ING... B-I-N-G-O!

It's Official- I am registered for my 2nd Half Marathon in October.

HOORAY!!

I just sent in my payment and have 66 days to finish my training before I tackle the ING Hartford Half again. I'm actually very excited! I had a blast running the course last year and am very much looking forward to doing so again. I only hope the day will be as gorgeous out as last year.

Today is another long day at work. However, I intend on going to bed as soon as I get home so I can get up and put in some miles tomorrow. My back up plan is to run after work (in case I hit snooze sleep through my alarm clock again). I'm currently about 2 weeks behind on my training, which is okay because I had originally added in 3 extra weeks, just in case. However, I've decided I'm going to increase my short runs to be 3 miles, instead of 2 for twice a week, on top of my long runs. The only thing I'm worried about, with this upcoming race, is that I won't be ready. And, I know, I need to push those thoughts right out of my head otherwise I'm going to self-sabotage.

To keep myself sane, I'm carrying Kara Goucher's book around with me. That way, when I feel the negative thoughts creeping in, I can crack the book open and get some motivation! (It works, I swear!)

On another note, I'm not sure how many of you read my last blog post, but I am doing a "Mystery Loot Give Away". My boyfriend and I are raising money for the Muscular Distrophy Association, and I'm turning to all you lovely people to help us out. For every $10 you donate, you will get an entry into the give away!

Now, you may be asking yourself, "But, Cupcake, why would I donate if I don't know what I might win?"
And to that I would kindly answer, "Because you're such a wonderful, amazing person that it doesn't matter what you might win. You just know that your donation is going on to help millions of people who suffer because of MD." Then, knowing you would probably want a little bit more information, I would continue, "I can't tell you exactly what your prize is- just know it's going to be pretty awesome! There's some pampering stuff, something worth money, and maybe even something for your feet!"

So, once again, I get down on my knees and humbly ask all of you lovely blog followers to please reach down into your pocket/purse/wallet/manbag/backpack/fannypack/Spibelt/piggy bank and please DONATE to a GREAT cause!

I promise, it will be worth your while! 



If The Running Shoe Fits....

I did it again!

It was a struggle this morning, but I made it out to run.

Source

(So maybe I didn't run 22 miles, but this is still about the same train of thought I had going on- except I focused more on wanting banana peanut butter frozen greek yogurt tonight)

Today was another fantastic run for me. 2 miles in 28:06. Not too shabby.

I'm beginning to see that my short runs are getting a little faster, as I'm able to maintain around a 14:00-14:30min/mile pace more often than not. I'm hoping this means my endurance for longer runs will get better also. I will find out on Sunday when I do my 4 mile run. Wish me luck!

Alas, there were no horn honks or random strangers cheering me on this time out, but it's okay. I still feel it was a very good run. I always feel so accomplished after I run- love it!

Oh! I have a fun story for you and want to know y'alls thoughts on this-

 I was talking with one of my cast mates last night and he asked if I would ever run a full marathon. I chuckled and said, "Most likely not." When he questioned why, I replied, "I have difficulty with 13.1, I can't even begin to imagine doing 26.2." He gave me a small smile, mulling over my answer, before responding with, "Yea, but I bet you thought you could never do 13.1 either, and here you are planning to do at least 2 other half marathons." I was silent. I, honestly, had never thought about that. 26.2 miles just seems like such an intimidating number to me. But, then again, when I started training for my first 5k, so did 13.1miles. I swore up and down I would never run a half marathon- and now, not only have I already done 1, I'm planning to do 2 others. The more I thought about it, the more the idea of running a full marathon intrigued me. I think I may do it (which if anyone knows me, you know this is a HUGE thing for me to say). If I do decide to train and run a full marathon, it will not be this year as I'm already commited to my Hartford half training again, but I may do it next year. Perhaps in February 2013 I will run the Princess Half and then start training for the ING Full Marathon in October 2013.

I'm not fully committed to the idea yet, but it is something I'm keeping in the back of my mind.