First of all, welcome to all new followers! Leave me a comment and I promise I will make it to your blogs:) It has been a crazy week!! I have been MIA to blogger world in terms of posting. This week I have been out everyday and I am resting tonight:) This is what I have logged so far this week.
Sunday, 4 miles.
Monday, 5 miles and push-up challenge.
Tuesday, 6 miles and push-up challenge.
Wednesday, 11 miles. I purchased new Nike shoes and ran all eleven miles in them:( Bad idea! When I saw the shoes I really thought that they were going to be perfect for me. I tryed them on and they felt so light and fantastic. I usually wear Asics but I figured that I would try something new. I do not like them because the area by the toes is way to thick and I don't like how it feels when I am pushing off of them. Seriously, I am so mad that I spent the money on something that I will not wear running:) They are really expensive lawn mowing shoes:) So, how and the hell am I going to purchase another pair of Asics shoes without my hubby finding out? Ha ha, he will most definitely find out!
I am running on Saturday morning in The Earth Day Half Marathon in St. Cloud, Minnesota. I wish I could tell you that I am really excited and looking forward to it:) The truth is....I am nervous as hell!! I have run two half marathons before and they were both a disaster in terms of how I felt for the second half of the race. I would really like to have a time of 2:00 or less:) My problem is that I have not built up the stamina and endurance needed for the longer races. In both of my past half marathons I have tanked after mile ten. I have no energy and my body and mind want to stop. It is so frustrating and I know that it is going to be a mental challenge for me. I am trying to stay positive and hope that I can pull it together and have a successful race. The good thing is that this race is advertised as flat and fast...flast!! I love it, that is my kind of race:) I would really appreciate some positive run fast vibes for Saturday:) Also, would anyone like to give me advice on how to run this race and get the time that I want. I would love to hear what you all think. Hopefully I will get a chance to see Heather who is also running Earth Day on Saturday:) Heather, if I don't see you...good luck to you!!
Also, good luck to the gang who is heading out to Boston! Meg, Jill, Marcia, Jenn, Ginny, Lindsay and Ana Maria...kick some butt ladies:) I would love be there to cheer you on!! Jill have a wonderful birthday!
Good luck to my St. Cloud River runner pals who are also running Boston...Nikki and Renee I know you are both going to rock it!!
I will not be posting again until Saturday or Sunday after my race:) Good luck to any others who are running this weekend!! Woo hoo, the weekend is almost here! Cheers and happy running:)
Erica is hosting a Thorlo Socks giveaway!
Speedo Steve is hosting a Ryder Eyewear and Sugois Big-O-Bag giveaway!
Molly is hosting a Green Super-Food Whole Food Energy Bars Giveaway!
Molly is also hosting a Vitalicious Vita-Top Chocolate yummy things giveaway!
MCM Mama is hosting a GU giveaway!
Angie is hosting a Nuun giveaway!
Tara is hosting a Ryder Eyewear giveaway!
Marcia is hosting a Chia Seeds giveaway!
FFF: Five Thanksgiving Menu Favorites
6 hours ago
OK, you need to return the shoes. Just wash the soles if they are dirty and bring them in with the receipt. If you bought them on line, contact the company and at least exchange them. I've done that last year, when I bought a pair of Addidas and after a run with them, they felt heavy. I returned them 3 days after I bought them and got another pair from the same store. It happens and is should not be a problem. Nice running you are doing!
ReplyDeleteHey Julie! What's that saying, third times a charm? I think you'll break out of the pattern of those past 1/2's and do just great!
ReplyDeleteI switched from Asiics to Nike's too, so far so good, but I do think I'm still getting used to them.
Thanks for linking my giveaways!!
and I posted the bean recipe for ya....good luck this weekend!!
Sorry to hear that your new kicks are not what you hoped they would be.
ReplyDeleteGood luck this weekend! Sending fast running vibes your way!
Best of luck in the half!
ReplyDeleteAlso - wanted to let you know I received an e-mail from the Twin Cities Marathon folks yesterday. There's under 500 entries left for the TC 1 Mile (out of 3200), so it's closing up fast.
Little did they know that I had already registered. ;)
Julie,
ReplyDeleteHave a great race this weekend!
