run a marathon

I finally did it! I ran the Firenze Marathon with the National AIDS Marathon. It was an amazing experience and I’m glad Florence was my first. Beautiful City!!! I think I’m hooked. Thinking of running another marathon a year from now…

Las Saturday. My last long run before the big race which is gonna happen in a month. I’m excited!

Last week was fabulous. Tuesday I ran 6 miles. On Saturday, I ran 12 miles. I still have a long way to go but things are looking brighter! =)

So, I had a mild injury on my left foot after a 14 mile run last week. =( X-rays didn’t show any fractures. So, if it is a stress fracture, it’s probably a small one.

Unfortunately, I have to stay off of it for 4 weeks. I plan to cross train while I’m not running and take my daily dose of Calcium. Could be worse, still have just enough time to make it to the marathon on Thanksgiving.

Any suggestions for crosstraining ideas?

Last saturday I went to my first AIDS Marathon Training Day. Ran 3 miles with my best friend and we were put in the 13:30 min/mile group. Will do 2 30/45 min runs on my own this week and then a 4 mile run to look forward too this Saturday. Can’t wait. The people in my group seem nice. Can’t wait to get to know them.

My new water bottle fanny pack is cute but it’s difficult to wear on the hips. It bounces too much =p. I have to close my eyes and think Function over Fashion my friends. I’m wearing that water bottle fanny pack on my waist! (oy!)

So I did the Pike’s Peak 10k run today with my best friend and we had a blast! It was worth it and we were dancing at the end (after a little recovery time from my 66m 58s run).

I did this race to keep me committed to my ultimate goal which is to run and complete a marathon by the end of this year. This race gave me something to work for. Even if I was slow, it doesn’t matter. Because with this ambition, it’s all about FINISHING and NOT QUITTING when you think you can’t make it.

Ok, after 3 minor ankle injuries since Janurary, I finally accomplished running 6.25 miles (10k) today. Yay me! Still a long way to go but at least I know I will be able to finish a 10k race that I signed up to do next weekend.

Started running home from work (2 miles). Call me crazy but I did it a few times after a nightshift. It wasn’t too bad. It was better than waiting for a bus in the cold for the next 30 min. I rather be running and warm than standing and cold.

Getting back in track =)

Ever since I started training, I’ve always used the treadmill downstairs of my apartment building. I was warming up on the treadmill this morning and I looked outside and thought why the heck was I not out there!!!

So after walking/running a mile on the machine, I went back to my apt. and came up with a running plan. In 30 min, I was running outside enjoying the scenery and my music. I ran 3.3 miles outside. I’m not exactly sure how long it took me but that doesn’t matter today but I’m guessing it was around a half hour.

I’m happy with myself. I finally overcame my inexplicable fear of running by myself outside. As small as my decision to run outside sounds, it was liberating. Woo hoo!

I’m returning to my training again after taking a break for 2 weeks to help heal my ankle. It’s still a little painful but I think it’s strong enough to run on now.

I ran 2.75 miles in 30 mins last Tuesday, not too bad. But man, after 2 weeks of rest, you really feel the difference after taking a break. It’s much easier when you stick with it.

So after running for a month on the treadmill with no problem, my ankle decides to give out while I was walking around a friend’s apartment last friday. Luckily it’s a mild sprain, but I think I better lay off the running for a week and wear my ankle support. It needs some time to heal. Too bad my job requires me to stay on my feet for 12 hours straight. However, I only have 3 shifts too work this week. This should be interesting.

Club dancing for two nights in a row this weekend didn’t help either. I think I have a shin splint on my left leg too. I guess that’s the price I pay for wearing heels!

5k is coming in 3 weeks. I hope I can pull through this! Perhaps no more partying for this girl until the 5k is over. Any suggestions on how I should take care of myself?

I plan to start doing ankle exercises to increase it’s strength and proprioception. Hopefully if I commit to that, it will reduce my chances of having another ankle sprain accident. Sigh…I’m cursed with weak ankles.