My first (non-virtual) race of the year!

It's on! I had originally signed up for the Kentucky Derby Half but plans changed and we aren't flying out until Monday after the race. Can't say I'm not bummed, especially after a 10mi @7:46 pace! Since I'd already done all this training, I thought I may as well run something else, especially since I think (hope) winter is finally over in MN.

This weekend marks the 36th running of the biggest race in MN, Get in Gear. It's kind of like our kick off to the racing season. I did in store registration at Marathon Sports because you could pick up your packet there AND receive an $15 off coupon! (Who can't use an extra pair of Asics?!) I'm officially signed up for my first 10k since last January and first real live race since last September. I've been logging great miles (while on the treadmill, they've been speedy) and the weather is supposed to be 68 and sunny.

I can't wait to see how my body reacts to a race after having a baby! Wish me luck!

LSD, and not the fun kind

It's been said (most recently by my buddy who pr'd at Boston, sub 3, and is training for an IM so I tend to trust him) long slow distance makes a long slow runner. This being said, is it better to run long slow miles or not to run at all?

In light of this weeks events I feel like running a couple miles is the least I can do for the victims in Boston and for the running community. However, I have a 17 wk old who decided, after six weeks of sleeping through the night, she was done and has only slept through the night three times in the last three weeks. On top of that, I think she's teething, on top of THAT, she's already started having separation anxiety. Including dad. On top of THAT, old man winter won't stop f'ing with Minnesota so I've been relegated to running on the treadmill listening to toddler tunes while my darling daughter jumps along with me.

I'm exhausted. But I can keep going and I will keep going because there are three people who don't get to keep going.

So here's my question, today I could barely scrape myself off the sofa (who am I my grandma?!) but I got dressed and jumped on the tread. I didn't go fast, almost 9 minute miles but I went. Was it worth it?

Is it better for a runner to log 5 slow miles than zero and taking a rest?

I'm sure i'll run again tomorrow and probably the next day, but should I? All I know is that now I have to.

#runforboston

Boston

I can't stop thinking about the tragic events that occurred yesterday in Boston. I always joke about runners being superior and good people but deep down I really do think most runners are good people. I hint understand why a peaceful, exciting event like a marathon would be, COULD be a target. The bombs went off at 4:09 into the marathon, my best is a 4:13 and with Boston electricity, that's when I would have been crossing the line. That's me. That's my running family, us middle of the packers, joe-schmo, run because we love it and work hard to fit it into our schedule, runners.

No matter where I go, I bring my running shoes and nobody will ever change that. Each time I run I'll think of all the people touched by this tragedy. The lives and limbs lost, the safety stolen from innocent people and I'll run hard, I'll run furious.

You can't take my steps away from me or my family, goodness will always prevail. You think you scared us? You just made us stronger.

When you lace up today, lace up for Martin, for Boston.

I ran 10 miles

I got on the treadmill even though I didn't want to. Went to Disney with the in-laws last week and I'm still exhausted. I wanted to sit in front of the tv and eat my Costco size bag of dried coconut while the baby snoozed. But. I didn't. I got dressed and thinking the baby would only sleep her usual 40 minutes, took off as fast as I could go thinking I'd eek out 3 miles, 4 if I was lucky. I hit 3, 4, and 5 easy. Baby hadn't moved once. So I figured as long as I went 5, I may as well do a 10k, then I hit 7, and 8 and once I hit 8 I wanted to hit 9 and eventually 10. Baby woke up at 9.37 miles so I put the pedal to the metal and ran a 2:53 last half mile. Longest I've gone since the baby's been here. Maybe I'll do a full. Yeah, probably.

I feel good now, we'll see how I feel tomorrow.

Ps, quit flippin' snowing! I can't do one more run on the treadmill!