So...it's been awhile. Since my last post I finished that training plan and started a new one in January. To be honest, it became a lot harder towards the end of my first training plan last fall. It had nothing to do with the physical aspect of running. It was much more mental. I took a day off here and there and that turned into laziness and apathy. So I made a new plan in January. But I didn't stick to it. However, I did keep running. I just wasn't as diligent in my training. 
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All of this training and non-training led up to the big day last weekend: My first half-marathon. I had done a 10 mile run in early January (just to prove to myself that I could) and some 6 and 8 mile runs over the last few weeks but I went in nervous and underprepared. My goal was 2.5 hours which meant running at about an 11.5 minute pace. Results? 2:29:30. I did it! Not only did I complete my first half marathon, but I came in under my goal time. 

Now I get to run for fun. And I'm not really sure what that means. Since I started running last year I've always had goals: complete a 5K, run a faster 5K, complete a 10K, complete a half-marathon. Now what? I supposed I could always try to run faster and farther, but I've honestly grown a little bored with it. I do still enjoy running though. So I'll continue. 

Currently I'm really enjoying getting other people into running. If I can do it (and lose 60 pounds in the process) than anyone can! I honestly couldn't run more than a few yards when I started less than a year ago and I ran a consistent 13.1 miles last weekend. I'm challenging my students and there families to join me in the AAZK Zoo Run on May 19th. I ran this one last year and it's a lot of fun. There's a 5K that runs through the zoo but there are shorter races for younger kids as well. This one is fun for the whole family and I really hope to get a lot of students out there!

Until next time...keep running!

 
A lot has happened in the last two weeks!
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A few days after my last post I ran my first 10K. My ideal (and unrealistic goal) was to finish under 60 minutes. This is just a little better than a 10 minute/mile pace and my average pace for long runs until that point had been closer to 12 minutes. To my surprise, I finished in 63 minutes and maintained a 10 minute/mile pace for 6.2 miles!

It was a great race and I really enjoyed running the longer distance. It seemed like more of a 'runners race', as though people had trained more and there were more serious people at this one than the 5Ks I have previously run. Looking forward to some more 10Ks in the future!

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I also went on my first trail run this weekend. It was a pretty relaxed three mile trek, but after already running almost 20 miles this week it was a good workout. The route56 band led worship for a retreat at this amazing camp this weekend and a few hours after our trail run I found myself doing the "hike to the cross" with some of the students. As we prepared for the somewhat simple hike we were told that there was a second cross that the students weren't allowed to hike to because it was too high and dangerous. Man challenge accepted. Along with the other guys from the band we began the arduous journey up the mountain. After a good hike we found ourselves literally scaling rock walls and at the end I could not believe how high and far we had climbed! The pics really don't do it justice, but believe me when I say it was quite a journey!

I made the remark to Shauna that my balance and center of gravity has shifted a lot since I've lost weight. I've always been a bit clumsy, but carrying around extra weight really does something to your equilibrium. This was the first real challenge I've had since losing 50 pounds and I was really impressed at what my body could do. Definitely something I would want to try again. 

So, now I've got six weeks left for my training program. I ran 7 miles on Friday and though I had some minor complications, I can safely say that the long runs are getting easier. I'm getting more comfortable. I've got a 10 mile Red Nose Run in January before the Half-Marathon in February. I'm looking for a good race in December. I'm headed home (New Orleans) next week and looking forward to doing my 8 mile long run along the levee of the Mississippi River. 

Till next time, keep putting one foot in front of the other.
-shane

 
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I just got back from the Susan G Komen race for the cure and it was my first BIG race. Not sure how many people were actually there and raced but 13,000+ people registered. All of my previous races were with groups of 100-500 people, and there were easily 5000+ at this event. I really liked the intensity and build up of the race. With that many people there is an electricity in the air. 

Now for the downside...With that many people, we didn't actually cross the starting line until at least 10 minutes after the race had begun. This throws off my timing, so I have an unofficial time of about 32 minutes for this race. This race also seemed to be about 80% walkers. I'm all for big events and fitness for all, but they should have segregated runners and walkers. I spent the majority of my three miles dodging walkers and feeling more like a runningback looking for a hole to break through than a runner. Admittedly, this can be fun and it definitely added a challenge to the race and took my mind off of running. There is something very invigorating about running by thousands of people that are walking. 

I look forward to doing this race again next year now that I have a better idea of what to expect. Now, I look forward to my first 10K in November. Back to training!