Completed my first official Half Marathon today

Hi all,

Well, I did do a half marathon as part of our Fleet Feet Program training - we did a simulation race and our route took us from Fleet Feet towards Meredith to the Museum- up and down the hills - and back - we were preparing for the City of Oaks and OBX races. So in theory I have earned my right to put the 13.1 label on my car!

So today marks the official half marathon at OBX - I am not a fast runner and I don't I ever will be but I love people I run with and like to continue once I figure my aches and pains of my glutes and hamstrings.

This morning was cool but not cold - it turn out to be a beautiful day for running - I was actually sweating and I had to pour water on my head. I kept hydrated and had my own hydration with me and food as well - Maybe it is psychological with me but I get thirsty and hungry.

Since going to hot yoga - I am learning to breathe better and today my breathing was much better. And my upper body did not hurt like it usually does - I think my core is getting stronger from the Krystallos class at Arrichion. It is making my core strong.

Also I have been seeing my massage therapist to work out the kinks and knots and muscle imbalances - It used to be at mile 7, my glutes, hamstings would tighten up and I would be in pain until I stretch. This time I did a good stretch - forward fold - actually touch the ground at mile 11 -

Things are looking up - maybe I can run without pain someday.

So back to the race - I did this race in 3:28 and my simulation race was in 3:36 so in essence I PR - I took 9 mins off my time.

So what is next- FULL no! Another half - most likely. Maybe turkey trot

that is all for now!

Last long run before the big event

This morning was my last long run before heading to Outer Banks next Sunday for my first time doing a half marathon. It was cold and it was hard trying to get warm and we met at Omega Sports- Now I know why they call it North Hills - Our leader Meri took us to a different route going to the greenway to Shelley Lake. Then it started raining and it just got colder and it made the run harder for me. At one point of time, we did a lot of walking - because we were all tired. Overall, we did well and in as much we were tired- we were happy because we did it.

After that I headed to the Y to take a yoga class - Sheesh I was freezing from being wet and no, it is not hot yoga. The yoga class was good and I was vey stiff and tight and tired - but it was good I went -

Now, I am sitting here trying to work out the stiffness. Good thing I am meeting with the MT

To my friends who are doing the City Of Oaks - good luck tomorrow

So last time I updated the blog was like July, lots of things been happening

So yesterday was the first time I updated my blog - just got side tracked and distracted with things in general. So here is what is happening things. Since July, I have completed my weight loss training with Kamilah and now onto new ventures. When you lose weight, you lose what little muscle mass you have therefore leaving you all drawn out and wrinkly. Some said I look sickly - not underweight just don't have that glow or refresh look. So in August, I started training with Rick at the same boxing gym to build some muscle mass. Oh goodness, you never get big and bulky - that is not in the woman's genes unless you are on steroids. So for the past few months - I've been working my body on the chest, triceps, biceps, back, shoulders and legs meanwhile still trying to get my runs in and wonder if I will ever get the runs in to do a half marathon since it was something my friends and I were going to do.

So in August I joined the running program lead by Fleet Feet - supposedly a program for beginners marathoners. It is a new program and have many issues with it but I met some nice people and some old friends. But finally I joined Galloway program - a little late in the stage but I am having a wonderful time running with them. What is great about them whatever group you are in, you are never left alone and they go at a pace where you are not suffering but end with feeling satisfaction and accomplishing a goal. So next week Nov 14th I will be putting my body and mind to the test.

Oh, another thing - I've been suffering tightness in the glutes, hamstrings and IT band - finally went to the MT and he said I got muscle imbalance and working to reprogram me as to what muscles should be engaged while running. Also, I am doing some hot yoga to help with my flexibility. If I had known about this yoga place, I would have signed up long ago - it is a wonderful feeling when you are done with class.

Well more later,

Until next time

Stay warm!

Been forever since I've updated my blog

Things just got busy this year. My friends have urged me to run a half marathon with them. Gee, I never ran before and then slowly squeak by 3 miles and now 13.1 - what was I thinking? Well, here I am at this writing, been training and doing, long, long runs and next week, Nov 14th, I will be doing the half marathon with my friends.

I would not say it is easy but it is rewarding that through the pain and all, I am going to do this and accomplish a goal...maybe another and maybe a full in the future