Run Kelly Run: Update on Race Progress

I have only been running 2 days a week since my marathon last October. After the marathon I noticed my left foot would tighten up in the arch and throb on the top (like I had a stress fracture). So I pulled way back from the miles, but wanted to continue to train for a half marathon. I decided to just run the speed workout on Tuesday and the long run on the weekend. Everything else I did cross training on the spin bike that Kevin bought me for the basement. Spinning really helps with my quad strength and also gives my foot a huge rest. On my 38th birthday in April I raced the Great Bay half marathon. On the web site it dares you to run the race because it is so hilly. On the shirt I received at the race it says...these legs completed great bay half....because it is such a hard race. Kevin and I trained with another couple in the ward, York and Jayne. I could not think of anything else better I would like to do on my birthday than run and hang with friends (my family thinks I am a little crazy).

My strategy for the race was to just keep it at an 8:00 min. Pace for the first half (the hillier part) and then pick it up the second half. I thought I would just jump in and run with the 8 min. Pacer. I felt really great. The pacer would slow down on the climbs and then let his legs go on the down hills. He ran exactly how I run. At mile 6 I caught up to York and we just started pushing each other. At mile 10 I pulled away and just felt great. I made sure to hydrate and Fuel and everything seemed to work out fine. I finished strong in 1:43:17. I was so surprised that I was able to run that race so fast with only running 2 days a week and with it being so hilly. Just one month later I ran Big Lake half and wanted to beat my PR but ended up running it about the same pace. That half was a little harder than the Great Bay I feel. You have to run uphill for the first 6 miles and then do some serious rolling hills the second half. It was a lot warmer that day and I finished a little slower...I think it was 143:23. Not too shabby though. (around a 7:52 pace)I really want to go to Utah now and run a down hill canyon half (Moab) and see how fast I would be able to run it. I am thinking that I would be able to run it in 138 at least. Maybe someday I will.

finishing metal for Big Lake Half

So exactly one week after the Big Lake half I ran in an Ultra reach the beach relay. We started at Wachussetts Mtn. In MA and finished at the beach. 200 miles with just 6 ladies in the van. It was amazing. I loved it so much. Every run was a challenge and I was able to complete each one stronger. I ran 6 different legs totaling around 32-33 miles total. It was so invigorating. It had to be one of the best experiences of running that I actually enjoyed. (the marathon is just so grueling) the ladies in my van were awesome. Kelly, Cathleen, Brenda, Lydia,myself and Heather. So great. I averaged an 8:30 pace per mile. Pretty good after racing a hard half the week before.

Swift Chicks at the starting line

The summer has been so busy and I have not been able to run regularly. Right now I am trying to keep up my miles so when Boston training starts I will not be starting fresh. I would like to still run the tufts 10 k with my girls. Even if we walk/run it it will be a fun experience to just be together. I may run a little of the reach the beach NH race. Kevin is signed up to race the ultra and may not be able to complete the whole thing so I may have to run the second half for him. We will see. Also I may start training a little for a November half to race. Just to get me on a schedule of running again.

I love to race, I love to train, I love how my body feels when I am in shape. I will continue to always do something active throughout my life and try to get everyone and anyone I come in contact with to do the same. Embrace life and live it to the fullest.