Training Goes On

So I've been so busy with normal day life and training that I have not posted here in awhile.

I am happy to report that I am growing stronger in my running. I have shaved a good 30 seconds off of my normal pace. I love looking back at my runs from last year and seeing how far I have come.

I am really enjoying group runs and training with a coach (RunnerDude's Fitness). I think that has also helped me grow stronger. When I was training for my first half last year I would just run different distances. I never did any speed or hill work. My training plan from my coach this time around includes all kinds of different runs (tempo, progression, hills, etc.). I love the variety and the way it pushes me to go beyond what I thought was possible. You got to love that.

I am doing a photo a day for a year for 2014. So of course some of them include running. So here are a couple for your viewing pleasure.

Jan 18: Group Run with RunnerDude's Fitness.
We ran for #megsmiles, #megmiles

Jan 20: My strongest average pace yet.
I was proud to dedicate it to Martin Luther King Jr.

Feb 17: We got some snow in NC so many of the trails were icy.
So I decided to complete my Mom's Run This Town Winter Virtual
at the local park. I did 4 laps to make it a 10K race. I thought it
fitting for the theme of  "Start Your Engines". Laps like in a car race. 

Feb 24: Running some staggered hill repeats at lunch.

Feb 26: Had a wonderful group run. I had a 50 minute progression run
and ran my fastest mile yet. Then went out for pizza with some of the other
runners. I'm loving the team/group aspect.

 I just got new running shoes so I will be reviewing those shortly.

Growing Stronger

Training with a group is great. You get to know other runners. I love hearing their stories about when they started running, what races they have ran, and what their future goals are. I find it extremely motivating. It also reminds me how far I have come in my own journey.

I started my running journey last February. So as I approach my one year mark I want to think back to all I have accomplished. I ran two 4K's,  five 5K's, one 10K and a half marathon. Not too shabby for a non-runner. I think I've finally earned the title of runner :)

Last night I met with the running group (Runnerdude's) to do a 45 minute progression run. This is the first time I have ever done one. I think I did pretty well for my first time. I'm excited to see how I improve over the next couple months.

For a progression run you start out slow and build to a faster pace towards the middle of the run and then go all out in the end to about 90% of your max effort. I think I need to work on starting out a little slower. The middle section was a little rough because of a pretty good sized hill.

Overall I'm pretty proud of myself as this is a great starting point.

Racing in the Rain

Saturday I had a new experience. It was my first long run with my running group. I was excited and a little nervous. It had been awhile since I had run over 5 miles. I was scheduled to do 7 miles but had decided to do 8 since it is easier to know when to turnaround.

We meet to run at 7:30 am. It is still a little dark at that time during this time of year. The weather was also very yucky. At first it was just raining a normal drizzle. Quickly it turned into a torrential downpour with some gnarly thunder and lightning. Many in the group turned around once they heard the thunder and lightning.

I kept going as I felt relativity safe on the greenway as it runs through the trees with no open fields. Only one other lady finished her 8 miles too. We laughed and talked awhile until she just wanted to get the run done and ran ahead of me. I would have loved to keep up with her but I just could not move any faster. I felt twenty pounds heavier with all the water. My feet were soaked. The funny part was that I felt pretty good and not at all miserable.

Coming back, the greenway was like a river. It was crazy and a little fun all at once. It was like training for a mud run or obstacle course race.

I'm proud of myself for getting it done. I felt like a true bad ass runner :)