Running for the Hills!

Friends, I need your help.

For the past two years, I have had the opportunity to run the Pittsburgh Half-Marathon. This year, I decided to run for a cause. My cause is the North Hills Community Outreach and I am determined to raise more than $300 for this organization.

My part of the equation is the hard part.

I will be joining a team of nearly 40 other runners with that same determination and goals. In a little more than a month, I will run 13.1 miles toward that goal as part of the Pittsburgh Half-Marathon. I will run the city of bridges with thousands of other runners but with a small team devoted to raising money for families in crisis, hardship and poverty.

I'm not just raising money. I'm raising hope for families in need.

In 2012-2013, North Hills Community Outreach served 1,386 families through food pantries and gardens. The organization provides 1,357 families with utility assistance. In addition, 388 families received free coats, 728 received Thanksgiving dinners and 1,547 children received Christmas gifts. The list goes on and on...emergency assistance; employment, education and financial assistance; and senior care giving among other services.

These services do not pay for themselves. The organization relies on the generosity of individuals, businesses, families, churches, government agencies, foundations, schools and civic groups.

I will raise a minimum of $300 from my friends and family to run and help North Hills Community Outreach increase these statistics and help more families.

And I only have five weeks left to reach my goal!

Asking my friends and family to donate money to my run is as challenging to me as finding the time to train and run 13.1 miles. But a struggling to feed your family or paying the heat bill is much more difficult, and for that reason I keep asking. 

So I am asking for your help!  If you have not yet made a donation and still want to, it's not too late. Every dollar helps. $20 will purchase a backpack or school supplies for a child to start the school year. $50 will pay the heat bill so children do not have to live in a freezing home. $75 will pay for a month's worth of gas so that a mother or father can get to work and support their family. 

You can make a quick, easy donation on my personal fundraising page at http://www.crowdrise.com/teamnhcopittsburgh2014/fundraiser/carrienurnberger. Click on "Donate to this fundraiser." I am determined to run and make a difference, and I can't do that without your financial support. 

Thank you in advance for donating to my run. Thank you for supporting my quest to help families fight the cycle of poverty and become self reliant.

~ CaRrIe ~

Go away winter, you're killing my training!

Every year I think I complain about winter in Pittsburgh and training in predominately poor weather for a marathon that comes only a few short weeks after the official start of spring. Well, my complaining about the previous two winters was nothing compared to this year. Between the ice, snow, wind chills and extremely low temperatures training has not gone well at all so far...

I keep reading that there are no excuses for running and training. Cold and weather should not be an excuse but I'm not meant for training in winter. Maybe I would be a true runner if I lived in Florida.

January went well with a combination of short runs inside and outside before the bottom dropped with the terrible weather in February. Unfortunately, the only running I did last month was on the stairs at the fire hall, which was actually a good workout and I hope in the long run will make me stronger.

Today, in the calm before the next storm I decided to take a longer five mile training run - my longest so far. Needless to say it didn't go well. I ran one of the steepest hills in Pittsburgh - my lungs were killing me, so I had to walk a lot of it. I ran down the other side - downhill kills my knees. Plus I was wearing my brand new shoes and running on an incredibly sore knee (the one I injured in the fall, which has been acting up again).

I got more than halfway through and my knee wouldn't go any further. Dennis had to come and rescue me. I thought I was going to cry right on the street in Lawrenceville because I had to stop and I was so upset with myself for not completing my training run.

Stopping was probably the best option before the knee got worse. After some Tylenol, I'm all ready to try again tomorrow. I'm only going to shoot for four and hope it goes much better than today. I was pretty discouraged earlier but I'm hoping I'm not the only one with training problems this year due to this crappy weather. It's after all not my first half marathon, so hopefully that will carry me through.

Waiting on some sunshine and temperate weather to really get this training off on a better start!

