But before I give you my full report let me back track a little bit.
Fall is my favorite time to run. I love the crisp air, hearing the leaves crunch under my feet, and being able to wear long sleeve shirts and shorts. Fall usually has some of the best races too. This fall has been slightly different for me. I usually like to be training for a half marathon, it helps me stay in shape and keeps me motivated. Well this fall there were many a half marathons that caught my eye and sounded intriguing but due to Mike's work schedule, and wonderful opportunity, there really hasn't been time for me to train. Mike has had a killer schedule, with long days, overnight shifts and one day off a week. (which by the way sometimes would come every 8-10 days) Although I know he would, I just can't seem to ask him to wake up early on his ONE day off to watch Charlotte so I can hit the pavement for a couple of hours. So you may ask, why not just take Charlotte on your long runs? Well she's DONE after being in the stroller for 45/50 minutes, and quite frankly so am I. So needless to say training for a half just hasn't been realistic. I've missed training for something longer and giving myself a challenge. But just because I can't train for a half doesn't mean I couldn't have another kind of goal in mind does it? Since my darling lovey can only handle 45/50 minutes in the stroller I've needed to make the most out of my runs. I decided to incorporate some hill training, speed sessions and tempo work into my running and I'm happy to report it has paid off!
While I'm still not fast compared to my many speedy friends, I am becoming a stronger more confident runner. I'd been excited for this 10k. I had a certain time goal in mind and I wanted to see what I could do. All the elements fell into place that morning and I was able to run my best 10k yet! So maybe I didn't complete a marathon or even a half marathon but getting a PR in a 10k was a still a big accomplishment for me. (Let's be honest, since having the lovey the things that were once no big deal have become big accomplishments for me!)
Who knew hills, intervals and tempo workouts really made a difference in running?
The point of this long winded, slightly boring post is, like Marty says in Back to the Future:
"If you put your mind to it you can accomplish anything."
I'm starting to believe this fantastic phrase more and more.
What have you accomplished lately that you are proud of?
What fall race were/are you training for?
Have you seen Back to the Future? Do you remember the part where Marty says that line?
Big THANK YOU to my sister Lou for watching Charlotte the morning of the race! What would I do without you?
Want to run a great race for a great cause and get a PR all at the same time? Come run the Spread Magic Around 5k I'm organizing for a darling friend in my neighborhood. Read about the family here. Sign up for the race here.
Happy Week of Halloween!
3 comments:
Congrats, Laura! Hills are the worst for me, so it's inspiring to know that a mommy with a 9-month old set some high goals, headed for the hills (sith a stroller!) and rocked out a PR in a new race. Good job.
My goal is to finish this book that I've been procrastinating to finish ("The Poisonwood Bible").
way to go lar! you have always been one to set a goal and accomplish it! i am so proud of you!
Hey, chica! I'm so sorry I haven't been to your blog to visit lately! It's been crazy going back to work! I think it's awesome all the running you are able to do. It's not in the cards for me lately! I hurt my knee last week and I've been sick all week. Ugh. At least I can run vicariously through you!
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