I didn't mean to let my blog go to the wayside, but I did with 2017 being a very challenging year for me, I pretty much forgot about it! I love being able to blog and share my journey a bit so let's try this again!
In 2015 we moved to Columbus and it was no secret I did not like this move. I felt like I had to give up a lot to move. From a running perspective losing my training partners, a wonderful running community and the hills in the north east. Also from a personal perspective losing quick proximity to my family and closest friends. It felt like more than I could deal with. I was unhappy. Columbus feels very big and dense to me, and being so close to Ryans family left me feeling like a square peg in a round hole. In December we found a piece of property a little further out from the city with a creek, woods, and some rolling hills, all in very close proximity to my favorite park here while still in the same school district for our kids. A few days after Christmas we made the move! As with all moves it was stressful, haha! But I quickly felt more at peace here. Low and behold, my training took a turn for the better. The saying that "a happy runner is a fast runner" might have some validity.
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| While I am over winter. This is not a bad view. |
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| Our own personal ice bath! |
Late last year I made the decision to shoot for the Olympic Trials standard at the
Eugene Marathon. January was a good month of building with 341 miles, some decent tempos and speed work and getting long runs up in the 18-20 mile range. Working with
Inside Tracker has been helping me to feel better trying to improve my fasting glucose, and raise my vitamin D levels.
February was another good month hitting 333 miles. It was exciting getting to race my first half since Grandmas in June, where a stomach bug got the best of me, and I finished in 1:33 maybe!? The Lonestar Birds were incredible hosts once again and I loved every minute of my time in Austin for the
Austin Half Marathon. I had a great first 10k coming through in a smidge under 36 mins and feeling good, but then my stomach was done. I had to stop twice for the bathroom and struggled. 1:19:16. NOT the time I was shooting for but a good indicator that on a tough day my fitness was around where I was believing it to be. Austin is a wonderful race, VERY well organized, with great crowd support. It is hilly, and fun. I would recommend it! I took away from this race that I was fit, I STILL LOVE AUSTIN, and I needed to figure out this stomach issue I thought was "fixed".
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| Incredible hosts! Kaitlin raced solid too! |
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| Group run with Lonestar Birds! |
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| Mid race suffering. |
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| Before the struggle (I think)! |
Following the race I talked with a dietitian who is also the founder of
Spring Energy (the gels I use and love) and he helped me to make a plan taking out much of the fiber from my diet in the couple days leading up to the race. I had a DNA test to see if I had any common food intolerances and discovered Soy was one of them. So going into my next race I would use this low fiber plan, and keep soy out of my diet.
March would continue to allow progress with some of the best tempo's I workouts I have run in 4 years and a few possibly ever. I would close the month out with 382 miles, and FINALLY a good race. In my opinion, this was the best race I have run in 4 years as well. 1:17:05 for DC Rock and Roll half on a hilly course on a windy day was a strong showing, and a good fitness check. This race really excited me for what I can do in Eugene. I started to really believe my dreams for this spring can become a reality. A tempo last week in 59:25 for 10 miles was spot on my A goal pace for Eugene.
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| DC with my Brother and soon to be Sis in law |
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| The incredible volee of DC were amazing before during and after the race! |
My goal is to go for the Olympic Trials A standard in Eugene, I know I am on the cusp and hope April's training will lead me to my "A" goal of sub 2:37. I do not want to be reckless, so if 5:56 pace feels like I am in over my head on race day I want to be smart and shoot for under 2:40 ("B"-goal). Finally my "C" goal is to be under 2:45 the Olympic Trials B standard.
With less than a month to go to Eugene my training will be backing off in about 2 weeks in prep for race day. I plan to update my blog more often with updates! On to April and my first marathon since
Akron 2016!
I am thankful for all of your support and I can't wait for Eugene marathon weekend to be here! Good luck with your spring goals!
