Been There. Run That 13.1 Miles

"In running, it doesn't matter whether you come in first, middle of the pack, or last. You can say, 'I finished.' There is a lot of satisfaction in that." ~Fred Lebow

photo by: E. S. Brown, Jr

I can proudly say that I ran my first half marathon and I accomplished my goal of running all 13.1 miles without walking. Since this was my first, I had nothing to compare it to besides running a 10K through the Marine Corps Marathon. I know for sure that sticking to the training plan for 12 weeks got me to the finish line and my body wasn't sore for several days.

The day before the race, my husband and I met at Bertucci's Italian Restaurant in Springfield, VA for our carbo-load. In addition to their warm delicious rolls, I ordered the Shrimp Rossini; sauteed shrimp in a spicy tomato sauce tossed with spaghetti. He enjoyed the Lobster and Basil with Smoked Mozzarella Ravioli. For breakfast, I ate oatmeal sweetened with honey and a banana. The goal was to eat something light, easy to digest and filling. May be I was a bit anxious because I wasn't able to eat everything.

photo by: Mrs. O

We took our spot in the expected finish time of 2:30 - 2:59. We figured we'd finish in that time since it took us about two hours to run ten miles. While waiting in line, we chatted and cracked jokes with people around us. The funniest was that all the runners paid a fee and got up early to run 13.1 miles.

Marines and civilians cheered for the runners under clear blue skies and cool temperatures. I got the most energy when we ran past musicians or spectators who were giving free high fives. I also feel that I connected with spectators on a personal level when we made eye contact and smiled at each other. Although there were times the run was challenging, I remembered to smile and say thank you to those were were cheering.

The energy of the crowd and the sights and sounds along the course made the miles seem to fly by mile after mile. In addition to running the entire course, my goal was to take advantage of every water station along the way. I alternated between water and gatorade. I felt that as long as I stayed hydrated, I'd have good energy to the finish line.

photo by Mrs. O

I almost cried when I saw mile marker 13. I was filled with joy that I was able to run the entire course. I threw fist pumps in the air and sometimes raised my hands up in celebration. Looking back, I had fun and I'll run the Marine Corps Historic Half again next year. I'll run during the summer but it won't be as many miles as I did during my training. I missed attending group fitness classes and I'm glad I can go back to the gym more than once a week. My next half marathon will be the Woodrow Wilson Bridge Half Marathon in October. Here's to your health!

Running The Miles Got Me Here

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Twelve weeks ago when I started training for my first half marathon, race day seemed very far away but not any more. I run a total of 189.3 miles during my training and I'm excited this is my last week before the big race on May 20, 2012. This week's training is very easy so that I can gradually rest my muscles and be ready to run full of energy this weekend.

In the running world, they call this tapering off. On Monday, I ran 4 miles, on Tuesday 3 miles and on Thursday I'll run only 2 miles. Friday and Saturday are rest days. Even though I've been tempted to run more, I'm following the program as instructed. This is a time for me to rest and recover and allow my body to store carbohydrates for race. 

I'm glad the race will be over this weekend because I miss going to group fitness classes such as Zumba, Boot Camp, Spinning, and Kickboxing. I feel that running is a very solitude sport and I'm ready to get back to class and interact with other members.

Running the miles was hard work but I also found it peaceful. I thought about various things and made decisions along the way. The most profound was deciding to get my group fitness instructor certification again so that I can teach like I use to. I miss leading a group of people in a fun, enjoyable and safe exercise class and I look forward to teaching soon. I take my AFAA certification test this month.

On race day, I'll remember my training and have faith that I can accomplish my goal of running my first half marathon. I'll run at my own pace, enjoy the miles and finish strong. Here's to your health! 

 

 

Music Makes Exercising Fun

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Music turns me on when I exercise alone or in a group fitness class. Great music makes the exercise more fun and the duration flies by in a blink of an eye. These days, music is very important as I run long miles during my half marathon training.

Science shows that music can increase endurance and reduce the perception of effort during a workout. I'm not a scientist but I know how music makes you feel when I exercise. Several times while I workout, I've caught myself running faster because the song energized me. In a group class, I may clap my hands, sing along or pedal faster in a spin class. 

I have several playlists I listen to when I exercise but here are ten songs on my running playlist:

1. All of the Lights by Kanye West: I first heard this song on the radio in my car about two years ago and every time I heard it, I turned the volume up and danced in my seat. I knew I had to put it on my list because it pumped me up and I like all the artists such as Alicia Keys, Elton John, Rihanna who are featured on the song.
2. Drop it Low by Kat DeLuna: I want to dance every time I hear this song but instead of dancing, I increase my speed while I run or have a great tempo for doing squats.
3. Get Me Bodied (extended mix) by Beyonce: this is an oldie but a goodie. I feel like breaking into a dancing every time I hear it. Who can resist not patting their weave?
4. Gonna Make You Sweat (everybody dance now) by C+C Music Factory: this song was big when I was in college and I like the nostalgia of it. It definitely moves me to another level when I hear it.
5. Universal Mind Control by Common: besides being handsome, Common is a great poet and rapper. I like to run, do push-ups, or sit-ups to this song and usually have it on repeat.
6. Don't Stop the Rock by Freestyle: I first heard this song at the skating rink and I've liked it ever since.
7. Ni**as in Paris by Kanye West & Jay Z: this song brings out a different energy when I hear it and I feel that I can power through running hills. Running hills is "cray" but this song makes them pass by fast.
8. Outta Your Mind by Lil Jon & LMFAO: I liked this song the first time I heard it on So You Think You Can Dance and had to get it on my play list ASAP. It's fun and has a great tempo.
9. Shots by LMFA & Lil Jon: this song is fun and makes me run faster, do more push-ups, or jump higher.
10. Everyday (coolin') by Swizz Beatz featuring Eve: I first heard this song on America's Best Dance Crew and couldn't wait to add it to my playlist. It's fun to dance to as well as run.

I'm always looking for songs to create a new playlist because once I get board with the music, it's no longer motivating. When a song moves me to the core, it's only a matter of time before I buy it from the iTunes store. Here's to your health!