8 Mile? Wasn't that a Movie?

I was not looking forward to my 8 mile training session today.  I didn't have a plan except "go freaking just do it and stop whining."  I called Heidi to get a route suggestion for the day since 8x9=72 laps at the gym would make more nuts than I already am.  She suggested the Hilliard Rails to Trails trail because of the pretty views and the fact that it has mile markers ready to go.  So, I dropped Alexa off and headed out to the trailhead. 

The trail was blacktop...nice since that's what I will be walking on for the Half.  It's nicely maintained and heads by Homestead Park.  I really enjoyed seeing all the people passing me running and biking.  Everyone was so friendly, saying hi and good morning.  That really kept me going for most of the walk.  I won't lie...I walked the vast majority of it.  I think I had about three jogging sessions. 

Thing I learned today.....my mind does eventually go to that happy place.  I was focusing on my breathing and on keeping my heart rate up instead of keeping track of laps, times, and clicking the stupid lap timer button.  And, oddly enough, it was sooo much more enjoyable.  I was able to enjoy the music, enjoy the scenery, and enjoy the nice people. 

Other thing I learned, my endomondo app on my phone and the mile markers did NOT match up at all.  So, I either went 8 miles or 8.81.  Either way, I'm duly proud of myself for going the distance.  I hit a point at about 6.5 miles where I thought I was going to pass out but that's the beauty of an out-and-back walk.  There was no other way to get home and I knew stopping was wayyy worse than continuing.  So, I bucked up, focused on my music, and finished strong.  :)

I'm impressed with myself and so excited to keep it going this week and through the rest of my training!!

Attack of the Lazies

I really have no excuses.  I could say that it was hot.  I could say that I was tired.  I could say that I was busy and had to time.  But all of those are cheesy lame excuses for my lack of exercise.  I have sporadically been training over the past few weeks in both Ohio and Arizona.  The real reason....I was lazy and sad. 

So a few decisions were made over the past couple of weeks. 

1) I am not going to aim for 3 hours anymore.  I will be happy and content to finish even if I come in outside the official limit (4 hours).  The point is to be working on myself and not racing against a better time.

2) I may be an athlete...but I still don't like running.  It is what it is.  I prefer the elliptical and I prefer strength training.  I wish there was a half marathon elliptical race....

3) The best way for me to get better is to STOP skipping the training.  So, I will be back to training 5 days per week this week.  Started this morning with a 2 mile mostly walk with some jogging.  Tomorrow will see an 8 mile walk.  Not sure where I'll be yet but here I go!

Thanks again to everyone for all of your support...you have no idea what it means to me.  :)