I'm still here, still training

Hey everyone! I see that I have neglected my blog for a few months. Well, first of all, after the Mighty Magnolia Triathlon I took some time off. One thing I was told is that after a major race you need to give your body time to recharge. 

My next venture will be the Hollywood Half Marathon, April 5, 2013. I began my training with the Thanksgiving run, November 22, 2012, where Scott and I ran the Turkey Trot 5K. I ran a total of 3.2 miles in 30:30, which was great for me! It was one of my best 5K's. I continued to pick up more training miles on Christmas Eve with a 2 mile run in 20:35 in my new shoes! 

Unfortunately, I got sick at this point of the holiday season. It took me weeks to finally get better and I had to just suck it up and begin to run again (which made me feel better)! I got in one 400 yard swim on January 24, 2013 and from there made a commitment to put in the miles I needed to train properly for this half marathon. 

On January 26, 2013, I ran 4 miles in 42:10. This was my first 4 mile run in 4 years! I was so proud of myself for finishing this run! Then, I got 2 middle of the week runs in on the 29th and 31st. I ran 2 miles in 20:19 and 2.25 miles in 21:45. That next Saturday I told myself I was going to finish 5 miles...and I did in 54:45! Again, I had not run this far in 4 years! It is amazing what you can do if you just put your mind to it!

Last week I walked with my daughter for 1.63 miles and then ran 2.52 miles in 25:00 and again ran 4.01 miles but this time I did it in 40:32. Already I am running faster! This week so far I have ran the Joe Cain Classic 5K, 3.16 miles in 29:47, breaking my record and setting a new personal best! 

That brings me to today. I started my workout with a one mile warm up run...and boy did I warm up! I ran a mile in 8:43...WHAT?! I haven't run a mile like that in years...like at least 10! Then I did the following:

20 crunches with an oblique twist, alternating sides
10 push-ups with a knee bend to elbow, alternating sides
20 sumo squats with ball (squat then alternating knee raises to ball)
50 bicycles alternating sides
2 sets of 8 reps squats with 5lbs in each hand (squat then press up)
2 sets of 8 reps per side triceps kick backs 5lbs in each hand
30 second plank hold

WOW! I can already tell I am going to be sore tomorrow! I know I need to do more cross training, so this is the beginning with a little running and strength training. I look to workout at least twice more this week. Here's to the next workout! Until then...

April