95+ mile week

I am starting to build on mileage to begin preparing for the journey of training for my first full marathon.  That is 26.2 miles for anyone that might not know how many actual miles that is and here in Southwest Kansas that is a lot of open prairie.  In other parts of the running world it might not seem as far because there are other runners, cyclists and so much to look at as you go that kind of distance.  Here, I've only come across one other runner and she was 1 mile from my house early last spring, ONCE!  Here, I think I've met two cyclists over the past 2 years for maybe a total of three times.  Here, I see nothing but pasture land and fields with crops or crops that have been harvested waiting a season before they are planted once again.  Here, I may spot a coyote just up a head of me, I've had to wait for a snake or two to cross in front of me, I've seen deer and just this week I met up with a badger that wanted in his home that was between he and I.  (I say he, who knows!)  So those 26.2 miles of training for the next 16 weeks may get a tad lonely, a tad dreary, and I may have to fight the mental more than once, but I'm ready! 

This past week my Mister has been out of town and that gave me some extra time to spend with friends on some nice long bike rides.  What a great way to cross train, build my cadence, my stamina & endurance, spend time with friends and enjoy fresh air.  I thought what a great opportunity to begin working on some mileage and not have all of it pounding my body right off the bat as I go into training mode.  But for my body/mind to begin to adjust to the time spent doing an activity.  I actually have about another week before my training really needs to kick into gear so this next week I may taper back down again and then truly begin so I don't have major burn out.  But this week was a blast!!  Between the miles I ran hitting just over 30 and then acquiring a total of 65 miles on my bike made for a great week. [I wished I would have snapped a picture of Meghan and I on Saturday after our bike ride and then this afternoon of Chloe and I, but it just didn't happen.  You can read here about my 30 mile bike ride on Thursday.] I was within reach of 100 miles on my body for the past seven days but the funny thing is that I'm ok with that.  I don't need to go for a 5m run tonight, or hop back on my bike, or take a 5 mile walk.  And for those of you that really know me may find that hard to believe, but it is so true.  It just gives me something to strive for perhaps towards the end of my training period.  But to think I had a 95 mile week seems so unbelievable and I really feel good! 

Thought I would share a few pictures with you and a short explanation of my weekend:

This is my friend, Sheila.  She and I have been friends for over 35 years and we lost touch for awhile because of moves and life itself.  Then we were able to reconnect due to Face Book.  My husband thinks Face Book is the root of all evil, and I tend to think there is some truth there because people get jealous and drama takes place, BUT...it can also be a good thing.  Sheila and I hadn't seen one another in 29 years and we met up Friday for lunch as she had traveled home from Missouri for a long weekend.  Thanks Sheila for making time with your busy trip to include me!!  Lets not wait another 29 years to spend quality face to face time! 

Saturday was the Longhorn Stampede 5k/10k in Holcomb, Kansas.  I knew I was signing up for the 10k and had the burning desire to use this particular race to pr as this was the very event from last year that had been my best 10k time ever.  Then on June 1st I pr'd at the Hoof it to Health 10k so I wasn't really sure what Saturday would hold for me.  My friend, Kelley, who happens to be a member of the small running group I participate with went to sign up for this event she asked me if I was doing the 5k or 10k.  I text her back and said 10k, her response: naturally!  She stepped way out of her comfort zone and ran her first 10k on Saturday!  She did an amazing job and I wonder now if I can convince her to try a half marathon??  (WINK!)

I also participate with a running and cycling group thanks to Patty from the Holcomb/Garden City area and this picture was taken after the awards ceremony for the Longhorn Stampede.  Gina placed first in her age division, Patty placed second and I placed first as well in my age division, all having raced the 10k event.  Great job ladies!!!  (This was also a new pr for me by 36 seconds over last week and a full minute and 16 seconds over last year.  Ever needed to run another minute on the treadmill, it can seem like a long time!)

I also was totally shocked as they called my name having placed third female overall in the 10k earning myself a new jacket that will be sporting the event name and logo as well as my name.  Thanks Dan, Brian, Holcomb Wellness Center & Sponsors for such a well run race and great prizes.