Venting My Runner Woes

Ok, we are two weeks into training. It hasn't been that bad. I haven't been able to get every workout in but I make sure if anything to get the runs in. The weather has been so crazy that I've been fortunate to get some runs in both inside and outside. Here's where my dilmenna arises...as much as I hate it, running on the treadmill has gone very well and I've decreased my time each run. However, the minute I get outside to run I feel like I'm going to die after the first few blocks. I'm going to trump it up to the fact that my lungs can't handle the cold air, which could quite possibly be true. This morning's run started bad and I ended up just doing intervals for two miles. The change in workouts actually helped and I think I ran faster, so essentially I did some speed work. Now if I just could get some yoga and weight training in, I'll be in good shape. Ready to up the mileage this weekend I guess...

(Pinterest)

Here We Go Again

Training for my third half-marathon started on Sunday! The first training run wasn't actually as bad as I had expected. To me it was progress, taking into consideration that I had a sprained knee in November and a sinus infection most of December, which brought any thought of a run to a standstill. So, my official first run of training season was actually only my second run since the injury.

This year I decided to start earlier in January and give myself more time to train and get stronger for May. I have a plan to run at least three times a week combined with stretching, yoga and maybe biking later on when the weather changes. My goal is to hopefully maintain a more consistent pace throughout the race and decrease my time if possible.

Last Sunday was just an easy two miles. I'm not going to lie…I did have to walk and I was slow but I think that had more to do with the terrain than being tired or completely out-of-shape. It wasn't like I was just running down a clean sidewalk or street with the current weather conditions. Please! The city does such a wonderful job clearing the side streets. Ha!

(Pinterest)

I ran the quiet snow covered sidewalks and baseball fields of Morningside and the slushy streets of Highland Park. It was a beautiful, crisp morning interrupted by the occasional church bell from St. Raphael's. The snow only made the run more exciting and hopefully made me a stronger runner. The cold didn’t even bother me because the sun was shining and the air refreshing.

This year, I'm determined to combat my boredom while running by trying different routes and never doing the same one twice. The reservoir at Highland Park got old fast last year. With no music, I have to keep my mind focused on something. If I’m running in Highland Park and Morningside, I do double duty and look for sale houses. OK, I’m dreaming in Highland Park.

I was supposed to run another two miles tonight. I’m so cold that I couldn’t bear to leave the comfort of my portable space heater to go run on the treadmill at the gym. Tomorrow I have no excuses; I will be running at the gym no matter what. Florida and a sunny beach to train on are looking wonderful right about now. I just keep telling myself only a few more weeks of cold and training will get better.

So here’s to another year of being a Runner of Steel!

Look out 2014, I'm a comin'!

As I stated last January, I'm focusing on goals for the New Year rather than the tried and true New Year's resolutions. Here's my progress on last year's goals:

Plan a wedding and get married. - CHECK
Run a half-marathon again and improve my time. - HALF CHECK (I ran the half marathon but I did not improve my time. I have much better training plan this year and although it is not one of my goals, I know I will do it and you will have to read more blog posts about it.)
Be a better person and practice more random acts of kindness. - CHECK (This was a great goal and although it is not a goal this year, I'm going to try to be selfless in other ways - running the marathon for a cause and applying for new volunteer projects other than church, library or Lakeside.)
Organize the apartment and make it our own. - CHECK
Make little changes in my lifestyle so that I'm healthier. - CHECK

Goals for 2014:

Spend more time with friends and family.

My busy schedule with work, training and meetings often gets in the way of spending quality time with friends and family. This year I want to host more dinners and parties at the apartment (and maybe future house) for friends and family.

(Pinterest)

Save money and BUY A HOUSE.

Thank you student loans for sucking my finances dry. All kidding aside, this is a major goal for both Dennis and I this year. We are finding ways to cut costs and practice better financial responsibility to ultimately place a downpayment on a home.

(Pinterest)

Finish building my dollhouses.

In the office, which is more of a storage unit, I have two dollhouses (one was a Christmas gift a few years ago and the other I got this year from a friend who found it in their new house) that need completed. This is going to be my winter project. The one below is the one I made with my grandpa in high school.

Be healthy.

Simple. I'm going to drink more water. I'm going to work out at least five to six times a week (not hard at all during training). I'm going to take my vitamins. I'm going to eliminate some sugars and junk food. I'm going to eat more nutrients and try new healthy foods. I'm going to kick my sinus problems and eczema in the butt.

