Successful Streaking and Resolution Run

Today was day 39 of the Runner's World Run Streak, the final day.  For those of you who don't know what this is... the premise was to run at least one mile every day from Thanksgiving to New Years Day.  There were days when this was really difficult and I wanted to give up.  My physical therapist hated me when I told him I was taking on this challenge... but I made it and my injuries haven't gotten too much worse.  My knee has been acting up but I think a few rest days will have it feeling fine again.  

I ended the Run Streak with 100.11 miles in 39 days.  I was set to finish up with like 98.3 miles but I really wanted to reach 100, so I doubled up yesterday.   I am so glad I found this challenge, and excited that I was able to complete it... I might do this again in the future, though 2012 is out due to my race schedule!

My run today was a 5k for the Resolution Run hosted by Amanda at Run to the Finish.  Many thanks to Amanda for organizing this run, its exactly what I needed to start off the new year the right way.  My resolution:  To get back to healthy eating and finally reach my goal weight!  I was VERY sore this morning when I woke up.  I have been doing some yoga and pilates and the only thing I can think is either I am a wimp and that out of shape or I have been doing something wrong and have injured my mid back.  Luckily it didn't hurt too badly while running.

It was overcast and dreary but I rolled my butt out of bed this morning to get the run in before the weather got too much worse. I felt like I was dragging though... the winds this morning were between 15 and 30 mph with gusts up to 50 mph.  I am not sure if it was the winds or just my body needing a rest day, but I can't wait for a 5k to feel easy again!  

I ran my typical loop around my neighborhood, there weren't many people moving around but I guess I am not terribly surprised since most people were probably still drinking off their new years celebrations!  (Off topic, but I only had two drinks last night.. proud of myself for not overindulging!)

As per usual, here are my splits and a few photos (ignore that I look horrible, I was still half asleep):

Split	Time	Distance	Avg Pace
Summary	26:40.1	3.11	8:35
1	8:52.5	1.00	8:53
2	8:26.0	1.00	8:26
3	8:31.9	1.00	8:32
4	:49.7	0.11	7:41

The Streak Continues!

12/22: 1 mile
12/23: 6.21 miles
12/24: 3.11 miles
12/25: 1.01 miles
12/26: 1.1 miles
12/27: 1.27 miles
12/28: 5.01 miles
12/29: 2 miles
12/30: planning 1 mile 1.27 miles
12/31: planning 3.1 miles  3.1 miles + 1.51 miles
1/1/12: planning 3.1 miles

If all goes according to plan these last few days I will officially end the Runner's World Run Streak with 98.32 miles in 39 days.  That works out to just over 2.52 miles per day on average, which is far less impressive than some of the other participants but it was HUGE for me.   Three more days, I can do it!!

I am planning a "year in review" post (or two) for the next few days and of course a resolution post for after the new year... I know, typical right?  I promise I try to find more interesting things to blog about but really I don't live an interesting life!

My hubby has this week off from work so I have been making the most of having him home, mid day runs, shopping, and other appointments that I have put off forever.  My most exciting day so far was yesterday.  I scored some awesome deals at Barbara's, our local specialty bra store.  I wear a hard to fit size and was able to get 6 bras for $141 which seems like a crazy high amount, but their retail value is over $435!

I did have my last PT appointment today - I am not healed but I won't be going back unless it becomes absolutely necessary because as of 2012, I have to  pay 100% of the cost instead of 10%.  That 90% makes you think twice about whether its absolutely necessary.

I have an eye exam tomorrow, the first time in over 7 years.  I am terrified they will find my vision is really bad - so good thoughts would be appreciated.  I am sure its an irrational fear because I am not having too many problems,  but I am hoping to get contacts and have this crazy fear that my eyes will be so bad I won't be able to wear contacts.

Streaking

Today is day 28 of the Runner's World Run Streak and I have planned a quick one mile jog.  I will get it in sometime today, just not sure when.  Yesterday I went to the Y and did a quick 2 miles outside followed by 40 minutes or so of weight training.  I would love to hit the Y again but my kiddos are both showing signs of being sick and I want to keep them as healthy as possible with Christmas coming up.  The last time I posted my mileage was 12/12, so here are my miles since then as well as my "grand total" thus far.

12/13: 1.01 miles
12/14: 3.1 miles
12/15: 1.01 miles
12/16: 1.01 miles
12/17: 1.25 miles
12/18: 6.21 miles
12/19: 1 mile
12/20: 2.01 miles
12/21: planning 1 mile 1.65 miles

69.39 miles  (seeing that now I may run a bit more than a mile today to get to a flat 70 miles)  70.4 miles

I am proud of how far I have come with this challenge.  My mileage is NOTHING compared to most people but I am trying to run conservative per the recommendations of my therapist.  I honestly am excited for the streak to be over though so I can go back to a more normal (for me) training routine.  I am planning on taking two weeks off running when I complete the streak.  I am hoping to get back in the pool during that time, but we will see how that goes.

Christmas is right around the corner and I am excited to get it over with so I can reclaim my closet (right now it is filled with gifts for the kids).  I don't mean to sound like I am not excited about Christmas, I am looking forward to celebrating with my kids.  But, if I am truthful, my heart isn't totally in it this year.  I wish I could figure out exactly whats got me down so I could start feeling better but no such luck.

I am so thankful for my kiddos right now.  They are the reason I wake up each morning even when all I would like to do is lay in bed and mope.  Without them I would be floundering even more.  We should be getting a box from Alabama sometime this week - and I know the kids will be really excited about that.  I will be excited too because my mom sent me some of her Christmas goodies!  I grew up eating fudge and peppermint divinity every year (its what we did as gifts for teachers, etc) but I have yet to be brave enough to try making it myself.  So, thank you Mom for making my Christmas and sending some my way - and an even bigger thanks for sending a small quantity so I hopefully won't gain 20 pounds eating it!  :)

I wish I had something more exciting to blog about, but right now it is just merely a challenge to get through each day.  Hoping for some sunshine soon....

Half Way there!

On Thanksgiving, I ran the Galloping Gobbler (a local 4 mile race) and since then I have taken on the Runner's World Holiday Running Streak.  So far I have been able to maintain the streak which is exciting, 19 days and going strong only 20 more days to go - almost half way there!  A summary of my running since Thanksgiving...

11/24: 12.23 miles - Galloping Gobbler 4 miler plus an extra long run later
11/25: 2.58 miles
11/26: 2.02 miles
11/27: 1.32 miles
11/28: 1.03 mile
11/29: 4.51 miles
11/30: 2 miles
12/1: 3.1 miles - 3 short runs spread out during the day
12/2: 2 miles
12/3: 1.10 miles
12/4: 1.28 miles
12/5: 2 miles
12/6: 1.28 miles
12/7: 6.02 miles
12/8: 1.05 miles
12/9: 2.01 miles
12/10: 3.1 miles - the Gift 5k
12/11: 1.15 miles
12/12: 2.01 miles

51.79 miles so far!

Check back tomorrow for a recap of my last two races as well as a random weekend trip!