Second Half Marathon - Check!

Y'all,
I was NOT looking forward to this race.  The weather was expected to be terrible (snowing OR raining AND very windy PLUS very cold) also I've been running really slowly. Anyway, I decided if it was raining steadily I wouldn't run because I didn't want blisters and I hate running in wet feet.  On the train ride to The Hague my friends reminded me that I recruited them for running this half marathon and let me know I was not getting out of it.  Anyhow, we arrive and make our way to the event.  I look for the PwC area and realize I didn't read my Dutch email very well - Team PwC was camped out at a restaurant around 10 minutes from the event.  Anyway, we'd arrived super early because I wasn't in charge of timing, so all was good.

Four of us ran - Marc, Annie, Ian and me.  Here's a pic (minus Ian):

 The race ended up being pretty good.  It snowed hard-ish for maybe 10-20 minutes and that was a bit uncomfortable, but it would have been worse if it were rain.  I ran 5 min faster than my previous 1/2 time of 2:21 and finished at 2:16, which is a 10:20 pace.  That's also much faster than I've been running as of late (11+ min miles).  For the weather, there were lots of spectators and they were terrific, reading names and shouting in Dutch lots of encouragements.  Good stuff.

Here are the goods:

We had some great supporters - Andrey, Jason and Andy which always is wonderful (thanks guys!).  Andrey took the video (also on facebook if this isn't loading properly).

I have to say, I'm a bit pleased with myself for being able to run for more than 2 hours at a good clip (we're using my standards here, guys) since last summer I couldn't even do 2 miles without feeling winded and exhausted.  If you're reading this and thinking "I can't do that" think again.  I'm pretty lazy and wasn't in great shape, but with the right training program anyone can become a runner.  Anyone.

Inspired, exhausted and pleased,

Liz

12 mile jog

Hey all,

I've been running! Two Saturday's ago, I ran 10 miles, then I ran another 10 on Friday and 4 on Sunday and 12 on Tuesday.  You could say I've been trying to make up for lost mileage or time, but what I think I'm doing is trying to get used to running longer distances.  When I started running, 2 miles was far... now 12 miles is far, like everything, it's about adjusting your "normal."  After I ran the 10 mile Dam-to-Dam run, I was hobbling, achy and sore for almost a week - that is how I discovered the power of stretching.  I ran 12 miles on Tuesday and Wednesday was only slightly sore.

This is all good news, however, I'm running slower than ever.  Thankfully I've gotten over the need to stop running and take a break, but I'm still averaging 11+ minute miles, which is not good.  I started thinking about what I've been doing and realized that I've done zero speed work this time.  Speed work for you non-runners is exercises like sprinting for 30 seconds and then resting for a minute.  Since the City-Pier-City race is Sunday, I think it's too late, but I am excited to not be in pain for the last few miles like I was for the Amsterdam Half Marathon.  We shall see.

I went to London briefly this weekend - that lack of sleep is why I only ran 4 on Sunday.  Here's a pic :)

Wish me luck Sunday!

Liz