Wednesday, February 26, 2014

Love Rox Half Marathon & A Sweet Treat

 Sunday was the day I've been working towards for the past 3 months. 

The Love Rox 1/2 Marathon in Richmond, VA.


As you can see from the lack of people at the start line, it wasn't a very big race. 

I lined up with the other 500 runners at 10 AM.......anxious to PR. 

and while I did PR...


It definitely wasn't what I was looking for. 

My loose goal was to run around 8:00-8:10 miles. My main goal was to race hard, and race strong. 

and I don't really feel like I did either. 

I made the rookie mistake of going out too fast.....and falling apart on the hills toward the ends. 

At least I can take three things from this:
1. I need to do hill work.....like yesterday. When I do get back to a regular running schedule, hill repeats are a must. 
2. I need to learn how to pace my damn myself. (My first 3 miles were off by about a minute. Shitty. )
3. I need to do more strength training. My hips were really starting to feel it the last few miles. 

I've decided to take a couple of weeks off of running (If I can make it.....I'm on Day 3 and I've already found myself thinking about when I'm going to run this weekend) and really focus on strength. 

Today's workout was one I've shared before, but seriously kicks my ass.....along with my quads, hamstrings, etc. 


I warmed up with a brisk walk on the treadmill for 15 minutes, then I did it ONCE. Yes, ONCE. "Repeat 2-3 times"? HA. That wasn't happening. 

(I do really love the tech shirt I got from Sunday's race. Fits really nicely and it's long sleeve, which I always need more of)

Just one more thing to work towards though:-)

I got a little creative with my post-workout snack.


Into the blender went:
3 frozen bananas
1 TBSP unsweetened cocoa powder
1 TBSP honey
1 Scoop Sun Warrior Vanilla Protein Powder
1/2 a cup of milk (Just enough to get it all moving)

Makes 3 servings. 

I think next time I'll get a chocolate protein powder and add a bit more of that, but it'd be delicious as a "healthier" dessert. 

5 comments:

  1. Woot! Congrats on the PR! A PR is a PR. There will be more halves to practice the whole hill and pacing thing. I know you can rock it!

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    1. Thanks! I think I'm going to focus on shorter distance for a while!

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  2. Congratulations on the PR! I, too, got a PR this weekend and I just kept thinking "if I didn't stop for those pictures" or "if I didn't stop for the bathroom" I would have had a few minutes off my time instead of 50 seconds. But, it was a Disney race, so I should be happy with ANY PR! Congratulations to you!!

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  3. Yes, awesome pr! I am jealous of anyone who can run under 9:00 miles. I can MAYBE do it for a 5k, but not a half marathon!

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