I've been busting my tail lately running. Dropping a few pounds helped, but I've really focused on speed work with regard to my marathon training and I've been pleasantly surprised with the results (yes, I have known all along that speed makes you a faster runner duh, but actually doing it is another story). 2 years ago, I never ran faster than 10 min/miles. Last year, 9:20's were typical. Today I had a 14 miler on my schedule. Tom had to bike 4 hours so I know I'd be at it alone. This is something I'm definitely getting the swing of because for 5 years, he's been by my side dragging me through all my long runs. This year, its just me and the road. The weather was perfect for a long run. I cranked some tunes and just took off. 14 miles later, you've got one happy runner! Check out this time and average:
Mile splits were:
8:28
8:31
8:38
8:31
8:23
8:32
8:24
8:26
8:50
8:48
8:44
8:34
8:52
8:39
Did you notice that there were NO 9:00+ miles! I'm so excited to see the progress that I've made! Plus it puts me just that much closer to a substantial PR in May and possibly beating my MIL's marathon record (which of course is sad since she's 54, but that would probably bring me the ultimate joy!)
My hubby is the best. On his way out of town on the bike, he dropped my water bottles for me. I was pleasantly surprised when I got to my water stops to see my decorated bottles:
(If you can't read that, it says "Keep on truckin' my little Turduckin!")
(Notice that I have 2 sets of knees as I'm crossing the finish line - that's the key to my speed!)Oh and other exciting news... Tom and I got certificates for a free pair of New Balance running shoes for winning the tri last weekend. We went to the local running store yesterday and both we're pleasantly surprised when Jerry, the store owner said that we could have any pair of shoes we wanted, not limited to NB. 
Truthfully, I just bought a brand new pair of Brooks that are still in the box which I'll probably bring into circulation right after the marathon so I didn't need a new pair of shoes, so I broke a cardinal rule of running and went with looks. These shoes were bright pink... I couldn't pass them up. They are going to be my new kick around shoes. I'm a bit smitten...
14 comments:
your 14 miles went well! which marathon are you doing?
YAAAAHHHOOOO!!!! I'm so proud :) Tom totally cracks me up. He is such a good husband.
That's fantastic! Congratulations!
I love the water bottles...so cute!!!
Those splits are great - I think you were faster than my 8 miler today! I always knew you could go faster. Keep it up, you are definitely set for a huge PR in May. BTW - love the Mizunos! :-)
Awesome run!
What is a turduckin? cuz I just keep seeing turd! ;-)
Ohh, If I didn't tell you before. I am very seriously thinking of the Columbus Marathon this year. The whole family will be along as my dad lives south of Columbus in Chillicothe. Will you be in town?
Wow, GREAT run!!! I'm going to have to great training...I remember when we were pretty similar in speed. :) I was excited that my easy 12 milers yesterday had 9:14 average. Looks like I've got some work to do. :)
And congrats on the new shoes! cute! I won a free pair for something random (nothing as cool as your win!) but it was exciting nonetheless.
You are going to rock that pig!!!
Tom is just too cute! Congrats on such an awesome run. You never cease to amaze me!!!! xoxoxo
Nice job on the sub-9 minute miles! Wahoo! Your hubby is wonderful!
Unbelievable time! I'm so proud. Loved Tom's notes to you, and your pink shoes are the best. Love you xo
AWESOME RUN!!! Congratulations!
So proud of you Colleen! WAY TO GO!!!!!!!!
Those splits are rockin' sweet :) I think I need to come to Ohio to train with a speedy runner like you :)
You give new meaning to "double jointed" with those rockin' knees of yours!
Who knew a Turduckin could run so fast?
Sweet!
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