Speedwork

Since the St. George Marathon I haven't had much to say on this blog. I was sort of training for a half marathon - but backed out of it. So now I've been sort of training for the Ragnar relay but just realized the other day that it's only a month away! I've also realized that I have a couple of hard legs so I better get moving and do something besides my two easy runs during the week and a long run on Saturday.

Lisa and I went to the Islands track and did speedwork today. We did 6 X 800's at goal 5k pace with a two minute jog between. It's funny how the third interval was the hardest. I'm pretty sure I'll be sore tomorrow but it was really nice to change things up. Do you all do speedwork? How often and what?

Have a great week!

Chang's Half Marathon 2010

I AM fast!!!

So my race mantra came from the expo Friday. I walked in with 2 key members of Islands running group, there to support me. We went over to get my bib, and were directed to corral 2- out of 20 something corrals for the half marathon. I panicked for a moment ‘should I be here?”

My girlfriends encouraged me “You ARE fast, Lindy!!!” Don’t worry….you ARE fast…just keep saying it! So I did!!! I told myself that several times during the race, and it certainly helped my pace.

It was such a beautiful day! I couldn’t stop smiling. I seriously had a huge grin on my face for the entire race. I just kept thinking nice thoughts…about how many nice fun people are in my life. Stuff like that…

It was fun to find out that Deena Castor and Ryan Hall were running the very same race! I didn’t see them, but they were in close proximity to me! Until the gun went off…and then although I was fast, Deena was much faster! (Under 1:10!) There were also other big name runners in Phoenix today- ultra runners Dean Karnazes, and Josh Cox. Go PF Chang’s!

Senator McCain talked to us before the gun went off. He was on a big ladder above us, and then he waved us on our way.

I had my latest cycle mix to listen to. I was rocking out to the likes of Miley Cyrus and Jonas Brothers. Not my usual genre/decade. But it was great! Made me feel young and strong! When Miley said “so hard with my girls not around me” I thought about my little girls back home (with Lisa) and also my running girlfriends who weren’t with me today. I missed (you all) and want to drag you to this one with me next year!

Im out of chronological order here- but I have to mention that I got to the race in plenty of time, like over an hour, and I was greatful for it. Potty line takes so long! I like not feeling too rushed right before the gun goes off.

Im including a picture of my girls here in the blog, so you can see how beautiful they look when Lisa gets them ready for church. Thankyou Lisa!

The race is a gradual up hill. Noticeably so at mile 8.5 to the end. But after recently running St George, these hills are like eating pie! As Noah would put itJ

After I was half way done, I felt like Id be able to keep my groove and get my goal. When I had only 3 miles left, I increased my speed some. The closer I got to the finish line after that, the faster I ran. The very last stretch was a full sprint.

After I finished I texted Noah to find out where he was. He said darn he just barely missed me by about 3 minutes. But it was fun to have him there. PF Chang’s let him in the tent with me. They handed out bracelets at the expo to grant free access to a special tent. In the tent they gave us free lettuce wraps and chocolate cake and diet coke. I felt like a VIP. PF Chang’s are very cool sponsers for this race.

I wore my “Boston 2 Big Sur” training shirt to run today. At one point during the race a gentleman started talking to me- I pulled out my earphones and he said that this race was lacking in scenery, but that we’d get all the great scenery at Big Sur. He is also planning to run Big Sur. I talked to him for a few minutes and then we parted ways.

Despite the lack of beautiful scenery, I really love the PF Chang’s Rock n Roll Marathon/Half Marathon. Great weather, blue skys, fast roads, and superb organization. The crowds are kind and cheerful. There is a festive spirit in the air. Lots of cute cheer squads cheering you along the way. Fun local bands. Lots of great volunteers. Plenty of buses to take drop bags- there were 3 different ones just for last name’s starting with M. And it took them 2 seconds to find my bag when I came to retrieve it! I just think the whole race staff outdid themselves this year- even more so than last year. The finish line was fast to get through- before you knew it they had taken your picture and given you 2 armfuls of snacks…what else can I say? Even admission to a concert – Everclear- a little later. I didn’t stick around for the concert- but hear it was great. It is a fairly expensive race to register for, so register early for next year to get the best deal! The final price for the half was $145 at the expo. But the sooner you register, the cheaper it is.

As Noah and I were walking back to the car, we got a text from PF Chang’s giving us the split that Bridge had passed mile 20. Her time was great and I was very happy to hear that she was doing so well. I told Noah, though, oh poor Bridge, she just got to the hard part! And I sent a small prayer her way…Ill leave Bridge’s details though for her to blog about!

Such a great day. The adrenaline of the race has not left me yet. Thankyou for kind emails, texts, and calls from friends today! They mean allot!

PF Chang's this weekend!

Just wanted to mention that Bridge is running her first marathon this weekend- Go Bridge!!! So we all need to think about her and pray for her sunday morning, and while you are at it, say a little prayer for me too!

I will be running the PF Chang's half marathon. Im really hoping for a PR this time around- my fastest 1/2 was my split at PF Chang's whole marathon last year. 1:47. And I really want to get 1:45 this time. Its a stretch for me, so lets hope the stars are aligned!

I wanted to state my goal, for the record, because I was so impressed with Kara Goucher for boldly stating that she wanted to "Win Boston!" last april. She didnt, but I was very impressed with her for having a lofty goal, working hard, and almost accomplishing it.

Ill let you know what happens!

And Bridge, Im going to be on pins and needles until I hear from you Sunday! Im SOOO excited for you! If I were to give you any advice or anything- just know that there is a little up hill toward the end. It isnt steep, but it is close to the end when you are tired. So just plan for it:)

Until next week...