Crushing Goals And New Races

I love the feeling of setting a goal and not only meeting that goal, but also CRUSHING that goal. Since I am in training mode for my next Half Marathon on September 12th I wanted to hit 130 miles this month. Last month's goal was 120 and I logged 122.

To reach 130 I knew I needed to be consistent with my runs and be sure to get significant mileage on my long runs. I ran most weeks 4 to 5 days a minimum. At the end of July into August I had an eleven day running streak with one day rest followed by a seven day straight running streak. I got up early mornings to avoid the humidity and scorching sun. Not only was I starting my day with some "me" time, I felt great all day and have been sleeping better.  I am ecstatic to report that in August I hit a new PR for miles logged for me as well as exceeding the miles I wanted to hit. Final miles logged: 165.3!

Another goal I had set for myself for 2015 running goals was to run a distance of 15 miles, making that the farthest distance for me. I completed this back in April. When I did this it was unplanned for that specific run. I find that is how I hit most of my PR's, whether it be in a race or on my own runs. It is when I don't plan on it and just fall into a rhythm. It becomes my personal dance with the pavement. My feet carry me on and I am lost in a place I find comfort and solace in. Last weekend I had one of those incredible runs and I hit 16 miles! Take that 15! 16 stomped you out of the PR!

I feel ready for my Half Marathon coming up as well as I am looking forward to it. This particular one will be a first time for me. Ahh yes, I am a virgin to this particular race. I love running new, unfamiliar roads. I enjoy the sense of discovery it brings, seeing new landscapes and losing myself on new terrain. This will be my fifth Half and for some reason this entire year has had good things happening around the number five.

Yesterday morning I decided that I needed to get it one more Half before the end of the year. Why not right?! I registered for the GMAA Half Marathon in October. I did this last year and loved this coarse. It was beautiful, quiet, and the coarse is simply serene. 

Soon the temps will be dropping and my favorite season is upon us. Fall running is my favorite. I love the smells in the air, the sound of crunching leaves under the soles of my shoes, and the crisp of the air on my skin. I welcome a run where I do not return home covered in sweat as I have to pry off my clothes which seem to be glued to my body. 

I am already brain storming for my running goals for 2016. I have a few things in mind but I will save that for another post. The actual goals may take a little more commitment. And no, I will not be running a marathon anytime soon. Someday, maybe. 


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