11.5!

Today we ran 11.5 miles. The day was gorgeous - sunny and in the 60s. I would LOVE to have this weather next weekend. We felt pretty good, although Erin had some stomach cramps because she ate bacon before the run. So no bacon next Saturday! I've been wondering what to eat, and all research says to eat only what you've tried during training. For me, that's bananas - and maybe half a bagel with some cream cheese. If we eat around 5:30-6 a.m., we should be OK when the race starts at 7.

The 11.5-mile run went well. I mean, it wasn't easy, but it was doable. I think it's important that we've run more than 10 miles twice now. It was painful at 11.5, but our bodies were like, "OK, we're familiar with this pain. We can handle it." Sort of a muscle memory thing.

On Saturday we ran four miles in the afternoon. That was really hard - probably because it's always hard to run in the afternoon ... and that Sonic cheeseburger may have had something to do with it.

Now we're looking at two miles on Tuesday, two miles Thursday - and then the BIG DAY!

Counting Down to the Country Music Half-Marathon

So... Erin and I ran six miles this morning, as usual. It's never easy to head out the door at 5 a.m., but I always feel like a million bucks when I'm done and can relax with some hot coffee. That's the best feeling. Six a.m. and I've already accomplished something major.

We'll run 3-4 on Saturday, and then a long run - 10 or 11 miles - on Sunday.

Nine more days until the Nashville Country Music Half-Marathon!

Getting Closer

Today we ran five miles, and I wore my brand-spankin'-new shoes. I need to break these shoes in before the big day, but I think I'll have plenty of time - especially since I have about 25 more miles of training before the race.

I found out that I have high arches, and these Asics are supposed to give me lots of support. They felt great this morning, and I think my old, broken-down pair contributed to some lower-back pain. Or maybe 12-plus miles will just do that to you.

Anyway, today's short run felt good, and we'll be running the 1/2 in less than two weeks!

12.5 miles!

Today Erin and I logged 12.5 miles. Yep, that's right. 12.5!

We stomped it out, as Erin would say. I see now why people say you should train more than 10 miles before the race. The last couple of miles were tough; we were definitely feeling it in our legs. But we did it and even had enough energy to kick it in. So I'm feeling good about the race, which is in just two weeks! With a cheering crowd, water every few miles, and live music along the way, we should be in great shape to finish 13.1 miles.

We were out of town most of the week, so I haven't kept up my blog log. Here 'tis:

I had to skip the Tuesday run because of our trip, but I met Erin bright and early for our five-mile run Thursday.

And I ran four miles yesterday (Saturday).

After today's nearly-half-marathon run, we're taking the day off tomorrow and will pick it back up on Tuesday.

10 Miles!

Yesterday, Erin and I ran 10 MILES!! That was the first time I've really felt like, "Hey, I can actually run the whole half." We woke to pouring rain and decided to run anyway, but the skies cleared just as we headed out at 8 a.m. By the time we finished, the morning had turned into the perfect spring day - and we had the run behind us. A great feeling.

Thursday before that, we ran five miles in the dark, as usual, with the nearly full moon lighting our way.

Another Early Morning

This morning at 5 we ran five miles. The full moon illuminated the mist rising from the river, and we could see the paved path winding through the trees like a silver ribbon. That's one of the great things about getting up so early - you get to see these beautiful moments that are long gone by sunrise. And that's pretty much the only thing great about it. Ha!

Seriously, we had a good run, but I'm glad tomorrow is a rest day. I'll be up late tonight working after the kids go to sleep, and it will be nice to sleep in until 6. :)

Going Strong

I haven't posted since last Sunday, but I have been running. Here's the breakdown...

Tuesday: Five miles with Erin in the wee morning hours.

Thursday: Between five and six miles with Erin in the pouring rain at 5:15 a.m.

Saturday: Between three and four miles solo on a gorgeous, sunny afternoon.

Sunday: Eight solid miles with Erin. We started running in a slight drizzle, but the sun was out by the time we finished. I wore a heavy rain coat (the only one I have), but I ended up with it tied around my waist and feeling like a 10-pound weight. This week I'm buying some new running shoes and a light rain coat for running, since springtime in Tennessee comes with lots of rain - at least this year.

All in all, it's been a great running week. Those early runs are not always easy, but I'm grateful to have a steadfast friend and running partner who is dedicated to our goal - even when it's cold, rainy, dark and inconvenient.

My body is sooo sore today after the eight-mile trek. The kids are asleep, and I'm heading now for a long, hot bath.

Here's a photo of Erin on our run today when the train was coming through.