And just make a deal with Hubby he gets another fantasy baseball or football team you get another new pair Asics:)
-D
Just return those shoes!!! I have never been a fan of nike shoes for running. However, I LOVE Brooks. I'm a neutral runner and the Defyance 3 are the best trainers I have ever had. Good luck this weekend and the fast vibes are being channeled your ways!
ReplyDeleteHey Julie: Good luck this weekend, you will do great! I would also see about returning those shoes. Looking forward to your race report!
ReplyDeleteThis comment has been removed by the author.
ReplyDeleteMost running stores will accept a return if you've run in them, so i'd at least try to return them.
ReplyDeleteAs for the half, try to go a little slower than goal for the first part and then pick it up. Don't waste all of your energy at the beginning.
Good luck on the race.
You are going to rock this Half Julie!!
ReplyDeleteDo you use Gu or anything like that? I used a chocolate mint one on my last 10 miler and it gave me a nice boost. Maybe you just need more fuel at around mile 10.
The very best of luck to you!
Good luck! Believe in yourself, keep track of your pace and total time, and you can do it :)
ReplyDeleteHope we can connect on Saturday! It is a fast course, but there a couple of hills (nothing too serious!). I am sure you will have a great, speedy race!
ReplyDeleteYeah, you should be able to return the shoes as long as you didn't go stomping through the mud in them. I'm a big fan of Asics and Brooks, but I have to admit that my racing shoe is a Nike Trid III. It's a light, neutral shoe with just enough support. I just tried the Asics Speed Star at the Knoxville expo and loved the feel, but I couldn't justify the cost. But if I get a new shoe, I'm leaning towards the Speed Star.
ReplyDeleteGood luck with your half! I'm sure you're gonna rock it out, boss! Keep the faith!
I'm sure you will do great in this half. You will find the zone and it will just fly by. I guarantee it! :)
ReplyDeleteGood luck on Saturday. I enjoyed reading all the comments people had for you! I always feel very anxious before a race and I often wonder why I run them! I guess it is how I feel after knowing that I did it.
ReplyDeleteLook forward to hearing your report.
Thanks for stopping by my blog - I always enjoy reading your comments. You are very sweet! :)
Judi
Asics rule!!! Nike, not so much. I'll never leave Asics.
ReplyDeleteYou seem to be getting good mileage but I'd rest for the rest of this week. Make sure you fuel well for the half this weekend. In races I usually go with one gel every half hour/4 miles. Works really well for me (and Glenn too I think).
Looking forward to the report.
I agree with everyone, return the shoes and try on some BROOKS! I use the Adrenlaine GTS 10 shoes! (shameless plug)
ReplyDeleteAs far as your half, my advice would be to run it a mile at a time. Know wht you need to hit each mile and then focus on that. I used the "banking time" method. I know I wanted to stay under 9 minute miles, so that was my goal. Later when I was getting tired, I know I had some time banked.
If that doesn;t work, then think of it as 4 5K's! You will do great, and I will send you my fast vibes on Sat!
Good luck with the race. I can't help you out on a strategy to achieve your time, but I can tell you that my personal strategy for my race on Saturday is to run the first 10miles easy enough so that I can turn it up a notch and own that last 5K at the end.
ReplyDeleteGood luck on your race Saturday! I'm sure you will do great! As far as a strategy, really try not to go out too fast in the beginning. The adrenaline at the start of the race can really effect the outcome. Also, make sure you take in enough nutrition to make it through. I usually eat something around the 40min. mark and so far it's worked. Lastly, try to have fun! :)
ReplyDeleteHey Julie!
ReplyDeleteI hope you can return the shoes...too bad they aren't doing the job.
All I can do is cross my fingers and hope all goes well for your half this weekend :) ...I have no advice to offer...but, I think that you will use the experience gained and feel much better about this race! Good luck :)
Good luck in the half marathon! Have fun and don't worry about your time. Train for one later and concentrate on it then.
ReplyDeleteLOL, funny comment about the lawn mowing shoes. I'm definitely sending some vibes! You run faster than I do...but I had a similar experience. I felt very tired after Mile 10 in my first two half marathons.
ReplyDeleteI did an 11 mile run before my third half and it seemed to make all the difference in the world. Or I trained better all-around. Either way, you've been training faithfully and I don't think you're going to be so exhausted this time b/c you just went on an 11 mile run. My gut is that you'll be surprised at how far your endurance has come ;-)
Like a few other people have mentioned try returning the shoes first but if they won't take them back you could sell them on ebay and use the money towards your new pair.
