Get that dirt off your shoulder

Logged: 5.5 miles
Race Countdown: 94 days

Soooo... somehow a weekend of rest after the Hartford Half turned into a few weeks of very light running, which turned into a couple of months of no running, which resulted in my current out-of-shape mess of a body. I have no one to blame but myself for this one! As sad as it is to see my calf muscles disappearing and my split times slowing way down, I must share a shameful but true secret: The 2+ months off was a glorious and much-needed break!

I started running because it kept me motivated and happy but by the end of October, it became more stressful and burdensome than anything else. I was completely burnt out, so I stopped. I told myself that I wouldn't start again until my passion for the sport returned. I could've ran less miles or cross-trained to keep myself in shape in the meantime, but I didn't. Was it the smartest move in terms of my physical health? Probably not. But sometimes, you just need a break.

Anyway, new year, new gear! Less dirt on my shoulders; more dirt on my running shoes! I have quite a few updates:

First, new shoes...

I can't believe how long it took me to replace my old pair of Mizuno Inspire, but they must have been horrible to run on by the end. I went into Pacers determined to try a different brand: Asics, Adidas, New Balance, Saucony, Brooks... I tried them all. An hour later, I walked out with the new Mizuno Alchemy haha. Can't help it- Mizunos are perfect for my small frame and tiny feet! The Alchemy gives more support but has about the same amount of cushion as my old pair. They have really helped balance out my "early pronation."

Second, new running route...
It's a bit unbelievable but after 8 months in DC, I just took my first run around the National Mall this weekend. I've run along the C&O trail, which has a great view of the monuments, plenty of times but never to the actual Mall. I don't know what took me so long considering I live less than 3 miles from an amazing view:

Finally, an upcoming race...
Very excited about this one: I will be participating in the American Odyssey Relay in April. It's a historic relay run from Gettysburg, PA to Washington, DC. 200 miles, 12 people, 2 vans, approximately 36 hours. More details to come but needless to say, it's going to be insane!

All this has also revived my spirit for blogging so expect many more (consistent) updates to come. Happy running!

Bad Geography

Logged: 7.5 miles

Race Countdown: 76 days

Hills in the last mile of a long run. Georgetown, you kill me sometimes!

Back in Action

Logged: 6 miles

Race Countdown: 79 days

Very excited to be back preparing for a new race: the ING Hartford Half Marathon in my home state! This past 4-month hiatus (from blogging, not running) was filled with thesis work, graduation, relocation and new beginnings. Goodbye, Michigan winter; hello, DC summer!

I decided to get another half marathon race under my belt before attempting a full one. The Hartford course is much flatter than Atlanta's so I am expecting to smoke my last race time. Training this time around will probably be more focused on speed, though I have not decided on a final goal time yet. I'm trying to set one that is challenging but not unrealistic.

Some facts of life learned since my last race:

- running marathons is NOT for those who want to lose weight, but IS for those (like yours truly) who love to eat

- chocolate milk is a delicious and nutritious post-run drink

- knee exercises, core workouts, and yoga stretches do wonders

- always blow your nose before starting a run, especially a long or intense one

Since moving to DC, I have been doing most of my runs outside. Running across the Key Bridge and down past the monuments after sunset is easily one of my favorite routes. You still feel the energy of the city without the heat of the sun, and the view is amazing!