getting my groove back

I'm sure any runner who lives in New England would agree...this winter sucked. On top of the feet of snow and the freezing cold temps, I had a few weeks of random injuries and set backs. I was discouraged and feeling the winter blues. Then I took a trip to NY and then on to Philly to run the Love Run half marathon with only one goal. To have fun. Mission accomplished.

pre race hotel meet up

finishing feeling happy

Since the half in Philly running has started to click again. This week I've been hitting my paces and feeling strong once again. Here's a recap:

Monday: Rest

Tuesday: 5 easy miles 9:15 average pace

Wednesday: 1.6 mile warm up, 3 x 1200 (7:42, 7:40, 7:36 pace) w/ 3:00 jog in between, 1.77 mile cool down for 6 miles total. This run was a FINALLY moment for me where everything seemed to click once again. 

Thursday: 6 easy miles 9:08 average pace

Friday: Rest 

Saturday: 4 easy miles in NH 9:04 average pace. Holy hills! I'm not used to running in NH anymore so this run kicked my butt but felt amazing at the same time. 

when you're not used to running many hills, this feels like a mountain

Sunday: 8 miles total... 3 easy, 1 @ 8:04, 3 easy, 1 @ 8:01. Spring has finally sprung in Boston, and this run felt amazing in the warm sun. I spent a lot of time during this run thinking of the struggles throughout the winter and feeling very thankful I am once again feeling strong. Serious runner's high. 

What's next? Saturday I'll be racing the BAA 5k in Boston. I can't wait to run this race for the first time and am so excited Boston Marathon weekend is almost here! I think I can confidently say this horrible winter is finally a past memory. Feels good to be getting my groove back.   

returning to Philly

This weekend I'm heading back to Philadelphia. I'll be running the Philadelphia Love Run Half Marathon with my wonderful coach, teammate and friend, Abby. Last time I ran a race in Philly, it didn't exactly go as hoped. Not even close. This weekend I am going with only one goal in mind...to have fun. In reality, that's the most important thing you can hope for.

This winter has been filled with a lot of set backs including a strange back and knee injury, along with the highest snow totals ever in one winter, which kept me off the streets and on the treadmill, elliptical, or the couch. Not great for building speed, endurance or confidence. While I had hoped to be in a better place going in to this weekend, I need to remember the longer term goal. My goal race this spring is Boston's Run to Remember in May. I still have 2 months to get myself where I want to be. With Abby's help, I'm sure I can get there.

I'm really looking forward to erasing the tough memories of the Philadelphia Marathon and replacing them with happier memories this weekend!