RELAX.

2014 is the year I attempt and succeed at relaxing. Hopefully it will stop the endless nightly grinding and eczema outbreaks all over my hands if I eliminate stress and stop worrying about every little thing under the sun. The next goal will hopefully help me relax this year.

DO MORE.

In a nutshell...I'm going to read, write, photograph and cook more and whatever else I feel helps me to relax and enjoy life. My hobbies have taken the back burner for too long. I'm welcoming them back in 2014.

Well, goodbye 2013. You were fabulous and I'm sad to see you go! I said "I do" to a wonderful man, ran my second half marathon, turned a milestone age, saw FUN in concert and truly enjoyed life.

Here's to an even more fabulous 2014!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

211 Days Left!!!

Lately, there has been so many countdowns...new job, bachelorette party, wedding, Thanksgiving, Christmas and honeymoon. Here's another to add to my busy schedule.

 

211 days left until the 2014 Pittsburgh Half-Marathon!

 

I wasn't really sure if I wanted to run again after my poor performance last year but after not registering in time for the Great Race and running intervals all summer to improve my speed, I'm craving a race.

 

So on October 1, I was one of those crazy runners waiting patiently as the countdown clock on the marathon website approached 9 a.m. It took longer than expected and I don't think I made it into the first group that received $10 off registration.

 

BUT I'M REGISTERED AND READY TO RUN!

 

This year, I decided I need extra motivation to run. The last two years, my only goal was to finish and I did, so I know that's possible even if I run really slow. Ever since I stopped participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer in DC I've been missing doing something for a cause.

 

There really wasn't a cause that jumped to mind the last two years for me at the marathon. I'm partial to the Avon Foundation, so I didn't want to run for Komen and there wasn't any others that jumped out at me. This year, I noticed North Hills Community Outreach.

 

I didn't even really think about it just registered. I'm thrilled to be running for such a wonderful organization. An organization that I've volunteered for in the past through church and is instumental in the local community where I grew up.

 

This is probably the only post I'll do about the marathon until after the wedding or even after the holidays. I need to fundraise though, so I might place some posts about that in the future. I'm so excited to be running again!

 

Let's get training and fundraising!! To 2014!!

Tuesday Link Love Randomness

Well, I'm back with some more link love. Two weeks in a row! That's a new record! I am trying though to maintain the blog and the daily post ideas. Doesn't always work though!

 

It's been a crazy week in my life if you haven't seen my posts on Facebook or the blog. Interviewed for a job, offered a job, accepted a job. Then throw in planning a wedding and today is D's birthday and the wildcard game for the Pirates. Sigh... I need a break.

 

 

Life Lately

 

The giant rubber duck arrived in Pittsburgh on Friday. I saw it from a far on my way to pick D up and then on my commutes. It's pretty cool. Definitely not as big as I thought it would be but I read that the Pittsburgh duck is smaller, so that it fits under the bridges. I'm hoping to go take pictures tomorrow afternoon after we get our marriage license.

 

The Pirates are playing the wild card game tonight. Pretty awesome! I'll admit. I had my doubts about them for awhile. I like baseball because I can actually afford to go the games and then I can feel a part of it more. I got to go to some awesome games this year. It's amazing that have gotten this far and I hope they win tonight, so D can maybe go to the playoffs! It's great publicity for the city too!

 

Marathon

 

Well, its been almost six months since the last half-marathon. Registration opened today and I'm in...hopefully...had a few gliches there. This year, I decided I wanted to run for a charity. I miss doing the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer and I really wanted to run for a reason since I already proved to myself that I could do it. I'm running for North Hills Community Outreach. I've done some volunteer work through them in the past for church and thought it was a good fit.

 

I'd say that's an awful lot of Pittsburgh love coming from an unlikely cheerleader. I do love the marathon and I think its great that the duck is here and the Pirates are doing so well. That's all the Pittsburgh love I can muster for now.

