Best and Worst Races

As part of a getting to know you at team tough chic, we have been asked to blog about our best and worst races. This was a somewhat challenging question for me. I
was trying to decide what I considered obstacles that might make me classify a race as my worst or the positives that might make it be considered one of my best. So here goes...

Worst: a couple stand out for me. One being the haunted half marathon 2010. I remember being so excited for this race. My friends and I were dressed in pink shorts, tanks, with curly pig tails and ears. We were running as the 5 little pigs. I felt extremely well prepared and just knew I was going to run my goal time of 1:45. Needless to say, I missed it. By over two minutes. If you know me, you know I am not easily bothered. But for some reason, this race really got to me. As soon as I was done, I went to car and called Jason. And cried. (certainly not like me.) It took some encoragement and consolation to
get me to realize that this happens. I did however meet my goal time 4 months later in Disney!
Another race that has been horrific for me has been the cross Knox 10 miler. Not once but twice! Both times i have felt like my legs were made of cement. And it was hot. Boo!

Best- this is an easy one for me. I genuinely love our annual turkey trot that is held on thanksgiving morning. Several thousand people
Come out to start the day. It is awesome seeing so many people get involved with thier
families.ivy helps that this is where I
Hold my 5k pr too!
Iroan Louisville is by far one o my favorites! I try had the race of a lifetime. The stars aligned for me. I was by mo means the fastest. And certainly did not win any awards. But I had a blast.I can confidently say that I completed all three segments to the best of my abilities. And most importantly- I got to do it who some of the best people I know! I try believe the journey to the destination is as much fun as the destination itself!
He

30 Weeks and Counting

As of Monday, the official 30 week program for Louisville has begun for me! AHHHHH!!! Is it really that time again? Shew, sometimes I wonder what I have gotten myself into. Again. But then, I remember how much I loved every single run, ride, and swim I did with friends. I cant begin to express how lucky and blessed I am to live in area that provides me with the greatest training partners ever. There is not a day that goes by that I do not have someone to train with. These friends make every work out better. If you have to do a long run, what better way than with some of your best friends- whom also happen to be my biggest encouragers. If you need people to run with, I highly recommend that you come join us at 530 on Thursday nights at Foot Rx. You will meet some of the greatest running partners and live long friends.

I am also still rocking out my workouts twice a week at Mohr fitness. Tonight, we did "Cindy" 5 pullups, 10 pushups, and 15 air squats AMRAP in 20 min. One of the hardest workouts I have ever done. But thanks to the encouragement from the many awesome people in the seven oclock hour-I was able to achieve 18 rounds. One more than last time! If you live near me, please come work out with me here! You will love it! And i can honestly say it has helped me run and ride stronger. I cant wait until road season to see just what I will do.

8 weeks and counting until boston! Here is to long runs, speed workouts, tempo, with some cycling and swimming in between. Happy Training!

Winterizing.

So i am officially terrible at blogging. New Year's resolution: Update blog at least once a week. Big things: I have signed up to do Louisville Ironman 2012. Bring it on heat, hills, and sweat! I debated for a long time if I wanted to do it again. It was alot of training, tears, and time. But it was such an incredible journey that made me a stronger person; both physically and mentally. I am very much looking forward to embarking on this sixth month plus journey with my friends and faithful training partners. Thus far, we are committed to do it again, but better and faster!

I am currently about 4 weeks into Boston Marathon training. Since I had a less than to be desired marathon last time, I have changed my approach. I am strictly following Hal Higdon's Advanced 2 plan...and running in Newton's (shameless advertising plug :) ). His approach has me focusing on scaling back my weekly mileage and focusing on quality runs with a bit more intensity. Thus far, I feel great!! And am running stronger than ever before. I have had a 5k PR and am shooting for a half PR at Myrtle Beach in February. Speaking of Newton's, I really cant say enough about how this running show has changed my form and running! I began wearing/training in them after my Ironman in August. On Thanksgiving morning, I ran a 5k and dropped a minute off my PR. So yeah, I think they work and make me a stronger and more efficient runner. Besides, Craig "Crowie" Alexander wears them. Have to be doing something right :)

Another aspect I have changed about my running is I have incorporated a cross fit program. I work out at Mohr fitness twice a week. Check it out at getmohrfit.com. If you are unfamiliar with this type of cardio/strength/endurance training...this is a must read! It challenges me in ways I didnt know possible. Not to mention the incredible gains I have begun making on the bike and on the run. I cant say enough how much I love this program! I am a firm believer that everyone should give it a try. See what we are raving about :)

Lastly, I have been accepted onto team Tough Chik. I am very excited to train and compete with some of these awesome ladies! I look forward to meeting you all and reading all about your training progress. Happy training and racing!