Post First Race :(

After I Ran the Quay, my running became a little inconsistent. I ran intervals the Tuesday after the race because my body was so wiped out. Then I got sick and had to organize a triathlon, so I didn't run for 5 days. I was so ready to get back out there this week, and both my runs have been amazing! On yesterday's run I ran 2.34 miles without stopping to walk once!! It set the tone for the rest of my day!

So, I have completed several goals, and (of course), now its time to set new ones...!

First of all, I have decided to take a break from an organized training group, only because its going to be HOT, HOT, HOT and I think I'll be doing well to just maintain a regular running routine while it's hot and humid. I am going to continue in the OPT running group, which will meet a couple of Saturday mornings per month and a couple of mid-week afternoons at the track, but I won't be training for a particular race or trying to push myself to another level until August. My goal for each week is to run three times, with the weekend run being the longest.

Then, in August, I will start training for the "4 at 4" race in Holly Springs and the Oktoberfest 8K -- both in October. :)  A bunch of us are going to run the Electric Run in Raleigh on September 13th, but that is purely for fun!! Finally, I'm going to set my sights on a half marathon for April 2014. Time will tell if my old bones can get up to speed that fast, but if not, I'll have the Run the Quay 10K to do instead. :)

I found this quote today on "I <3 to Run"'s page on Facebook. I don't have a crooked nose, but the sentiment is what rings true...

I used to feel pretty sometimes. And then I started running. It was hard. My face was red, I would sweat profusely, my nose would run when it was cold, and no matter how many different pairs of shorts I tried, my thighs always seemed to rub together. The first time I saw my race photos, I cringed. Did I really look like THAT when I ran? Yes, in my past, sometimes I would feel pretty. But thanks to running and triathlon, I gained scars on every elbow, knee, and hip, a crooked nose, and tan lines that would put zebras to shame. Things had changed, in a big way. I stopped worrying about the red face and sweating and realized that the feeling of crossing a finish line was so much better than any good hair day. Yes, in my past, sometimes I would feel pretty. But now, thanks to running and triathlon, things are different. With my crooked nose, battle scars and spandex, I don’t feel pretty anymore. I feel beautiful.

- Susan Lacke