21 Days Until Spring...and the NYC Half Marathon

This sign is about a mile from my house and it is fantastic. During the worst winter I have ever experienced, I'm so happy it's been there. Little did the owners of this house know, they've been keeping a countdown for my next half marathon.

I missed out on posting about my 11 mile run last week due to a winter vacation trip to Florida. Since I was on vacation, I was able to get my weekday runs in and, oh man, 80 degrees felt too hot compared to the CT temps. Never thought I'd say this, but I think I prefer running in CT. It felt good to be back and running with the team today. We had a break this week with only 7 miles to run, and next week we're going big with 12.

While it is exciting to know that spring is only 21 days away, I think I'm even more excited for the NYC Half. I am proud to say that I reached my fund raising goal for the half marathon this week at $2,000. I can't thank all of my contributors enough. I know I've said it before, but I couldn't do this without you.

29 Today

I know what you're thinking...29 miles from 5 miles last week? Not quite. I ran 10 miles this morning and I think you can see from the picture that I took right after the run that I am happy as can be. You can also see that my bangs have a mind of their own.

It is my birthday today and the start of my 29th year. Which means I have exactly a year to run a marathon. My training during the week has been taking a back seat to school now that I'm back in class three nights a week, so I've been more than a little nervous for the long weekend runs. I definitely need to do some strength training to help what feels like iliotibial band syndrome.

Aside from some knee pain, the 10 mile run felt great this morning. I can't think of a better way to start a year.

Oh and if you want to get me something for my birthday this year, please make a donation to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. I'm only $250 away from my Half Marathon goal!

http://pages.teamintraining.org/ct/halfnyc11/emcintysts

If you have already donated and you're reading this, thank you again. I am so grateful.

Tropical Vacation Run

This morning's run was a short one. We are on a "recovery week" and my knee needed it. Not only was the run only five miles, but it was 35 degrees out. I felt like I was in tropical paradise. After several runs in sub-twenty degree temperatures, this morning felt like a vacation. I didn't wear my winter hat, only wore two layers on top and about a mile in, I was starting to feel too warm.

Perhaps the groundhog was right this week. Maybe spring is on the way.