Week 12

Sunday –

Today’s mileage is 13.I woke up at 4:00 to fuel and be out running by 5:00. Worked out great, but I forgot my hat, which I use to keep the sun out of my eyes—important later in the day. We were only a mile into the run, so we ran back to get it. Very glad I did that.

I fueled and hydrated well today. I did have some trouble feeling lightheaded around mile 6 (I thought I was at mile 5), and I just needed electrolytes. I was fine once I drank an LMNT. Overall, I mostly felt great. It was really my feet that hurt and felt hot. I always get a blister on my little toe, so I need to try some things to see if it gets better. At mile 10, my thighs were feeling tired. But I never really felt bad throughout this run.

My feet and legs hurt and got sore, but with that I feel like I’m building strength. This is the first time I’ve done this distance outside of a race. Here comes new territory for me with running. I’m getting a bit nervous because it’s new and far. It was nice not to feel totally dead after the run—it’s just my feet and legs that are sore.

I’m very happy with this run.

Proud of myself!

And a bit nervous to double this mileage.

Monday –

Gym Day! The workout started slow for me. The coach even came over to see how I was feeling. I told her I was good but had run a half marathon yesterday, so just a slow start. Plus, the beginning was a lot of legs. The next two stations were arms and upper back, so those I could do better on. I felt good after the workout, and stronger too.

The coach told the class at the end how I had run a half marathon. Someone asked how long it took me. Here is where they all find out I’m slow AF. But I said it took about 3 ½ hours yesterday. I’m still proud of myself—even if it’s slow, it’s hard for me, and I do it anyway.

Tuesday –

I did a 35-minute run this morning. I kept a 12:38 pace, took two walk breaks about a minute and a half each. My heart rate was equal time in zone 3 & 4. The max was 170, and the average was 153. The temp was a “feels like” 88° before the sun was even up. I was drenched in sweat.

The good thing was nothing hurt today. My legs felt a bit heavy, and it was hard to breathe—but that’s summer running. After the run, I did 10 push-ups on my stairs, two sets of 10 squats on our rack, and some feel-good stretches. It was a great start to the day.

Wednesday –

Rest Day

Thursday –

Today I was super tired, so I opted for extra sleep. But since it’s summer, work really isn’t very busy. I finished at 4:00 in the afternoon instead of 7:00, so I decided to pack my running things and go after work.

I was going to do the 35 minutes I should have done in the morning, but that idea quickly left as it was very hot outside. It was 91 degrees with a real feel in the 100s. I just did 30 minutes. My heart rate got up to 184, and it was hard to keep my breath steady.

I did about a 13:14 pace per mile. Of course, I did a run/walk. I’m glad I went, though—it was just trying to cool down after that was hard. The water fountains that are usually cold aren’t cool anymore, but I splashed water all over me anyway. My pool at the condos where I live was warmer than a bathtub—actually felt gross. All good reasons for morning running.

Oh, and on the run, one of the high schools had the cross-country team out. It seemed so easy for them. Ah, to be young again. But at least I wasn’t the only one out there, which also helps.

Friday –

Gym Day today. I did really well. The first and last stations I was able to do everything, and I worked hard. The middle station was basically a chest press, which I couldn’t do at all. I got one done with the bar, but sharp pain in my shoulder said NO—you better not do that. I grabbed dumbbells and used those instead. Still had a good workout. And I’m so glad it’s Friday.

Saturday –

Rest Day

Thoughts –

I lost my cat on the Saturday before the long run. This week was weird, just getting used to him not being around. We had a routine for our 16 years together. I miss him lots

.Every day is truly a gift!