the adrenaline rush get to me. This race will really be the begining of my training for the marathon. It seems fitting to begin the process with a race and end with a race! Here goes nothing!

Research Time!!

When I decide to do something, I usually go all the way. A few years ago, I wanted a garden. It was late in the spring and we didnt have much time to get plants in the ground before the scorching hot Texas heat would kill seedlings. So my husband gathered some boards, built a raised bed, and I threw some plants in the ground. I had an awesome load of tomatos, cucumbers, onions, peppers and plenty of herbs. Then, the local library and I became best of friends. Over the course of the year I probably checked out 30 books on gardening. I love to know the ins and outs of what I am doing.

I still love my garden, but have moved on to researching my new obsession...the marathon. I checked out two books today and am already half way through one of them. I dont want to do this halfway. If my first garden had failed I could just pick up some produce at the grocery store or farmers market...no big deal. Well, failure is not an option for the marathon. I will cross that finish line!! So for now, that means researching and making sure I have all the tools I need to prepare for the big event.

I'm Off And Running

I just signed up for a marathon and I have many different emotions about it.

EXCITED! I have wanted to run a marathon for about 3 years now. Each year I gave myself reasons why I couldnt. This year Adam basically walked me to the computer, sat me down, handed me the debit card and said register us to do it. I did and there is no turning back. It is a pretty good feeling to be on my way to accomplishing a goal.

NERVOUS! I am not nervous about the actual race, but about the training schedule. There is a lot of running involved and while I love running, I am concerned about finding the time to fit it all in and properly train. I will have on long run (anywhere from 5-20 miles) a week. The rest of the week involves shorter interval runs. The good news is that I am not a quitter, so somehow, someway, I will find the time to train.

EMPOWERED! In September of 2010, I finally took my health and body back! I was stuck in a rut and was slowly gaining weight and sick of it. I have been doing a bootcamp (TransforMe Fitness) and it has changed my life. I am stronger, thinner and healthier than I have ever been. Not only has my body changed, but doing this bootcamp has made me realize that I shouldnt settle for just going through the motions everyday. I want to live life!! And for now, living life is getting ready to run a marathon.

The big day is January 1st 2012! What a way to start the new year. It is called the Texas Marathon and is held in Kingwood, Texas. Between now and then, I have also signed up for Texas City's Run By the Bay 10K and Galveston's Beech Palooza 5K.

I hope to write about the process of preparing for my first marathon. I know it may not be interesting to anyone out there, but it will be encouraging for me to look back and see my progress.

I really should blog

I have had this blog set up for at least a year and have never done anything with it. I would really love it to post an array of stuff ranging from recipes I love, scrapbook pages and cards I have made and also any fun stories about my boys. Sooooo, I shall try and actually do it. I am also thinking about blogging my experience of getting ready to run the Houston Marathon next year. My husband and I are preparing our bodies mentally and physically for this great taks. Maybe by blogging it will keep me honest and motivated.