I DID IT!

It is Memorial Day and I ran my first half marathon. I am soooo glad it's over and I made it! The last 3 miles were brutal. BRUTAL! My legs felt heavy, stiff and didn't seem to be able to move anywhere. But everything was forgotten when I approached the finish line and was greeted by a big shout out - GUNDULA...Yeah! And I was NOT last! Thank you to Julia for sending positive energy and to Mary Pat (+Omar), for cheering me on in Glendale. I love you!

Eminem - Not Afraid

Rest before Race

I haven't been sitting on the couch for the last week. I worked out, took a couple of runs, went hiking... Got a brace for my right knee. The one with the reconstructed ACL. I tore it while playing soccer with 12-year old boys. The surgeon in New York told me I got the Premium. Well, it doesn't seem to be premium enough for 13 miles. But I'll be fine. I'm nervous AND excited. The half marathon runners run together with the marathon runners and I'm happy about it. There will be still people at the finish line when I'll arrive because of the marathon athletes :) So, that's good. And I'll get a custom finisher medal. No idea what that means but it sounds cool. All I have to do now is eat, sleep and stretch.

Lada Gaga - Poker Face

A Rehearsal

I did it. I ran the half marathon. The hills weren't as terrible as I had expected. That was good. Bad was that my right leg started hurting after about 6 miles and only got worse. I kept my running motion and somewhat finished. I was really surprised that I didn't get out of breath at any time. I could have run faster if my leg wouldn't have bothered me. Well, I guess, it doesn't matter what makes one slow. It was a positive experience overall though. Look at the route if you want to. Done for the day and feeling good.

Toes - Zac Brown Band

Getting closer

10 more days til race day. I'm nervous. And tired. You might have noticed. No blog yesterday. But I did run. 3 miles. I thought I would be faster by now but I wasn't. Disappointing. This morning training session with Sue and lots of encouragement. She speeded me up and it didn't feel very exhausting. But that is only for 30 minutes and not for 2+ hours when everything hurts. So, I'm debating whether to test-run the half marathon tomorrow. My legs don't feel great. I cannot afford more rest but I feel I'd need it. Hmm. I have to run 6 miles anyway which seems strenuous and I might as well shoot it up. I can always walk. As long as I start early enough - ha!

Herbert Groenemeyer - Der Weg

Thin Air

Okay, I don't want to be a runner in New Mexico. Never. 6.500 ft. elevation combined with strong wind is to much for me. It is brutal! One can see cool guys at the side of the road though...However, I'm glad to be back on lower ground. Ran 9.2 miles this morning and got rewarded for last week's pain. Somewhat. I felt alright and I could have run a little longer. I'm not quite sure whether I can run 4 miles longer. Well, I stay optimistic. Altitude training is a good thing but I should have probably stayed for a month and not only for a week. And I should have ran every day. Also, tequila doesn't seem to be the best power drink for running...

Maino ft. T-Pain - All Above

Off to New Mexico!

6 miles this morning. Okay but very tired afterwards. Took a nap. Excited about my trip to New Mexico. Santa Fe, Taos and Ghost Ranch. Girlfriends, Art and Hiking. And running of course. Hopefully I can keep it up. Anyway, I'll be in great shape for the hiking part. Back in 10 days.

Hasta la vista!

Enrique Iglesias - Lloro por ti

MY NEW LOW

Lenox Fitness with Sue this morning. My heart rate was the lowest ever! Even 7.0 felt okayyyy. Huge improvement. Tired now. Allergies. Have to think about what to pack for New Mexico. Good night.

Dixie Chicks - Cowboy Take Me Away