Still Running and a PR! :)

Today I ran the Olesak Lumber Half Marathon with John in Westfield, MA. I wasn't feeling well before I started but as I got going I kind of got into a mind set and just kept going. There was a tough hill at mile 3, which I walked. I love having my GPS watch because it keeps me somewhat on track. I would say I did fairly well and was feeling good up until mile 7.  Luckily the course from that point was mostly downhill with a few upward slopes and a slightly bigger hill at mile 10. I was getting tired so I did a little bit of the run/walk method in order to get me through. It helped me to decrease my overall time per mile, which helped me reach my PR! :)  I have been continuing to exercise once a week, but didn't actually run this week. John and I are working on a plan to get our mileage in during the week. We have been meeting once a week on the Watervliet bike path, which we will continue to do. :)  We are also going to make a plan for better, healthier eating habits. Today was a bit difficult after the race as I experienced severe stomach pains and fatigue. Thankfully, I am feeling better now, but I need to make some dietary changes and change my plan of action for pre and post race eating.

I am happy to say that with each subsequent half-marathon I have run this year, I have continued to improve my overall time. I started with the Colchester Half Marathon in February with a time of 2:57:49, then did the D.C. Rock and Roll Half with a time of 2:49:01 and today I completed the Olesak Lumber Half with an approximate time of 2:41:00. Official results have not been posted. I am going by my GPS. Either way it is a PR. My last PR was at the Hangover Half Marathon in 2010 with a time of 2:45:06. This makes my first PR of any distance in 2012.  I would also like to say Thank you to John for all of his love, support, and encouragement today! :) He is always waiting at the finish for me and he made me feel very proud of my accomplishment today! Thanks honey!