2012 Hall of Fame Run

This was my third year running the Hall of Fame Run.  The first time that I ran the 2 mile race in 2010, I was just barely able to run 2 miles at a time without stopping.  My daughter ran with me and was the best cheerleader/pacer that I could have had!

In 2011, I ran the 2 mile while recovering from a pelvic avulsion fracture.  THIS year, I took on the 5 mile.  My time was 54:06. This was about a minute faster than the 4th of July race a few weeks ago.  I have been dedicated to working on my speed while maintaining my endurance. 

This will be a rough week as it is so full of activities that I will not get in a "medium" run during the week.  Hopefully, the short 2 mile runs will tide me over until Saturday!

Coronado Springs - Here we come!

It's getting closer!  Only 215 more days!  Made our vacation package reservations today.  We'll be staying at Coronado Springs for 8 nights with 6 day park hoppers and Quick Start dining.  We're still debating purchasing the Race Retreat.  It seems like a lot of money for the morning but the private toilets and mimosas could be worth it!

Next details to conquer are the flights.  I hope something reasonable comes through!

Disney Princess Half Marathon

The deed is done.  I have registered for the 2013 Disney Princess Half Marathon. 

Ever since I registered for the Canton Half back in January, my daughter has been telling me that she wants to do a Disney Half with me.  The "regular" Disney Marathon Weekend in January seems a little overwhelming right now but the Disney Princess Half in February seems a little more low keyed.  Besides, who doesn't want to run with the Princesses? 

My running partner and friend from work also registered so the three of us will head down to Orlando in February and get our race on!  Only 224 more days!!!

North Canton July Fourth Run

This past Wednesday, I ran the 35th annual Fourth of July run in North Canton.  There were 3002 runners and the temperature was about 80 at race time.  It was a HOT 5 mile run but I ran with 4 good friends and everyone finished well!

Next up is the Hall of Fame 5 mile run!

Jackson Glow Run

I had a wonderful weekend.  It began with the Jackson Glow Run 5k on Friday night.  I REALLY wanted to run this race last year just as I was beginning to get good at running 2 miles and looking to increase to my first 5k but I got a weird pelvic avulsion fracture about a week before the race.  I could barely walk so I couldn't even begin to think about running.  But a year later, it was a lot of fun!  I would still like to get faster times for these shorter races but I'm having a hard time, mentally, getting away from the 13.1 pace.

Next up is the North Canton Fourth of July run on Wednesday morning!

Do one thing every day that scares you

-Eleanor Roosevelt

I guess that has pretty much been the theme of my past six months. It perfectly describes my mid-life crisis. I'm tired of being safe! Shortly after deciding to run a half marathon, I decided that if I made it, I'd get a tattoo to commemorate it. It wasn't a spur of the moment idea. I have been contemplating a tattoo for about ten years now. But I was being SAFE. I didn't know what to get or where. This race was the perfect excuse.

I'm running a 5k on Friday night. It's hard to imagine that I am running "short" runs of 2, 3, and 4 miles this week. It hasn't been that long ago that I thought I could NEVER run 4 miles! One goal of my mid-life crisis achieved. A sense of achievement!

Wait.  Let's stop and rewind: 

Okay. It was never easy for me.  I was born a poor black child. I remember the days, sittin' on the porch with my family, singin' and dancin' down in Mississippi.

Not that far.

I took up running in the Spring of 2010.  I had regularly been walking about 2 miles on an average of 4 to 5 times per week.  So, when the running bug hit, I thought it would be easy!  My first run was about 1/8 mile and I was completely out of breath.  I just decided I would plug away at it and go a little further each time.  By August (with the help of my daughter) I ran my first 2 mile race.  

About this same time, my hometown announced that they would be holding their first ever marathon during the summer of 2012.  It was a nagging thought - could I really do it?

Over the next 1 1/2 years, reality set in.  I could not run a marathon but MAYBE I could do a 1/2 Marathon!  So, just after the first of the year in 2012, I signed up.  I knew that paying the money would keep me accountable.  

I found a 12 week Couch to Half Marathon training guide online and decided to extend it to about 24 weeks.  I basically doubled each week's long run.

More on my training soon....