This week, we took it pretty easy so there's no way I could develop hip pain again before tomorrow. So, I did a quick 2.25 mile run on the treadmill before a quick floor workout with Katie on Wednesday, and just got back from a 3-mile run with Jon around the neighborhood. Christina, my neighbor at home (who also happens to be a kick-ass runner and blogger @ Just Running), picked up our race bibs for us the other day, so we're all set. Jon and I are also hoping to go down and check out the expo this afternoon if possible.
As for tomorrow, I'm a mix of excited and nervous. I really do think running a full 13.1 miles in training a few weeks back has helped ease my nerves considerably. I never have understood why for shorter races (i.e. not marathons and up) they don't have you run the full distance at a slow pace in training. Though, seeing how that run went has led me to develop two possible goals for tomorrow:
If I'm feeling good (i.e. no excruciating hip pain unlike my training 13.1) my goal is 2:45:00. According to Cool Running's pace calculator, that's an average pace of 12:35. My average pace for last weekend's pain-free 9-miler was 12:33 (with a quick potty break), so this seems like a really attainable goal. Since it's my first half ever, I don't want to get too ambitious and really just want to get out there and enjoy the distance and complete the race (I already have a few others on my radar too!)
If my hip starts hurting really badly like it did in my 13.1mi training run, my goal is sub-3h. My training run for the half distance was really painful and I had to stop a few times to try and stretch, get some water, cry, and limp and finished in 3:01:14 with an average pace of 13:10.
I know that in a race setting, I'll be able to push myself harder than I was alone on a training run, so these goals could probably be lower times, but I really want to set myself up for a great day tomorrow, so there they are.
The weather is supposed to be:
So, it's going to be a beautiful, brisk day. Since the race starts early, I'm going to wear my winter running tights and either my winter running turtleneck or a shirt layered with my lined running jacket, not sure yet about my gloves. There are 6 aid/fluid stations on the course, so I won't be running with my hydration belt (so that'll make me a lot lighter than both of my training runs), so that'll help too.
All in all, I really think I'm ready for this. I feel like I'm in a really great place and am already looking at some other races next year. Who knows!
Forgot to roll the first batch in the cinnamon sugar mixture, but they were still YUMMY!
Made the rest of the balls and put them in the freezer for almost-instant home-baked cookies when we want them.
The recipe was great--I followed two suggestions in the comments though: added 1tsp vanilla and baked them at 300º for 20 minutes instead of 350º for 10. They came out perfectly soft and were STILL soft when I had one this morning. This recipe is DEFINITELY a keeper!
On that note, off to pack for Cincinnati for tomorrow! Wish me luck!
Cookies for breakfast? I love it!!!
ReplyDeleteIt sounds like you picked great goals, and congrats on meeting your A-goal! I can't wait for the recap!