Countdown to half marathon - 1 week

Next Friday I will fly to Philadelphia to run/walk my first half marathon for Team in Training.  I raised funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society and I'm running this race in memory of my dad who died of leukemia in August 1988.   I can't believe after months of training that the race is almost here. Training has been an amazing personal journey. When I think about the fact that 2 weeks ago I completed 12.5 miles during training, it amazes me. The week before that on the morning of my 10 mile run (and Joe's birthday), I actually cried on the way to training because I was so anxious that I wouldn't be able to do it.  I was afraid I couldn't finish and that it would show me that I was going to disappoint all the people who have supported me both financially and emotionally. When I finished the 10 miles, I realized that I really was going to be able to do this. Then, after 12.5 I *KNEW* I was going to accomplish this goal.  This week my hip has been really sore so I have taken training a little easier.  Today Joe and I finished 6 miles and, fortunately, I didn't have any issues other than some slight aching.   One week from tomorrow - assuming everything goes according to plan -  I will be able to cross a major goal off my bucket list!  Here are a few pictures from the last few months of my training.

Our first race in May 2012 - a 1 mile charity walk for a local neighborhood school 

(I thought 1 mile seemed far back then.  Now it's just barely the warm up!)

 

Running shoes - old and new

 

Gym training - it's so hot and humid in Houston in the evenings that most of my weekday trainings have been at the gym.  It's just not the same as running in the elements and on the road.

Neighborhood outdoor evening runs when it wasn't too hot

Pink-cheeked after a morning long run

 

My loyal and faithful training partner {hubby Joe}

Hydration is key for running and recovery

(Drinking too much and having to use the bathroom during training runs was one of my greatest fears though.  Then it happened - during our 10 mile run, in the middle of the River Oaks neighborhood, I had to pee and there was absolutely nowhere to go. So, I found a wooded driveway with lots of foliage and while Joe was my lookout, I went.  And, I survived!  One of my greatest training fears overcome.  Fortunately, during the race there will be Porta Pottys along the route.)

Galveston 5K Sand Crab

(The race started in the evening along Porretto Beach in Galveston.  Run entirely on sand and under the stars using headlamps, we both had personal best times.  Afterwards, we feasted on BBQ.  

It was a fun night!)

 

Memorial Park training run

New headband by BIC Bands (Because I Can bands) - each month they donate a portion of the proceeds to a different charity. They are cute, don't slip and are for a good cause!

Blisters, iced knees and hips after long 10 and 12 mile training sessions

Longest run - 12.5 miles (Joe hurt his foot at the Galveston Sand Crab but he was so sweet to get up at the crack of damn dawn and come to my longest training run and take pictures and be there to offer moral support)

 

Videos of longest training run (1st video is at 2 mile water stop; 2nd video is at about mile 8 transitioning from my slow jog to a walk break).
 I'm slow but steady.  I run/walk about a 15 minute mile and, at first, it bothered me that I was almost always the last one to finish.  One of my coaches, Jason, reminded me that it didn't matter whether I finished first or last as long as I finished.  I try to internalize this each training run and remind myself that I'm almost 45 years old, not an athlete and just started running/walking but I would like to get faster.  Picking up a little speed will be one of my winter Houston training goals.

Last official Fall training run and picture with one of my coaches, Robert