Blog Revival- Training and Racing Update

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. 

While I am over winter.  This is not a bad view.

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".

Incredible hosts!  Kaitlin raced solid too!

Group run with Lonestar Birds! 

Mid race suffering.

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.

DC with my Brother and soon to be Sis in law

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!