Just run.

You know that old saying, "never say never?" Well, not too long ago, I would often tell others that I could "never" run, or that I never ran.  Fast forward three years, and I have been running intervals for over a year and a half.  Now I am running more than ever before.

Small steps, trying to run a mile without walking - check.  Run 2 miles with minimal walking - check.

I am learning that while I have said "never" in the past, I am not letting my former thoughts about myself slow me down.  Just run Julie!

Sunshine State Half

Whew! The race started out great! Started feeling it my calves in mile 6 or so.  But mile 9 my tummy was a bit upset.  I had to use the restroom so I told Jill to keep going.  I got sick in the porta potty, always a joy.

My final time was 2h49m.  So far my best time! I am pleased.  163 miles so far this year!

High Hopes for the Half!

It's Half Marathon Eve!! I am all packed and ready to go.  This is my first time to participate in the Sunshine State Races in WPB and their 2nd year in existence.  I am really looking forward to running with my sis in law Jill.  She and I have been training together since October.  

This will be really my first race in which I feel very confident that I can complete the race using intervals.  Prior to this race, I would often allow myself more walk breaks.  Since Jill and I have been training, long runs together on Saturdays, we have not allowed ourselves much leeway when it comes to skipping intervals.

I am so hopeful that this will be my best time ever.  Dare I say it?? PR!!!

This is Jill's first half, and I know she will do great! We are looking forward to enjoying the views on the course and the warmer morning temperatures.  

Wanted to update my 2013 mileage so far too: As of today, I am at 147 miles completed.  I am on track! YAY!

Thank you for all your encouragement!

On track

In order to reach my goal this year of 1000 miles, I need to maintain approximately 83.3 miles a month.  As of today, I have completed 81 miles in January.  Feels great to know I have 6 days to complete the last few miles, knowing I will have excess!

Really excited that a few friends are taking the plunge and have begun training to do the Women's Half Marathon with me in November.  It is awesome to see friends set goals and work hard to reach them!

734.43!

My mileage for 2012: 734.43!! YAY, I surpassed my mileage for 2011, and that was my goal.  2013? Well, my sights are set on 1000 miles.  I can do it!

Best month: December=102.66 miles
Worst month: July=43.47 miles

This is just one of many goals that I have.  What are your goals?

Well, as of this morning my mileage is 723.65 for the year.  Last year, my mileage was 732.05.  I am just 9 miles from exceeding my mileage from last year! WHOO HOO!! This is doable!

This morning I met Jill and we did 9.1 miles in 1h53m.  I was slowing down the last 4 miles.  I had a stitch in my side from the get-go, and then a charlie horse! But we did not skip any intervals.

I think I can!

Well, the end of the year is just a few days away.  I knew from summer on, that I was not going to make my 1000 miles this year goal.  So my new goal became surpassing my mileage from last year.  Here we are, a few days away from the end of the year, and I am still like 18 miles short.

But I am not giving up.  My training schedule called for 30 minute run today.  I did 2.55 miles.  I am going to take our dog, Ginny Mac, out for a walk.  Those miles count too.

Please wish me luck.  I am DETERMINED to reach this goal.  And 2013.. watch out.  1000 miles is your fate.