Running Alone

This is something I have always struggled with. I love running with the girls. It's therapy to me. If I get a text that they aren't going I go right back to bed and usually end up missing that days workout. Last year was the first year I have run a relay race (12 people - 24 hours - 2 vans - 3 legs each). It was an amazing experience. I was stretched more than I was when running my marathon. I had to dig so deep so just get started on my 2nd and 3rd legs and force myself to keep putting one foot in front of the other with no sleep and hardly any food. I felt like the training program I did last year was great. I was running stronger than ever before and I was physically as ready as I think I could have been. But this year there is something I'm trying to add to my training. Running alone. When I got out on the road last year it was hard to put on my headphones and dig deep inside myself for motivation. I depend on talking to the girls and pacing with the girls a lot. So this year I've been trying to run a few miles here and there by myself during the training to see if helps me turn to my iPod and be mentally strong enough to run it solo. This morning we ran 6 together and then I ran another 2 by myself. It was tough to run 8 this morning. I had a bad night sleep (thanks to a crazy 2 1/2 year old who doesn't sleep well) and I didn't drink enough water yesterday (why doesn't diet coke hydrate me better????) but I put my headphones and I did it and that was the main goal. I love knowing that I can do it and I think as I keep putting in a few miles here and there solo I'll be more prepared for the race in 2 months.

28 degrees

I've been running outside pretty much all winter. I layer up and put on my gloves and hat and run outside. The coldest I ran in was 7 degrees during the Turkey Trot 4 mile race on Thanksgiving. I am usually good to go down into the high teens but today when my alarm went off at 5:40 I picked up my phone and checked the temperature. It said 28 degrees and I just couldn't do it. I'm so tired of the cold so I texted the girls and curled back up in my warm bed for another 1 1/2 hours of sleep. I got up and did my Insanity workout before getting ready for work and I still have to run this afternoon after work but at least the sun is out and it's not 28 degrees. I'm so ready for some warmth.

300 Miles

This morning on my run I hit the 300 mile mark. I have a goal to run 1000 miles this year and it's been fun tracking my progress. The first 100 miles were tough - January sucks for running (especially when you hate treadmills) but the last 100 weren't too bad. Hopefully I can keep up the pace so I don't end up running 50 miles the last week in December to make my goal.

Today I registered for the St. George marathon. I'm torn. My first and only marathon was 2 years ago and I was glad I did it but really don't have a desire to do another one yet. Our running group all registered together and it's a lottery so we'll see what happens. As of right now I kind of hope we don't get picked :)

One other thought....since Friday's are crazy busy and I have a hot date tonight I decided to do my Insanity workout right after my 5 mile run this morning. WOW! Today's workout was called "pure cardio" and it was 40 minutes total with 30 minutes of it just straight cardio with no breaks. I was already tired from running so it totally kicked my butt. At least it's done and I can check it off my to-do list for the day. I sure hope I don't fall asleep on my date tonight!