10 Weeks Gone?

10 weeks ago, Lori my running partner, and friend started our latest training program. The goal? To get under a 2:15:00 finish time at the Lisbon Portugal Rock N Roll Half Marathon.

At the start, we both were trying to convince our bodies that the Rome Marathon was 4 months ago and that it was okay to start running again. The deformed toenails, calloused feet, and crackling knees sure put up a fight in the beginning.

But we didn't listen. Why would we?

We pressed on day after day of 100+ degree heat. As the miles started to stack up, our average pace started to decrease. Sprint days at the track turned into adventures in the African plains, because well, I think I was delusional from all the heat. Hey, all I need to do is say "Nala" now and she starts sprinting. Our strength training days turned into "let's beat up our bodies" because t-rex arms don't look good on anyone!

In the weeks leading up to this weekend, we've been collecting information for what works for us. Why? Well it's fun to figure out what really motivates you when you're still 2 miles out and wanting to pull up a seat at the coffee bar while you wait for Lori to go grab the car. It's fun to taste new flavors of Gu. Actually, that's a lie. It is fun though to get new running shoes because you've put so many miles on your other pairs they shouldn't go any further.

So, tonight was our last official run before the race on Sunday. It went something like this:

Katie: Did I really say 3 miles?
Lori: Yep. I'm starving and a beer sounds great.
Katie: I ate candy all day, but with peanut butter so that's protein- right?
Lori: I'm starving.
Katie: My toe still feels broken, but this is only 3 miles right?
Lori: Yep. 3 miles and it's great weather to run.

Now we're both changed and ready to go. So we start walking.

Katie: Eventually we need to start running.
Lori: You mean this doesn't count towards our 3 miles?
Katie: Nope.

5 minutes later we're running and as we turn the corner the high school track (?) teams are getting ready to run back over towards the school.

Katie: Today we are simulating race day conditions...
Lori: Oh no we're not! It's a slow day- remember?! Don't get that crazy look in your eye.
Katie: C'on. You know I hate people in front of me...

Lori made the move to pass them first. Go Speed Racer Go!  And no, I didn't switch to full combat running mode.

Like normal, mile 1 sucked but 2 and 3 rocked. Well, I think they did? Today was one of those I'm totally zoned out runs where the rhythm of my feet against the street was only interrupted a few times by either a beep (mile completed) or telling Lori where our route was taking us next. Not Lady Gaga, not Pink, not even Cascade were invited on this run. Seriously. When was the last time you ran without you iPod? It's becoming a habit of mine to leave it behind. The first week was horrible but now I crave the pondering time. I sometimes even think of answers to mysteries I forgot I had! And if you are carrying a conversation? It's amazing on all the nonsense stuff gets left out when you only have time to get 5 words out before needing another gulp of air.

So yeah, this training program is complete. Hands down it's been the most fun I've had training for something in a while. Granted it was a lot shorter than the prep for Rome, but running our longest run (10 miles) this past weekend I was ready to tack on that 5K!