YMCA Half Marathon

I did it! My first offical half marathon (13.1 miles) completed in 3:09:31 (offical time posting can be seen here Race Results). The max time to finish was 3:15:00 and I figured I could do 3:12:00. When I came in sight of the finish line clock and it was at 3:08:25 I couldn't believe it. I was already jogging so I turned up the speed and sprinted over the line to cheers from members of Team Phoenix. It was an incredible feeling. :D

PS Team Phoenix is my Train to End Stroke team. Several members participated for the marathon experience.

Marathons & Moving

Today’s practice was 16 miles. Besides the 16 miles, another milestone was achieved today – I ran 3 miles straight! That is a first for me. I kept a slow steady jog and got to the first turnaround :) I completed the full distance in 4 hrs 10 min – only 10 min off my goal which was pretty good considering the blister that formed on my toe, sore ankles and knees. Yes, I have new shoes ready to go for next week.
Even with my soreness, I feel good about today’s practice. I didn’t feel like I was going to die along the trail as I did last week. Today much of my run was alone – I turned up my music (yay iPod!!) and moved along. Last week had I been by myself, I would’ve been in tears and quit. :( It was a bad week physically and mentally. Several miles I wondered what the hell I was doing out there. That attitude changed today – back to good. Today I felt good the whole time and could honestly tell Coach Eric and Coach Josh I had a good practice.
I do know, I will complete my full marathon in December and check that accomplishment of my “What I never thought I’d do in my lifetime” list. I might consider half marathons later, but most likely stick to 5k and 10k.

Moving. Here I am with my sore legs taking apart furniture (with the help of my friend Kurt), trying to pack the last of the boxes, break down the computer (right after I do this), gather all the cords for the TV, etc that are not attached and make some sense out of the boxes and furniture strewn around my house. Believe it or not I ended up with more boxes than I needed! That’s a first for me. And thanks to Kurt, Beryl, Linda, Mom, D’Ann, Donna, Deana, Jen and Sharon I didn’t have to buy a single box or newspaper for materials :)
The new house is all ready – the painter finished in 3 days, carpet was done in a day and the cleaners came today. The new house looks wonderful!! By the way -- if anyone needs painters, flooring or cleaning done, I have numbers of very good people. Tonight I will take over the case of beer Cindy sent me from PA – Yuengling! – and place it in the fridge to be nice and cold for tomorrow :) Movers come in the morning – I’ll be unpacking all day and Monday and Tuesday……..

Another revelation...

My latest theory on relationships (expanding on revelation #3 below) -- I'm going to stop looking. Let him find me. For all I know he's right in front of me and we're not seeing each other because I keep looking around. I'll keep having fun, meeting new people. Think about it -- if you're lost in the desert or forest, survival books tell you to stay where you are because if you're trying to find your way out and the search party is trying to find you, you stay lost. Stay put and they will find you. So, here I am. He can find me.

So I can finally answer the question.....

...at least according to this test (got the idea from Zee). It would be interesting to take the quiz with more detailed questions.

You are a Social Liberal (63% permissive) and an... Economic Liberal (33% permissive) You are best described as a: Democrat Link: The Politics Test on Ok Cupid Also: The OkCupid Dating Persona Test

Marathon Training & the Revelations During

Today was a great training day. First I shaved off another minute on my timed mile! I timed at 12:12 -- last month was 13:15 and the first month was 14:07!!! Training was 12 miles. Two months ago I didn't dream I could last 12 miles. Not only did I last but I felt great! Last week's 11 miles I was exhausted. This week I approached it differently mentally, splurged on an iPod, and had a fuel belt. Those were the 3 key things that got me through practice.

The iPod kept the voices in my head at bay. Only the good ones came through. I had some revelations today:
#1 I like this working out stuff. I actually like the running too (ok, I'm still at a run/walk, but that's OK). I don't know at this point if I'll ever do a full marathon again, however I do enjoy the 3 - 6 mile deal. My goal is to keep in shape after this - I may mentor the next season to help with that part - and participate in some 5k or 10k for good causes (MS, Alzheimer, etc). Don't worry - I'm not turning fanatical or anything. I'll look for 5k/10k that are benefits - I'm not concerened with "1st place."

#2 Life is good. I have great friends to hang with and have fun. I am blessed to say I have 4 really close friends. My family loves me - though we're all a bit strange :) My pets adore me even though I'm very busy lately. I'm healthy and getting healthier. I was able to buy a townhouse. I have a job that pays the bills and once in a while I actually like it.

#3 I'm single and having fun. I started out joining the internet dating scene and realized, it's just not me. I've cancelled all those memberships and am just concentrating on having fun. My friend said in a recent blog "It's Time!" and well, he's right [there are times I have to admit he's right :p]. Time to just have fun, enjoy life and not worry about being with someone. Yes, I miss the romance and closeness of a relationship, however I'm not going to date just because. If that special guy and I find each other, awesome! If not, at least I can say I enjoyed life.

#4 I'm ok with me. Yes, I'd like to lose a few pounds and I'm sure this marathon thing will help. However, I'm OK with how I look now. Why did that cross my mind today? Because although I now feel great, I haven't lost any weight yet! And you know what? That's OK. I look good - plenty of people have told me that. This is who I am on the outside and on the inside. Like me or move on! :)

PS -- still fundraising for the American Stroke Association too! Here's my site:
Karen's ASA Site