Yesterday after work I went for my first post-surgery run with the man, and it felt great! My last run the night before the surgery was at a 9:21 pace, a faster run than normal (I’d been finally working on speed again) and also my lucky number (long story), so I had a feeling I’d be comparing my first run back to that one. To set myself up for success, I left my Garmin watch at home (and so did Nick).
I think ever since I fainted while running back in July 2016, I’ve had a love/hate relationship with my running pace, fueling strategy, and overall training mentality. It’s been a little difficult comparing myself to where I once had been while also having a lingering fear of feeling weak or pushing myself too far. It’s been annoying, to say the least!
Well this week I feel like I’ve finally let some of that go, and oddly enough, I’m seeing improvement in my running again. Go figure.
I think I’ve entered the world of at least intermediate runner status, and I want to share how I was able to (finally) run a half marathon under 2 hours (it took me 5 tries).
The key is to incorporate around 2 workouts a week that focus entirely on intervals. Here I made an easy-to-use graphic on a quick 24-minute treadmill workout that bumped my average pace from around a 12:00 mile to a 9:00 mile.
*It’s also broken down by time, because I know trying to do ANY math while running is just EVIL. You’re welcome!
Photo cred: Two Moms and a Journey
Hey, guys! This post will be updated to keep an ongoing race log—a digital version of the above race medal display, if you will.
By the way, the tutorial for making the display is super easy (and free!), and can be found on Two Moms and a Journey. I want to tackle that one day.
Platte River Half Marathon
April 9, 2017
Littleton, Colorado
Official time: 2:21:36
Pace: 10:48
Read the race recap here.
The Color Run Denver
August 27, 2016
Denver, Colorado
Official time: 29:14
Pace: 9:50/mile
Read the race recap here.
Colfax Half Marathon
May 15, 2016
Denver, Colorado
Official time: 2:03:25
Pace: 9:24/mile
Read the recap here.
Highlands Ranch Half Marathon
September 2, 2013
Highlands Ranch, Colorado
Official time: 2:37:31
Pace: 12:01/mile
I was 30 pounds heavier and not the happiest, despite the thumbs up and the grin. It was also the inaugural race, so not many people participated (as you can see!).
Thunder Road Half Marathon
December 11, 2010
Charlotte, North Carolina
Official time: 2:13:24
Pace: 10:11/mile
I hit a PR (at that point) with this race! The temperature was in the low 30s, but it was a good run.
26.2 With Donna Half Marathon
February 19, 2009
Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Official time: 2:38:26
Pace: 12:05/mile
This was my second half marathon, and my second time running the 26.2 With Donna.
Gate River Run 15K (9.3 miles)
March 8, 2008
Jacksonville, Florida
Official time: 1:45:54
Pace: 11:23/mile
This picture cracks me up! So intense.
26.2 With Donna Half Marathon
February 17, 2008
Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Official time: 2:36:33
Pace: 11:57/mile
My first race ever! I’m in the background, just to the left of the guy with the stroller.
The Real Life 