Sunday Runday

The sky BEFORE my run

 the sky after my run

and 20 miles in between

it felt amazing accomplishing such a long run

and if felt even better that I didn't hate every minute of it

My time on here is a little deceiving though.

I was out of GU before my run

so around mile 10

 I literally ran to Publix and bought the Gatorade equivalent of GU 

(I stopped the Garmin while doing this)

I also stopped to snap these pictures as well...

I love lit palm tress.

Consignment Store Win

While shopping at a new consignment store

I came across a beautiful purse

but didn't want to pay the $45 price tag

I couldn't get it out of my mind though

and found it online for $238

Which ended up being the only proof I needed

that this purse should be mine...

BEHOLD

Not a scratch or mark on her anywhere...

Isn't she beautiful?

Ice Cold

Today's miles
totaled a
Sweet 16

A milestone in my marathon training-

I ran further that I ever have before

and I only keep going up from here

I actually felt pretty damn good for the majority of the miles

definitely coasted through the first 8

and then got a little sore miles 10 and up

But I didn't stop

not once

not because I didn't want to though

I just couldn't

I felt like if I stopped then I would permanently freeze up for good

So I channeled my inner Forrest Gump

and 

I - WAS - RUNNING!

Afterwards was another milestone in my marathon training

my first ice bath

Freezing

but fantastic at the same time.

Race Weekend

Today is my first day back from my mini vacation.  

Over the weekend I flew up to run the Virginia Beach 1/2 marathon with my big bro. 

(I hate to fly but love taking pictures from the clouds)

This was our 3rd (and final?) time running this particular race since he is moving away. 

2010 was the first time either of us had ever attempted to even run a 1/2 marathon, now we feel like old pros.

The mutual bitching of having to run and train

 as well as the accomplishment of actually completing the race - I think- has brought us closer together.

And while I'm a little sad this was our last VA Beach 1/2 marathon

I am also happy to be done with that hot-ass-summertime- deadly- heat- event!   

We agreed that the next race we decide to tackle will need to either be shorter... 

or held during the cooler months.

This last race was the most humid of them all. 

Sweat was flinging off of bodies left and right. It was down right funky.  

(I, of course wasn't funky - I don't sweat, or smell- ever)

My time sucked - which is no surprise - because of the heat and lack of training and all.  

But the best news of all is that for once, my stomach didn't absolutely kill me like it has on long runs in the past.  I think I owe it to my new semi-gluten free diet. 

And this year's medal is pretty bad ass- my favorite of them all.

My vacation also included spending some QT with my nephew Dylan- who is the most perfect little man ever. 

As well as my Thunder buddy.

Rock n Roll Savannah

Today was my Savannah 1/2 Marathon

We woke up at 4:45am

with some cold ass windy weather

 (this picture was actually taken for the mini van with flames painted on it)

Since it was Savannah's first time hosting this marathon

they had some transportation issues

We stood in line for shuttles for 20 min.

then took a 20 min ride to downtown Savannah

I got there just in time to move up with my corral and start the race

The cold weather actually felt great during the run

and I was able to push it at the end

for a 2:17:01 time

Which I'm ok with since my training definitely fizzled at the end.

As usual

I felt like poop after the race

which is why I have no scenic pictures of Savannah

I spent the whole rest of the day in bed

watching TV.

I also decided to stop with the long races for awhile

and try to work up my speed a bit by only doing 5k and 10k races.

Savannah was a beautiful run.

I would definitely recommend it to anyone wanting to run it next year.

**special thanks to my loving boyfriend who stood outside in the cold weather for 2:17:01 waiting for me**

I needed today.

Lately my workouts have sucked.

Everyday has been a struggle.

I'm eating poorly.

All in all I am NOT preparing or prepared for the Savannah race.

But today the weather was great

thanks to a lovely overcast

and for the first time ever in my long run I ran a 10 min pace the whole time

I NEEDED this run!

Now I feel pumped to run again.

I'm a Fancy Runner

I realized during my last run that I wear more accessories running than I do when I go out

 Headband

my phone

My sweat band to wipe my sweaty face

(I got this one as a VIP pass for a 2LiveCrew concert- true story)

and my garmin

In case you are wondering that says

14 miles

Boom! My longest yet!

It was the first run since I started training where it wasn't 800 degrees outside

and I didn't feel like I was running through mud

It let me know that yes I am in shape

and the weather plays a HUGE factor in my pace/energy

Boom!

Look at this

That's right folks

I haven't missed a single scheduled workout in over 4 weeks

Boom!

Even that last 10 mile run last Sunday

that I woke up late for

and had to run/walk

for 2 flippin' hours

in 8 billion degree weather

I even made it to Body Pump this morning

even though my ghetto ass gym had no water

leaving me Josie Grossie at work today.

Who's a badass athlete now?

THIS GIRL!