Healthy Twists

Can we talk about how, in a week, I will have ran a HALF MARATHON?

Seriously. One week from today. It’s a little surreal. I mean, how long have I been talking about this? I only registered for it back in January. Oh I remember January. I was about 10 lbs lighter than I am today (wow…typing that out was pretty difficult) and running sure was easier than it’s been these past few weeks/months. But, I never quit, which I think says something about my determination. Today on my run, I thought to myself, “I can totally do this…I can do anything.”

My life is about to change in some wonderful yet slightly scary ways (grad school, getting married, etc) and training for this race has really taught me a lot about what I’m willing to do for the things that I want. I’m willing to work hard, I’m willing to sacrifice a little (but not too much) and, with the support of my friends and loved ones, I’m pretty sure I can reach just about any goal I set for myself if I truly want it.

Unless I wanted to be a ballerina. I’m pretty sure I couldn’t do that. I’m clumsy.

So, here we have my workouts for the week. I actually got in a mid-week run! Fancy that.

Monday: 10 min ab work, some stretching, and a 30ish-minute speedy walk with Nina.

Tuesday: Nada. Mitch has his 12-miler on this day, in which he ran from his work to my work and then I drove him back to his car. Then we got Mexican food. Which is not great on a no-exercise day, but what can ya do? It was delicious, I’ll say that much.

Wednesday: I went to my BFF’s house for a little Bachelorette-finale viewing party. I only started watching the show this season, at the very end, but I think I’m into it now! Anyway, I squeezed in a 3-mile run in about 32 minutes…with my last mine in 10:47, which is pretty good, for me.

wedding side note: at girl’s night, I awkwardly asked my friend to be my maid of honor…let’s just say I’m glad I didn’t have to propose to Mitch. Pressure! And the whole, asking my friends, like, “I know you love me, want to spend a bunch of money on a dress I pick out for you, oh and want to throw me parties”? Ick.I feel so selfish with this wedding stuff, but I just keep reminding myself I’m allowed that between now and next July, I guess.

Thursday: I was going to go to the gym, but I forgot to bring my clothes to work. So instead, for fun, I decided to do the Insanity Fit Test, since I heard it was a workout in itself. Umm I about died, but I loved it. It made me feel very un-fit compared to the people on the screen, but I can tell I’m going to enjoy the workouts, in a totally sadistic way. I then did about 20 minutes of a boring Pilates video before I gave up.

Friday: I went on a 47-minute walk with Nina. At 8:45 at night (I went around my neighborhood, so I was safe. Plus, I don’t know if you know this, but Nina is ferocious). This was because I met Mitch for sushi at 6 after I got off work because he was on a break. Oh, the things we do for love and sushi. So it wasn’t the most comfortable walk ever, but that’s ok.

Saturday: Since Sunday’s run was “only” 8 miles (HA) I decided to hit the gym for some upper-body lifting and stair-climber action. I tried to use challenging weights but not totally “shred” myself, and my minimal soreness today means I succeeded! I normally love DOMS, but not today.

Sunday: This was a big day. First off, my last long run before the half! But also, Jenny was working so I had to run alone. I felt like I needed to do this, to make sure I had it in me to run for a long time with nothing but my thoughts and my iPod. I ran 8 miles in 1:34:39, so just under a 12 min/mile pace. This is the longest I’ve ever run by myself! No walk breaks, even when I started to (mentally) struggle around mile 6-7 and even when my knees started to ache (that’s getting annoying, btw).

I ran mid-morning so it was warm, but I felt really (mentally) strong on this run (refer to the beginning of this post). It helps that I actually have things to think about other than, “man…running is hard.” My brain was all…wedding…school…work….ow my knees….wedding…mmm coconut water…wedding…

And now it’s 13.1 or bust! One silly little week. To those who have been following my journey, thank you! I need all the support I can  get, and yours helps more than you can believe.

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