My First Half Marathon

Determination

A fixed purpose, the power and will to persist, resolve, to have the drive, to have the grit, to go the distance, to be hell-bent on reaching a goal and getting it done no matter what.

So well where do I begin. It seems the half marathon that I have been planning could of come at a better time but I am certainly used to making due no matter what the circumstances. And no matter what I just completed my first half marathon in 2 hours, 10 mins, and 49 sec. Ok so maybe we can subtract the bathroom break I had to take at mile 3? Lesson learned don't drink too much right before the race get it all in 1-2 hours ahead of time. My husband just laughs because I had to pee 3 times in the hour before the race started and when I heard 3,2,1 go I knew I was in trouble again. Every bathroom had a really long wait but finally I decided I would suck it up. On that note I will think of it as completing a half marathon in 2 hours even. ;)

I am very happy with my time and just the fact that I completed it even though it felt like my legs were going to fall apart makes me proud of my accomplishment. 

These items in my hands were my good friends during the race. About half way through I was given the bottle of water and energy goo or whatever the correct terminology is and just kinda worked at them little by little for the rest of the race since I wasn't sure how I would ternate them in large quantities while running I think a little went a long way. 

I could probably talk forever about my journey today but its been a very long and busy couple of weeks and I have to be at work at 3am at the hospital. Yes I said it right crazy I know but I have a feeling I won't have any trouble sleeping. I am actually having trouble making myself stay awake for a few more hours. 

As I was hobbling around Seattle after the race in pain of course I starting thinking about when I will do my next one. Doesn't get much crazier then that. And of course I am sure I will try a full marathon but thinking of getting a couple half's under my belt first. No matter what it will be hard but it's about the accomplishment. It's about pushing yourself to be better each day. This is what keeps me moving forward. 

Last but not least forgot to add my next goal. Qualify for the New York City Marathon. Now this may be a ways away but gives me something to work toward! :)

Change for the better

This is such an awesome quote that one of my friends shared. So often we think of change as being bad. But in order to continue to grow and move on in your life it requires a certain amount of change. And finding happiness in your life means surrounding yourself with people that lift you up not down. This requires you to walk away when someone or something is taking you in a direction you do not want to go as hard as it may be. 

This is a great motivation video I saw today! 

A pep talk from kid president

http://m.youtube.com/#/watch?v=l-gQLqv9f4o&desktop_uri=%2Fwatch%3Fv%3Dl-gQLqv9f4o

Super total

So on June 1st I completed my first super total weightlifting meet. I haven't been lifting as much since my IT band troubles but guess what I am lifting less often but more weight. Crazy phenomenon! 

I was really happy with my performance considering it was a powerlifting and Olympic lifting meet all in the same day which got a little chaotic at times. I pr'd my power lifts but ended up going a little lighter on my Olympic lifts then I probably could of but wanted to get a good total and get back in the game. This was my first meet in about a year since my injury which is a lot better but I have a feeling it may always be something I struggle with.

I pr'd on my deadlift at about 364 lbs which I am thrilled with since not that long ago 325 was my max. This is double my body weight!! :)

I consider that lift and totaling over 1000 pounds for the day my greatest success!

This got me so excited about lifting again but definitely have to remember I have been doing better by varying my workouts and not stressing so much over my competitions. I didn't even feel nearly as nervous as I used to. I was more focused. It's hard to let go of goals that you set for yourself. Last year I wanted to qualify for the American open. I made it 4kg away before getting hurt. I wanted it more then anything but I had to realize that even though I know if I really kept pushing and dedicating myself that I know it's possible to qualify but I also have to remember that maybe I am not built or meant to be a professional weightlifter. 

You don't have to be the best to be great! I am going to continue to compete and push myself to be the best I can be in all activities I do each and everyday and remember that anything is possible. And I will be happy with whatever end result that brings me. 

Stay Safe

Ok so I have to say I was a little upset when my husband first told me he didn't want me running on the trails alone. Where would I possibly run then? I don't want to run 10 miles on a track or run the same route all the time. But realizing that a lot of people can't be trusted these days and that my strong punches and tae kwon do kicks alone might now be enough if attacked in the woods. I was given some mace that we bought from a running store. Now I can do all the running I want even though if someone did decide to attack me I would probably still punch then first with the mace in my hand. What instinct right? Well point of the story is to stay safe no matter how silly you feel with a can of mace in your hand. I have noticed it does keep certain people from acknowledging you. ;)

Race day

"Our doubts are traitors, and make us lose the good we oft might win, by fearing to attempt."

~William Shakespeare

Today I ran the sound to narrows which is a 12k run in tacoma Washington. I haven't been running very long so this was my first race in preparation for the rock and roll marathon in Seattle. This will be my first half marathon. After my run today I can tell you it will suck but will also be a great accomplishment. After that maybe a full....Maybe! 26 miles does sound ridiculous but hey those are the kind of challenges I like. ;)

Today I started off pretty fast or I should say pretty fast for me. But let's face it...isn't it ultimately about running your own race? I run for me and as with all my fitness endeavors I do it to improve myself and be the best I can be. So I was ranging a little over 7 mins per mile and thought well I will just try to keep this pace. As the race continued I found I was still running under 8 mins per mile. I kept telling myself I could do it. At one point my pace went to 7:59 and I thought to myself you will not loose it now pick it up!  Next as I was struggling with a hill an Eminem song came on. Called till I collapse. It talked about never giving up no matter how bad you want to fall on your face. That's right! You can do so much more then you think you can do. When your mind and body are telling you to stop. You tell it you can do it. Fight through and you will end up where you never thought you could be. 

Now to continue my training for my half marathon. I am ready to do something I said I never would be able to do!