 



Runner of Steel Recap

Last Sunday was a beautiful, sunny day.  Perfect for completing my second half-marathon.  I would be lying if I didn't say I wasn't apprehensive, especially after some bad training runs and the events that unfolded at the Boston Marathon.

 

I will be the first to admit that it was not easy.  Not one part of the journey - training, race day or recovery.  It was also not my best run either but I DID IT!  That's what counts!  Yes, I had to walk a few times and I took longer than I had hoped but I need to look at he positive.

At the beginning of the race, I got caught up in the herd, which is never good.  I ran my fastest 5K ever at 33 minutes (I know, I'm slow) and my fastest 10K as well at just over an hour, which gives me confidence for future shorter races. However, I hit a wall soon after the 10K mark since I was running so fast.  I finished though!  My time doesn't matter.

(Photo Credit: Pinterest)

Four days later and I am almost back to normal.  I was a little sore at the beginning of the week but my biggest problem has been dehydration.  I thought I was drinking enough but it wasn't good enough.  Since Sunday, I've been a textbook case of dehydration but thanks to lots of water and Gatorade I'm definitely on the mend.

I ran because had such a great time participating last year and wanted to do it again this year; however, my goals shifted in the last weeks of training.  I ran for Boston. For those that died or were injured.  For those that worked so hard to qualify and then couldn't finish.  For the hope that marathons will someday return to the great community events that they used to before the tragedy.

(Photo Credit: Pinterest)

The half-marathon has been at the forefront the last few months. It's weird now that it's over.  I can just go to Highland Park to run for no other reason but to run.  I thought about training for the triathlon downtown in August but I have to work. I'm trying to talk my sister Annie into running the Canton half-marathon in September or running the relay there with our sister Meg, my fiancé Dennis and her boyfriend, Dalin.  We will see.  For now, I'm going to run, swim and bike and enjoy the warm weather and of course do the Lakeside Annual Fund Run in a few weeks.

Running the half-marathon would not have been possible without the support of so many of my friends and family, including Dennis, Amy, Barb and Meg.  Dennis encouraged me every step of the way during training, especially when I didn't think I could do it; made sure I was downtown the day of the race, even if it meant squeezing me into the back of the KDKA live truck; and took care of me during these last four days of recovery.  Amy got me started on this running kick a few years ago and even though she is much faster than me, she is a constant motivator and I loved running with her the first few miles.  Barb and Meg got up early to come down and cheer me on at the last mile when it was most needed.  I'm grateful to the four of you and to every one of my Facebook friends who liked my statuses, read my blog posts and posted words of encouragement.

(Barb, Meg and I at Point State Park following the race.)

It was an exhilarating journey and I can't wait for the next one!

I Think I Can, I Think I Can

Its been a difficult week training-wise for the half-marathon.  For the majority of the week, I had absolutely no motivation and lost the most important part of training, the belief that I am possible of running 13.1 miles.  

On Wednesday, I was ready to throw in the towel and quit.  It was bad.  I was so down on myself because training is not coming as easy as it did last year.  There are a number of reasons that could be affecting my training progress.  I attribute most of it to the weather.  I haven't been able to run outside as often.

The problem is my short runs are right on par.  Every time I run, my time either stays the same or improves.  The minute I start a long run its like I slow down big time.  It's hard for me keep the motivation to run six, seven, eight miles. I do it but its definitely not well.

With a lot of encouragement from Dennis, I was able to try again.  I ran my fastest two miles last night after work at the gym.  Today, I ran seven miles.  There were some roadblocks - sidewalk closures and a hill that hurt just as bad to walk as it did to run.

I'm still disappointed in myself - my time and progress but I'm going to concentrate harder on supporting and believing in myself.  I know I can do it!  Anything is possible, maybe I'll be faster than last year!

Tuesday Link Love

The sun is shining and it looks absolutely gorgeous outside.  Too bad the view from my window is deceiving and its cold with flurries.  I just want spring.  Correction.  I just want summer.

