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Sunday, February 14, 2010

I *heart* 13.1 ... My Valentine's Day Half Marathon


Well, I wanted to run 10-12 miles today as my last long run for my half marathon in three weeks. I wanted to really push myself, since the kids usually think it's a big party in the basement while I'm running and I tend to have a lot of company and take a lot of snack breaks for the kids. I told hubby that I wanted to use our YMCA membership (for something other than the kids' swimming lessons!) and get my long run in at the Y on Sunday (Valentine's Day) morning.

So, the kiddos woke us up before 7AM, came in our bed looking for their gifts. We exchanged gifts and cards and had pink heart-shaped pancakes. At 9:00, I headed out the door. The YMCA opened at 9:00 and there weren't too many people there 15 mins after they opened. I got one of the "prime" treadmills that overlooks the gym and there was an older couple practicing ballroom dancing. Five miles passed quickly while watching them ... quite entertaining. I don't run with headphones, because I get so darn sweaty and they fall out of my ears. At home, I crank up the tv, but you need headphones at the Y to hear what's on the flat screen tvs. So, I just people watch and write to-do lists in my head, to let the miles pass. At mile five, I stopped the treadmill, because the gym was getting busy and people were waiting for my machine (I was obviously over my 30 min max). The machines also automatically shut off after an hour, so I thought I should while I knew exactly how many miles I had in.

So I stopped and moved across the gym to a different machine. Less people-watching and even though it said it was at zero-incline, it felt like I was constantly running up hill. The treadmills around me kept freeing up and people hopped on, so I didn't feel too pressured to jump off. I ended up getting in 6.6 miles in the hour on treadmill #2, before it automatically stopped. I felt great and realized I had 11.6 miles in and was at 6.6 (my usual comfortable pace) MPH the entire time. I realized that if I only put in 1.5 more miles that I would have a full half marathon (13.1 miles) in. Go! I cranked it up to 7.0 MPH for a mile and the 8.0 MPH for the last .5 mile. I felt phenomenal when I hit the stop button. I just ran a whole half marathon on the treadmill and I could've gone quite a bit further. I love workouts like that, that don't seem so difficult. It was a nice break from the dreadmill in our basement and felt more "social" even though I didn't say a word to anyone.

I downed a bottle of water, a bottled of G2 Gaterade and a pack of Clif Shot Blocks during my entire time at the YMCA and felt great on my 1/4 mile cool-down walk.

The half marathon is my absolute favorite distance. And, I really didn't mind doing it on the treadmill this morning. Crazy.

HAPPY VALENTINE'S DAY!

24 comments:

  1. Nice job on the 13.1 on the treadmill! People watching is always a good way to pass the time while running to nowhere on a treadmill.

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  2. oh wow, awesome for you! I have never enjoyed running on the treadmill, ran or shine, it's pavement for me!
    That is wonderful that you were able to let your mind entertain you and stay focused!!!

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  3. That is a great feeling to finish a distance and know you have more in the tank. That is awesome! Have a great Valentine's Day!

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  4. That sounds absolutlely fabulous - well done on the 13.1! What a great day you've had already. Happy Valentine's Day!

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  5. A whole half on a dreadmill? Way to go!!!

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  6. Good job! I have a similar problem with head phones but found if I get really cheap ones that go over my ears, they stay in place.

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  7. I can't even imagine doing that distance on the treadmill! GREAT JOB! You are my inspiration!

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  8. Way to go... I cannot manage more than 5 on the mill.

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  9. Great treadmill run! You are going to rock Disney!

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  10. Awesome! I can't even begin to comprehend 13.1 on the treadmill. Although, mine faces a cement wall, so there isn't much to see. I just joined a gym, so it will be interesting to see if the treadmill time there is more fun. I also LOVE to people watch. :)

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  11. Woo Princess half here we come! {:-D

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  12. Way to go!!!!! Keep up the good work; looks like you are super prepared for your race!

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  13. A half on a treadmill - way to go, that's awesome! You are ready for Disney.

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  14. wow - a half marathon on a treadmill - that is mind blowing! The most I have ever done on the treadmill was 8 miles (on 8-8-8!)
    You are going to have a great time at the Princess ( I did it last year with my mom and sister Jenny and had a blast!)

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  15. WOW! I have never ran that far on a treadmill and with no headphones too. You truly ROCK! Way to go and you are going to do Awesome at Disney!

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  16. Wow, what a great run! I have my long 10-mile run on the treadmill today. Your post is motivating me to get going. Thanks!

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  17. Wow! What an inspiration, I've been using the cold and treadmill only option as an excuse to not get in my longer runs. You have motivated me!

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  18. Way to go on the treadamill run! I'm with you - I love the 1/2 marathon!

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  19. happy valentine's day to u as well!!

    great job on the treadmill!!! wow!

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  20. Awesome job. Very impressive to do a half marathon on the treadmill at the gym. I hate mill hopping :)!

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  21. Consider yourself tagged. See my blog.

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  22. Nice job on the treadmill with the half!! :)

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