400

At the beginning of the year I set a goal to run at least 400k this year.  With today's run in the books I can happily say I have met that goal.  Actually I can say that I have exactly met that goal.  I have logged exactly 400k of running since January 1st!!  I am super proud of that since I am not the greatest when it comes to follow through on those kinds of goals.

What shall I do now that I have reached that goal and have 4.5 months left in the year?  Well increase it of course!  I will now be aiming for a total of 700k for the year.  I figure with Half Marathon training I will likely log another 200k leaving me with 100k for November and December.  I know that I slack of majorly after a race so this will be the motivation to keep going.  Who knows maybe I'll sign up for another race after the Half just for a little extra motivation!

Today's run was one of those sucky ones where you push hard yet can't seem to go any faster.  I was far slower than usual but my lungs were exploding, my legs felt like lead and my brain wanted to stop.  Luckily I am stubborn and kept moving.  I had to stop a couple of times for lights but I made sure to start running again right away.  I also passed a friend on her way to work which was a bit of motivation to keep going.  I don't want to have to explain why I was walking!!  So all in all it was a great day.  I feel good now and have everything packed for the gym tomorrow.

We are heading back to Florida to visit my brother and his family in January and I would love to be down a size or two and have just a touch more space on the plane.  It was a little crowded when a heavier person was sitting beside me and I wanted to have the window which doesn't allow a lot of moving room.  Next time I want to be able to move a little more than I could this time.  I figure if I keep up the mileage running and the trips to the gym I should have no issues with that one.

Sometimes

Sometimes you have to step back and see the little things

Sometimes you have to remember that this whole thing is a journey and not a sprint.  

Sometimes I am amazed at what my body can do now that it couldn't do a few years ago.

I am coming up on my 4 year runiversary.  Looking back I can't even remember what it was like when I couldn't run.  This morning I started the day with a 5k run.  I didn't want to get up but I knew that Saturday would be terrible trying to run 12k if I didn't get up today.  I did it despite the cold that knocked me out for the last few days.  I had to walk a bit because my sinuses filled and I needed to clear them:). Don't worry I had tissues!

Tonight was the last Thursday soccer night of the season.  It was cold and damp.  Not what you expect in August.  I was freezing so I decided to stand for a bit.  Four years ago that wouldn't have happened.  

During Adryanna's game she had to use the washroom.  Her team was very short handed so she needed to be quick.  The washroom isn't far but by the time you walk over, go and walk back it takes a few minutes.  So we ran!  A few years ago I would not have kept up and tonight I felt like I was flying.  It felt great to run the 200m or so each way and not be totally out of breath.  We raced back and I even beat Christina back to the chairs.  She wasn't happy but I was:)

Saturday we have to be on the soccer fields all day.  Two games each for the girls.  I need to run 12k before 9am.  I have no concerns with this.  I will get it done.

Sometimes I look back and think the old Selena would be pretty proud of the new one.

July Update

Well July wasn't my best month for running this year but I am okay with it.  No point in beating myself up over slacking.  I'll pick myself up and get back at it.  I have to if I want to run another half this year.  July's run total is 20k.  Yep that's it!  That doesn't mean I didn't move though.  I was in vacation the first week and everyday had over 10 000 steps.  I went camping twice and walked a lot both of those trips.  Overall I am happy with how the last month has gone.  The last run of July was even in the nasty heat and humidity of Florida!  

August is well underway and training must start for an October race.  My plan has me running 10k tomorrow, I feel a cold starting but hopefully it will be mild enough in the morning that a good run will help it.  From here the mileage just gets longer!

I mentioned Florida and you may be wondering what would possess me to go there at this time of year.  Here is why:

Meet Thomas!!! He is the newest member of my family and he is my nephew:). My brother and his wife live in Florida and he was being born August 1st so my mom and I headed down for a short visit:)

I have even more reason to get and stay in shape now!