Saturday's Run

I decided to switch around my run because we have some stuff to do tomorrow. Good thing too because it is BEAUTIFUL today. 60 and sunny!

Yesterday I did a pretty substantial cross training workout at the gym, 45 minutes on the stationary bike and 15 minutes of squats and lunges. I definitely paid for that today on my run. My legs were so tired! I hit a wall at mile 4 but I stuck it out.

It was a slow run today. I went the opposite direction down the path I normally go and it was nothing but hills, steep and long hills. But it was great conditioning! I'm having an issue not pacing myself when I start off. I jump the gun and run way too fast and I hit a wall around mile 4. I need to start working on that so I don't burn out so quick.

Here's my splits as per my Garmin from today:

Mile 1: 11:03
Mile 2: 11:21
Mile 3: 12:29 (this is where I hit the hills, phew)
Mile 4: 12:06 (pushed myself here, thought I might have a heart attack but I made those hills my bitch)
Mile 5: 12:08 (final mile)

5.2 miles in 59:38. Slower than I wanted but I felt like I got a great workout in and plenty of conditioning for my endurance and legs. I'm on pace to finish my 10K 1:15 which is just shy of goal of 1:10. I know my speed isn't there yet but right now i'm just focusing on my building my mileage base, speed will come later.

My total mileage since I started this journey is 45.29 miles. Seems daunting when I see the numbers but pretty amazing that my body is doing this.

After we got home I was ravenous, like haven't eaten in a week, hungry. I had a can of peaches, whole wheat english muffin with PB, triscuits and laughing cow cheese wedges, banana, chocolate milk and a few tator tots I stole off the kid's plates. I felt like a teenager. It didn't help that Kegan was just as hungry as I was. Breastfeeding and training for a half marathon is an interesting combination.

I am so sore this evening. I'm glad that I have two days of rest Sunday and Monday because I know i'm going to need it.

Registration for the Shamrock Run Childrens Hospital fundraiser opens up on Tuesday at 8am. I'm so hoping I can get one of the 500 entries. I'm so antsy to get out and race!

Here's just a few pictures from my run today. I was so dead that I forgot to take more. This trail is so nice and the total length is just shy of 9 miles. It's twists and winds through the neighborhoods and even some paths in the woods. I forgot a few times that I was in the middle of the city.


This is the view of the trail that i've been running. It's 5 minutes from my house and a nice break from the city. You can see the foothills of the Cascade Mountains in the background. This place is truly beautiful.

Me at mile 5. Exhausted but happy I got out and did it.

And just a funny for your viewing pleasure. The shit you see in Portland.
Yes, he has a suit of armor in the back of his truck.