TNT Update 3.2

Two months to go to my half marathon and the training is getting tougher and the runs have to start getting longer.

I took a "break" this week. For no particular reason besides a combination of being lazy and busy.

I only get two afternoons off a week and work at the Y at 5 on Mondays/Wednesday/Fridays. Monday  and Wednesday, I had to run errands after work before the Y work and Tuesday I had to get projects done, and Thursday I had to stay late for a work event.

So, I took the week off and I paid for it at my race on Saturday.

My friend Meg and I signed up for the local Irish 5K, Fiddler's Green 5K and it was bright and early Saturday morning.

The race was fun with lots of runners dressed up St. Pat's themed, but the course was a little challenging. It went through neighborhoods, uneven ground at times, and a few hills. We were lucky to get to the very front of the group, but when the whistle blew to start running I was QUICKLY passed by all the experienced runners and I started the my race a little faster than I would have prefered as I was going with the crowd.

I ran my first mile at a 10:08 pace, which is almost a minute faster than my previous records. It was about there that I quit and started my staggered training, which I have decided is the best way for me to complete the half marathon. From there I was able to keep a pace of an 11:30 mile and finished the 5k under 34 minutes, which was another PR for me.

I knew I could do better, but mentally I could not get myself to keep pushing. That is my biggest block; thinking too much.

It was like the angel and devil on my shoulders as I ran. The angel side was trying to give my body the mental pushes to keep going "don't let that kid pass you, get to the stop sign, that old lady is going faster, you did 7 miles last week, that man is running and pushing a stroller...."

The devil side said screw you, I don't care

And most of the time, the devil side won. I know I could have PR'd a lot better than I did, but mentally I didn't want to.

I didn't get the rush of adrenaline until I could see the finish line and saw the timer at 33 minutes. I knew I had to be under 34 so I started to sprint and finished strong.

Of course, it being an Irish race, we were rewarded after with a large beer and a shot of Whiskey.

Honestly, every race should end with a beer at 9am.

I didn't take too much time to rest and met my friends at 10 to go to an amusement park all day. The weather was beautiful and it was a great day. But my choice of flip flops after a race was not smart.
I strained the tendon below my right knee and my shin splints started to come in full force! I iced my knee Saturday night and Sunday while I was at work and it feels much better. But those pesky shin splints have made their presence known.

I kept saying, it's not a matter of if I get shin splints, but when.
I got them every year during track in high school. It's due to my flat feet. I have professionally made inserts in my shoes, but they still hurt. It's a sharp, full leg pain, and it's a pain in my ass. 

I'm trying out KT tape to see what all the fuss is about. It's supposed to give support and injury prevention. I've been wearing them all day yesterday and today and it doesn't feel much different.
I think I'll try to re-tape them tonight.

I'm only 40 days away from my final funds for my race and I've got 42% to go. Be prepared friends for me to go fundraising crazy!

Kate's Fundraising Page

 Fundraising & Running Update

Miles: 7.4

Money Raised: $1,865.36

Percentage to Complete: 58%

Amount left to go:  $1,334.64

Days till Race: 55