 

(Picture Credit: Pinterest)

 

Right Now

 

Another reason I want it to warm up is so that we can sit on our deck!  I pinned this wine glass holder last week and though it would be perfect for parties on the deck.  And the reason its probably not available is Pinterest and everyone that pinned, liked or search it.

 

Book/Library Love

 

Has anyone read Commencement or Maine by J. Courtney Sullivan?  She is one of my favorite authors and I'm so excited that she has a new book coming out in June called The Engagements.  I bought Maine when it came out because I was so excited.  I might have to buy this new one too and I never buy fiction brand new!

 

Running Thoughts

 

Ahh the half-marathon...I feel like I'm definitely lacking motivation again and not feeling quite so confident in my running abilities.  Not sure really what to do since my motivation board isn't really helping.  This is a pretty awesome list though that I found and I might take some of the author's suggestions.  We will see how I feel next week at this time after running eight miles.

 

Wedding Inspiration

 

Just a thought I had... Not really having to deal with the wedding but stemming from it.  Last week I couldn't decide it I wanted to type or write the addresses for the save-the-dates.  I asked opinions.  I read information online.  When it came down to it, I decided to handwrite them.  I don't mind.  I like receiving handwritten mail.  It's more personal.  This is an interesting article about that same idea and a similar blog post I wrote two years ago.

 

And that's my two cents for the week.



We Built This City

My new favorite song to listen to while I run is "We Built This City."

I've been working on my running playlist and had completely forgotten about this song until I watched Rock of Ages, which on a side note, I was disappointed in.  Anyways the song was featured on the movie.

Now when I run, all I can think of is running down the Boulevard of the Allies and seeing the skyline as I'm hopefully moving faster than last year to the finish line.

I've been playing it at the end of my training runs to keep me motivated.  Its working.

Training is going well, especially because of awesome tunes like this, but I still have a long way to go until I'll be running a half-marathon.  Nine weeks to be exact.  Nine weeks until I can feel like this again...

A Boost of Motivation

For some reason, I have a severe lack of motivation right now for the half-marathon.  I was very excited in the fall when I registered!  So excited that I registered the day before registration even opened for a special Steel City Runners promotion.  Then what happened?!!  That is the question that I've been asking.

I spent a good two months not running due to all of my illnesses and allergy problems.  Then I ran a few times and it wasn't too bad but I got shin splints and my old tennis shoes just weren't cutting it anymore.  Training officially starts for me on Sunday, so I need to get moving and kick this lack of motivation!

Got my tax refund today, so Dennis and I went to look at new tennis shoes.  I tried on some Reebok and Nike.  The selections were quite slim.  Not really a Nike fan, but I found a pair I liked and I bought it.  I may try some others on but I think this one might work.  New shoes are a step in the right direction!

Then tonight I made a motivation board on the refrigerator door.  I put my training plan on there, tips from a running calendar that Dennis got me for Christmas and lots of quotes.  My favorite..."Keep calm and Carrie on."  Hopefully this will give me the needed boost to start running and keep going!

What a week!!!

My last post talked about my allergy and asthma interruptions with my marathon training.  I was frustrated last weekend and it didn't help that my cough hadn't subsided by the end of the weekend.  Marathon training wasn't going so well and apparently neither was my week.

The week started not only with disappointment about missing the majority of the inauguration but a bronchitis diagnosis.  I guess I shouldn't have let the cough get that bad but my doctor didn't say anything at my physical the previous Monday.  I was rendered contagious, given an excuse and told to rest.  Although I was completely uncomfortable because I couldn't stop coughing, I did get to watch part of the inauguration.  We all know I live for political events...Democrat or Republican.

By Tuesday, I was back at work.  It was an incredibly long day, which you would think would make me exhausted.  However, I was unable to sleep even with my codeine cough medicine.  So for the next two nights, I had sleepless nights and long days.

Yesterday brought some good news.  Good news does come to those who wait.  Everyone knows that for the last year, if not more, I have been incredibly frustrated at work for a variety of different reasons.  I love my job but I wasn't completely happy.  I received a promotion that will be an excellent stepping stone for future positions in the library field.  It is exactly what I had hoped to do in the library following graduate school.  A position that combines all of my passions and skill sets...  More details to follow later.

