
***Random Play
*Will Young: Echoes
*Tina Arena: Greatest Hits 1994-2004
*Keane: Under The Iron Sea
*Natalie Merchant: Retrospective 1995-2005
*Alana Davis: Fortune Cookies
*Texas: The Greatest Hits
I'm actually excited to write an update about my run at the Southern California Half Marathon in Irvine, California this past Saturday. I am not a fast runner. I run these events to help me stay fit and focused. When I keep up with my training, the running seems to come easy. Easy running means that I can mentally wonder during runs and spend moments with God. Love when I start out a run and before I know it, I am close to the end of my route.
Prior to this Half Marathon, my performances haven't been worth sharing. I ran my best times at last year's Southern California Half Marathon and at IMS Arizona Half Marathon last February. Going into this race, I didn't set any goals whatsoever. It seemed that when I did set goals, I always came up short and far slower than I could have imagined. I felt prepared for the Big Sur Half Marathon on Monterey Bay and had my slowest time ever (2:43). I waited far too long to break in a new pair of shoes so I wasn't shure which pair use. I didn't decide till the Friday morning before we headed out for the trip. My legs and calves had been bothering me so I didn't run as much last week. I made shure to use the foam roller every free moment I had. My best friend was Mineral Ice during the last two weeks of training. So you get the mental picture...I wasn't expecting or hoping for much. My goal deep down was to finish within 2:30. If not that then I wanted to finish before 2:36.
I actually slept well the night before this race. I woke up ready to run. My legs and calves didn't feel sore. I did make shure to stretch a bit and massage my thighs/calves. At the Start Line, I told myself to Run & Enjoy. Once the race started, I made shure not to look at my Nike+ watch till about Mile 2. First three miles are always the hardest for me. If I can hold on for my second wind, then I knew I'd be OK. By Mile 5 I knew my time was slower than expected so I had to keep the pace a little quicker if possible. I set my eyes for a pace maker and made shure to stick close to him. By Mile 10 I realized I had made up quite a bit of time and had 35 minutes left to run the last 3.1 miles. Just like in the movies, this was it. This was my moment to finish and prove to myself that I can do this. For once in a race, I was eager to pick up the pace and finish strong. I passed my pacer took off. By Mile 12, I stopped for a few seconds to take in the moment and accept the challenge to cross the Finish Line within 13 minutes. I ran hard. I turned the corner and noticed the Finish Line was about 50 yards away. I ran as fast as I could. Whew! I am proud to share that I finished in 2:29:24. This was the first time ever in a race that I didn't stop and walk other than at water stations. My legs and calves never hurt throughout this race. I was so proud of myself for actually reaching a goal during a time I didn't believe in myself. I learned a huge lesson: I gotta believe & just do it!
I feel this was a perfect way to start off 2012. I know I can improve as a runner but know that outside of running, I can accomplish my goals by believing in myself. Bring on 2012!
*****CHEERS!*****
Current Music: Alana Davis' I Want You
Current Mood: Thrilled & Blessed