ReplyDeleteGood luck for Saturday, I'm sure you will do brilliantly, have confidence in yourself and your training :)
My advice would be to hold back, hold back, hold back. Keep something in reserve for the last few miles. Good luck and don’t forget to enjoy yourself!
ReplyDeleteGood luck on Saturday! I am shooting good vibes your way, lots of them!!! Bummer about the shoes, go back to what you are comfortable in. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteSorry to hear about the shoes. I've done that before too.
ReplyDeleteYou'll do great this weekend! Just give it what you have that day, and have fun!
So, how and the hell am I going to purchase another pair of Asics shoes without my hubby finding out?
ReplyDeleteYou evil vimmin hav your vays....
Channeling all my fast-twitch muscle to you for Saturday! Send them back to me by June, will ya?
:-)
GOOD LUCK!! I know that you're going to go great.
ReplyDeleteGood luck this weekend!!!! You are going to be great- can't wait for race report and more awesome photos!
ReplyDeleteI would return the shoes, any good running store knows the importance of proper shoes for running, they should accept them, if they dont... well... good luck with the hubby
ReplyDeleteGood Luck on Saturday! I will be thinking positive, energetic and speedy thoughts for you, but you have to think it too!
ReplyDeleteI definitely would try to return those shoes! Do you have a nicely broken in pair ready for your race?
hey julie..i did exactly the same thing years ago..big asics user..fancied a changed..bought nike..hated them..what goes round...
ReplyDeletebuy hubby a few beers to distract him as you sneek new asics into the house
good luck with your race!
Did you get the shoes from a reputable running store? Most of them have a good return policy. Return them and get something you can use! That's a big chunk of dough for lawnmower shoes.
ReplyDeleteYou should be able to do 2 hours no problem! The key is pacing. Two hours is a 9:09 pace for a Half Marathon. Just watch your pace. Start out a little slower (like 9:10 or so) and then just let it rip past seven miles. You can do it!
And thanks for all your support the past couple weeks. I'm in a real running funk!
Hi Julie. It's already been said here, but I would definitely recommend going out slower than you even think you should for the first few miles, then gradually pick up the pace as the race goes on. I ALWAYS race better when I hold back early on - especially in the half.
ReplyDeleteGood luck!
Good luck this weekend Big Sis! Go get that sub 2 hour time! I know you can do it!
ReplyDeleteI hope you have no troubles exchanging your shoes. You can do it this weekend!! I can't wait to read about your sub-2 hour half.
ReplyDeleteOK. Sending.....sending.....sending....done.
ReplyDeleteYou will now have a speedy, fun race!
Relax and run smart. You can do it!!!
Can't wait to read about it!
You'll do great tomorrow; run a smart race and have fun!
ReplyDeleteGood Luck..you always race good! =)
ReplyDeleteHey Julie,
ReplyDeleteGood luck tomorrow!! I'll be cheering for you. I know you'll do great!!! Have fun!
Julie--go out there and rock it like you know you can! I will be thinking about you. As to the shoes--can you take them back? I just bought a pair I hated, ran in them probably 20 miles worth, and then took them back. The store was very accommodating and I think that is a common policy. Good vibes coming your way!
ReplyDeleteIf it was a running shoe store, they will take the shoes back. I hope you find a pair that you love. Good luck on Saturday. I will be thinking about you and sending you positive energy!
ReplyDeleteHey Julie! Sending positive running vibes your way :) Thanks for your sweet comments! :)
ReplyDeleteOoh, have fun in your race Julie! I love half-marathons...they are by far my favorite distance. The trick is to separate it into manageable sections. Spend the first five miles just getting up to speed and comfort and finding your pace. Maintain your pace over the next five miles and then blast through the last 5K...Oh and it would help if you can fuel at the end of each section too! You're gonna have a great race, so relax and HAVE FUN! Good luck!
ReplyDeleteOops, that last comment was from me! I signed on using a different account. Either way, go rock your race!
ReplyDeleteGood luck! You will rock!
ReplyDeleteI missed telling you good luck on your half!!!! I hope it went well Julie! I can't wait to hear your race report.
ReplyDeleteWe really need to see some photos of these push up arms you have. I'm sure that you have some major muscles by now!