Finally, Friday arrived.  I worked today to help my coworker with a big program she was having.  Unfortunately, I have to work tomorrow as well but I will have Tuesday off.  The morning went off fine but then the snow came and my work week ended with a three hour commute in the crappy weather.

Friday is here and the week is FINALLY over!  

I am feeling much better.  I only one more round of my bronchitis steroid.  

Marathon training should be back on track soon.  

I have new job potential at work!

Bring on the weekend of work, rest and a bridal show!

Run. Cough. Run. Cough.

I think I am the only adult still suffering from childhood illnesses.  It has been the running joke at the library, that I'm going to be suffering through ear infections right alongside my children some day.

I recovered from the ear infection quickly with antibiotics.  The same antibiotics that numerous patrons at the library were also taking.  They were all under the age of 10.

Unfortunately, I have not been able to kick the cough that accompanied my ear infection during the holidays. At my recent physical, the doctor ordered blood work to test for allergies and prescribed an inhaler.  Then stated again, which I am so sick of hearing, you have the classic trio: eczema, asthma and allergies.

Classic trio for children!  Not for an adult!

I've been through the allergy testing and inhalers before.  Way back in the fourth grade!  I went through an afternoon of shots and was given my list of allergies.  Then I started weekly allergy shots and daily use of an inhaler.  Plus there was a lot I couldn't due now because of my allergies.

The medicine helped and by high school I had thankfully outgrown my asthma and had a better control of my allergies and eczema.

Until now.  

Now its putting a major dent in my sleep schedule and training routine for the half.  I got through my run yesterday but I really had to push.

So, I guess for the next few months my inhaler, nasal spray and allergy pill are my new best friends.  I feel like I'm 10 all over again.

Goals for the New Year

I normally set New Year's resolutions that as predicted I never follow through with or I do but I'm not happy with the outcome.  This year I'm just focusing on five goals (I'm better with the goals) and I will work on smaller goals each week to accomplish these.  This year I am going to:

Plan a wedding and GET MARRIED.

So far, I've bought a dress and picked my bridesmaids dresses (now I just need to ask them) and we've almost secured a venue.

Run a half-marathon again and IMPROVE MY TIME.

If I could say I was in perfect health right now, I would already be out running; however, until I kick this ear infection for good I'm not officially starting to train until February 10.  Slow jogs for now...

Be a better person and PRACTICE MORE RANDOM ACTS OF KINDNESS.

This year, I want to strive to be more selfless.  To think less about myself and more about others.  To not complain as much.  To be happy and thankful for EVERYTHING in my life.  And to do nice things for others.

Organize the apartment and MAKE IT OUR OWN.

We love our new apartment but it lacks organization in particular areas (kitchen and office) and personal touches to really make it ours.  Pinterest should help with this one...

Make little changes in my lifestyle so that I'm HEALTHIER.

2012 was not a healthy year.  I had a stomach virus, a throat virus, one or two sinus infections, jaw problems and an ear infection.  I promise to not stress as much, sleep more, eat better and drink more water.  I'm sick of medical bills.

Well, that's my 2013 goals in a nutshell.  Here's to a healthier 2013!

HAPPY NEW YEAR EVERYONE!

Here We Go, Here We Go, Here We Go Again!

After my failed attempts at registering and even volunteering at the Grace Race, I am excited to report that I am officially signed up for my second half-marathon.  Registration opened on Monday and by the end of the day I was registered.  The feelings of anticipation and excitement have started.  I'm just going to continue with my current running/workout plan for the time being but come January I will right back at it with the training.  Here's to another year on the streets of Pittsburgh...

 

2013 Goals - Complete the Race and Achieve a Better Time

 



Baby, We Were Born to Run!!!

Run a half marathon. - Check.

Well, I did it!  Last week at this time I was a bit apprehensive about the whole event.  Now, I'm so excited and proud of myself for finishing that I've been researching other half marathons.

