Half marathon obsessing.

Oh, yes. It is true. I'm just hanging out, obsessing over what I can't control: Sunday's weather.

It's a useless exercise. But I can't help myself.

Fortunately, the last time I checked the forecast, there was a 70% chance of rain on Sunday, with a projected high of 48. So, seeing the chance of rain go down to 50% and the high increase to 52 makes me happy. I'm hoping tomorrow the chance of rain will decrease yet again! Fingers crossed.

Of course, now I'm in a bit of a holding pattern regarding my race outfit. Running skirt? Capris? Long-sleeved top? Who knows?!? Not me. Not yet, anyway.

In other news, today is my last run before the race. Enjoy the rest, legs!

What kind of outfit would you wear for a race where the start temperature 

will likely be around 45 degrees? 

Thanks for stopping by!

~ Felice

Soup's on! (giveaway)

I have a soup-er giveaway going on over at my other blog. You can check it out HERE.

The giveaway goes through Monday, October 8th -- be sure to check it out!

~ Felice

September recap.

Wow, September flew by. I guess that's what happens when your first child heads off to kindergarten -- time starts to really fly.

And fly it did. With the rush of school starting, the peak of half-marathon training, my first-of-two fall half-marathons, and some work deadlines, the month was a whirlwind. And it shows in my mileage.

Here's what September looked like for me:

Running (miles): 81.6 
Races: 1 -- the ZOOMA Cape Cod half-marathon
Cross training (sessions): lots -- at least two a week
Planks: one a day!

Eh, so, my mileage was hardly over 80. What can you do? The cool thing about this month's mileage is that it kicked me over 1000 for the year -- I ended September with 1021.9 miles so far in 2012. It means nothing, really. But I think it is cool.

My goal for October is to run strong in my half on Sunday, continue my daily planks, and ratchet up my cross-training. With no major races on my schedule after October 7th, I think some concentrated cross training will do my body good.

That's my plan, at least.

Happy October, everyone!

~ Felice

Race week . . . take 2!

It's race week. Again!

Just two weeks ago I was getting excited for the ZOOMA half marathon and now here I am starting race week again. This time, I'm gearing up for the Mohawk-Hudson half marathon on Sunday.

I have no idea what to expect. After having such a hard time in the ZOOMA half, I'm having doubts about Sunday's race. When I originally signed up for the half, I wanted to go after a PR. And, honestly, I'd still like to run one. But, I'm worried that I don't have it in me right now.

My current half marathon PR is 1:48:27. Do I still have that in my legs? I don't know. I really don't.

Although . . . I've noticed something about my recent races. In looking over my times and experiences, a pattern has emerged. And it is making me wonder.

Take a look:

UP! -- In May I ran a strong, PR-setting marathon in 3:56:37.

UP! -- Then, in June I set a new 5K PR: 22:43

down -- In July, I struggled through the Boilermaker 15K. It was a tough, tough race for me and I didn't run very well.

UP! -- I followed that with a great race at the Clove Run 10-mile race, finishing second female overall.

UP! -- And at the end of August, I lowered my 5K PR yet again, to 22:42.

down  -- Two weeks ago, I struggled through the ZOOMA half.

So, based on that pattern, I should have a good race on Sunday, right? I mean, it looks like two UPs are in order following last week's down. At least according to my limited analysis. I guess I'll find out if that's true on Sunday.

In the meantime, I'm tapering. I logged some decent runs last week and I felt great on Saturday when I ran a nice, steady-paced 6 miler. I hope to go in to the race with confidence. I plan to spend this week building it!

Thanks for reading -- have a great week!

~ Felice