Running (Friday Favorites)

I've been doing a lot of running lately, including the full 13.1 mile half marathon distance last Saturday (it was a lovely run through Provo Canyon and only painful the last three miles). And yes, I'm going to use this post as a shameless way to brag about what I've been able to do the last few months, so be prepared with helpful and supportive comments (Did I mention that I ran 13.1 miles last week? And maybe this is a good place to note that I'm down 28 lbs. as well.). My first half marathon race is two weeks from tomorrow, then I've got one more half marathon at the end of the summer and the St. George Marathon on October 1st! A couple of my favorite marathon training books so far: Marathon: You Can Do it! by Jeff Galloway. You can read my review here. Basically, this is THE book for Marathon beginners. The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer is another awesome one, especially for the mental suggestions and in-depth discussion of basics like nutrition, injuries, and so forth. My review is here. My favorite (free) app that turns my Blackberry into a GPS, records a map of my runs and gives me detailed information about elevation, pace, and maps: IMapMyRun. (But every once in a while it does some wonky things -- anyone know of a good alternative?) And my new favorite training log website is Dailymile.com. I've entered in my data since January and I love being able to track it.
I love that I can see my training by day: by week:
and by month:
It keeps track of my fastest time (a still-very-slow almost 11-minute-mile pace), my furthest run, and how I've felt through the runs I track. But my favorite part is this "lifetime stats" part of the page, where I can scroll down and see this little gem: Yep -- I've run 210 miles this year! Not bad for a mom of eight who still isn't sure what do do about a title like "runner." Oh, and remember those 28 lbs. I mentioned? I went from my heaviest ever (Katie added about 15-20 of those pounds, but who's counting?)
To this in about 10 weeks:
I've still got another 30 lbs or so to lose, but I've also got a ton of mileage on my training plan, so I'm quite hopeful, and I'm very proud of myself.

Comments

Montana Blakes said…
GOOD JOB! I must say that you have been very inspirational for me. I have stepped up my exercising--20 minutes jogging/walking each morning, 20 minutes of weights in the afternoons and another 20 minute walk or bike ride each evening. In the last two weeks I've lost six pounds. I hope to lose another 16.
I just wanted to congratulate you! YAY! I love running and need to get back into it. I always say with my photo business, my kid, and stuff life is too crazy....umm...I think you proved me wrong. Time to get back out there!
Courtney said…
Way to go! What an inspiration to me.
GOOD JOB!! It takes a lot of work to do what your doing. Running is tough!! Keep up the good work! And you look great btw!
Awesome! You look great! I get winded by walking around the block these days--maybe I should start an exercise program again.
Dina said…
Running is HARD WORK! Great job!
rachel said…
Good girl! You look great!
John said…
I am proud of you too. Way to go!! You are amazing and you look great! You have actually made me think I could possibly do this too. Maybe I will sign up for a half marathon in the fall. The most I have ever run in a row is 2.5 miles, I will have a lot of work to do.
Corine Moore said…
Way to go! I'm on Daily Mile, too... and just started training for half marathons in March (started the Daily Mile right after I started running). How do I find you there? It would be fun to add you as a friend there to cheer you on! :D
Unknown said…
Yeah, so impressed! You look great!
Stacey said…
That is SO awesome! I ran my first half marathon last spring and it was such an accomplishment. I just know you'll love doing it. (I'm not a "runner" either!) And you are looking great!
kacy faulconer said…
Good work.
Corri said…
Wow! I am amazed and very impressed. Great work accomplishing something so monumental!
bjahlstrom said…
Seriously, that is so awesome.
Tiffany Wacaser said…
Congratulations! I am so PROUD of you.