Today I went for a run on the C&O trail and completed a birthday half marathon! What better way to celebrate your birthday than running a race an earning a shirt with your birthday on it. Not to mention the date is 02-02-2020 the only palindrome this century! I was on the fence, but decided it would be a great birthday gift to myself. The race was along the C&O canal in Georgetown, a familiar trail that never disappoints in scenery nor placidity. I arrived early, picked up my bib and returned to my car along Water Street.
The sun had just started to fill the sky over the Potomac River and I soaked in the rays that spilled over the water from the skyline.
Soon enough it was 7:45am and I made my way to the start line on the towpath. The announcer gave a brief overview of the course and thanked the runners for supporting the Operation of Enduring Warriors, a non profit group who supports wounded military service members. The horn sounded and we were off. I lagged behind the group and decided I would pass people as needed instead of being a road block for faster runners. By mile two I was in a steady pace and moving along the ups and downs of the path caused my the lock system in the canal. I had no pace in mind and was still stiff from my barre class earlier in the week. I knew my legs could feel the pace, but it was not uncomfortable and it felt like a solid run a week post marathon. As I turned around a little over 6.5 miles I saw I was the fourth female. I continued back and ‘people watched’ the young and old walkers, kayakers ready to enjoy the waters, dog walkers, collegiate run teams, and pairs of cyclists enjoying the warming temperatures. My tunes moved me along – Doobie Brothers, Queen, Phil Collins and Ram Jam. I sang to myself, took in a deep breath, played the air drums and enjoyed what was a great birthday morning. At the ten mile point, I began to push forward ready to make my way to the finish line. Just over mile eleven I passed the third female who cheered me on as I gave my encouragement in return. I pushed on and another runner gave me support by saying, “Wow, you have really pulled ahead.” I thanked him and replied, “Its my birthday, why not!” I finally saw the finish line come into view and finished 1:50.
I averaged a solid 8:26 pace one week post marathon and finished as the third female. I grabbed some Gatorade and took a seat to stretch. The fourth female finished not long after and found me to give thanks for the encouragement and motivation I had shared on the course. Soon after the man in the blue shirt from earlier wished me a happy birthday again before sharing his content with his performance. I grabbed my things and headed back to the car. My heel was a little sore from the uneven gravel, but overall I felt alive. A perfect birthday start as a 39 year old. I’m not sure what 39 is intended to feel like, but so far it has been relaxing, invigorating and positive. Smile, hands up and game on 39!
Today I went for a run and logged my last 15.5 mile long run before the A1A Marathon. My alarm sounded and I looked out the window to pouring rain. I think it has rained three of the last four weekends!!! I didn’t mind the extra minutes lounging and luckily the rain ended and I was laced up to run by 8am. I kinda knew the direction I was going to go, but this was the first long run I hadn’t mapped out – partially because I wasn’t all in. I like to plan and check off miles as I go, but this time I just went with it. I looped the opposite direction to start, tacked on a new road I was passing and just went with it. Despite the rain ending, warm weather and strong +15mph winds remained. Wind and hills were going to be my challenge on this run. I’m not going to lie, at first I thought I was going to run five miles and call it quits. I reasoned that I would do ten miles later in hope that the wind would die down. So I picked up the pace. I got back to my car ready to pack it up and head out. The blue skies had pretty, misshapen clouds that looked like fluffy whipped cream and at least four people walked by me walking dogs enjoying the warm day. Ugh. So I took off my long sleeve shirt, took a gel and headed out. I went south on Honeygo and the wind pushed me along. It’s funny how it felt like someone was there pushing and encouraging me to keep moving. I picked up in pace and looped back east. At this point I was downing my water and felt a little off/lightheaded. I passed a man who lost his hat in a gust of wind. He smiled and wished me well, as if he knew I was eyeing the road that went back to my car. Then I turned and hit the wind and hills hard. I guess the one good thing about going up a hill – you must go down. I continued on looping, hitting new roads and trying to distract myself. Each turn more winds and hills. Eventually I made my way to my car for a water refill – mile 9.5. How was I only at ten miles!? But I went back out. I made it this far and I couldn’t stop now. I kept moving and I flew through three more quick miles. I kept thinking just get through a half marathon and then take it easy. I finally was back at my car 15.5 miles done. It was a tough run, not one that makes me proud. My legs felt great, but my energy lacked, I drank a ton of water and my chest felt heavy. I guess humidity and the warmer temperature could have caused it, but it was tough. My last three long runs have been rough and lethargic. All various speeds, terrains, locations, elevation and temperatures. Maybe it is my body just asking for a little rest from my beloved marathon. Regardless, I didn’t stop. I didn’t give up. I’m thankful for the wind that helped me, the people who greeted me and the saying on my wrist – “she believed she could.” 
Today I went for a run in two parts to complete an eighteen mike long run. It was a misty, puddle filled morning and my goal was to complete ten miles with my friends and another ten solo. I met my friends early for a 5:15am run, a time I had avoided for a few weeks. I like early runs, but not in the cold and after seven months of marathon training and racing. We started around the harbor and within two miles I took my first spill. Frustrated with myself I brushed it off and picked myself up. My friends offered support, but my frustration with myself muted their support. Fast forward to mile nine and I tripped again after I began to feel myself not picking up my feet. Warning signs flashed in my head as I thought, “How am I going to run a marathon in three weeks!?” Last week was a tough run and now I couldn’t even stay upright on my two feet. I finished ten miles and drove home to start on my second round.
I took out some tunes in hopes that it would change my mood and push me forward. I started part two and looped Honeygo and my familiar backroads. The Doobie Brithers kept the beat as my thoughts began to wander. Ft. Lauderdale was where me and my husband stayed when we eloped in Miami – South Beach. Now that we finally booked a flight I began to think about places we would visit for our anniversary trip. Suddenly I was taking the hill at mile seven. Sometimes getting lost in your thoughts is just what you need. I cut my run at eight miles, satisfied that I got in a solid 18 miles. After a rough first ten miles, I preserved and got through the rough patch without giving up. I’m excitied to run A1A with my husband, but happy to be taking a break soon.
Today I went for a run and completed my virtual 5k. Virtual races are fun because it’s easy to get to, usually a familiar course and no pressure! A brief window between rain showers allowed me just enough time to run through humid, misty weather. I did a one mile warm up and then picked it up. I didnt want to check my watch so I tried going comfortably fast for the first mile. Second mile I was in a groove and felt myself accelerating. Third mile I hung on, but felt myself drifting to a slower pace. I reached the car a little over four miles and bam.
Never would I thought I was going that fast on a Friday afternoon after a busy day at school! I’ll take it!! But this did get me thinking. I jumped so quickly into marathons, maybe it would be cool to test out some shorter, faster races. I never thought of myself as a speedster, but it could be fun to try out some fast 5ks! It’s funny how you get into a one lane mindset and forget there are so many different paths.
Today I went for a run... 