It was such a great run!  A little warmer this expected but I made it through...  Each Pittsburgh neighborhood was so welcoming with throngs of spectators, cheer teams and bands.  It helped take my mind off the heat, pain and realization that I still had six, eight or 10 miles left.

Thanks to Amy for encouraging me to run and participating with me. Thanks to my fabulous boyfriend for taking Amy and I downtown at the crack of dawn, cheering me through the finish line and treating me to lunch.  Thanks to Amanda, Barb and Meg who also came to cheer me on. 

Three days later I'm still running on adrenaline and waiting till I'm able to run again.  The blisters, sore muscles and exhaustion are slowly dissipating.  It was so worth it!

Congratulations to all the other runner!  It was an amazing race!

1 Day. 10 Hours. 36 Minutes. 31 Seconds.

As the Pittsburgh Marathon weekend commences I am overcome with a range of emotions...

...fear, worry, excitement, hope.

I've trained since January.  I've bored all of you with my posts about training.  I survived my long run and all of my short runs leading up to that and this weekend.  There is really nothing else I can do now except rest and hydrate.

This race is one of the goals I would like to check off my five year plan.  A marathon is also on my five year plan but the ending of that five years is fast approaching, so that may need to be added to my bucket list.  I CAN DO THIS! I am ready for 13.1!

So...

...for the next 32 hours, I am determined to prepare myself physically and mentally for this challenge.  I know I'm not fast.  My goal is not to win.  My goal is to finish.  With future races, I will have room for improvement in the time category.  Here's to 13.1 miles of Pittsburgh!

Good luck to all my fellow runners!

The Good and the Bad

Well, I had my official training run today with the Steel City Runners Club.

I wouldn't call it a successful run but I wouldn't call it a failure either.

The Good News: I had my fastest five-mile time. It was a small group of runners today because of the race at North Park that I had originally intended to run but registration was full. We were divided into groups by the mileage we had signed up to run. I registered to run seven. No one else had though; they were either running smaller or higher mileages. Two other runners offered to run their four-mile loop first with me and then run their five-mile loop while I ran a three-mile loop. It ended up that five of decided to run five miles together and figure out afterwards what loops to do next. I'm not going to lie. It wasn't easy but I pounded out five miles and recorded my best time.

The Bad New: I was so exhausted from the five-mile loop with my new running friends that I couldn't do two more miles. The rest of the group didn't continue either. I attribute my inability to run further to be a combination of my faster pace this morning and the fact that I probably should not have run six miles and lifted yesterday. I was so sore. Needless to say, I was pretty discouraged and mad at myself for not getting the seven miles in. Later at lunch with my boyfriend, he reminded me that I had only wanted to run five miles today and I only ended up with seven miles because I clicked too fast during the online registration. That made me feel a little better.

It was a good experience. It was nice not running by myself or at least talking with other runners. I guess slowly I am becoming an official runner. I love when you pass other runners multiple times on a run and you give them a wave or a smile. And I must be crazy but I joined the Steel City Runners Club today. I'm running again with them in two weeks and maybe once before that.

For now, I'm just going to try to stay motivated and not get to down on myself because of my pace. I just want to finish my first half-marathon!

I think I can. I think I can.

Sometimes I surprise myself.

Today's training plan, according to my half marathon guru Hal Higbon, said I needed to run four miles. Plus I need to make up for a strength and stretching session that I missed earlier in the week.

Well, I ended up completing both but I ran 6.1 miles instead of 4 miles. I was pretty impressed with myself.

Granted, I know my pace time wasn't the greatest. I started out pretty fast. I blame Pandora's poor song line-up and too many intersections for my bad time.

Maybe one of my sisters or friends with an awesome collection of music on their iTunes would want to load my phone or iPod with some sweet running jams. It would be much appreciated!

Tomorrow is my first official training run with the Steel City Runners. I'm a little nervous. I'm not a runner. I'm a wannabe runner. It's 7 miles. That will be the most I have done so far.

Plus, I'm a little lost without my running partner who is in London getting married this weekend. OK, that's a good excuse but I miss you Amy!

Positive thoughts. I can do it. I might just be slow.

So, here's to 7 miles!