Long Beach Half and Finally Home!

Last week (actually exactly a week from today) I ran the Long Beach half marathon.  It was such a fast course and I was ecstatic to PR with a 1:36:15.  I did not think I could shave off 5 minutes of my RNR San Diego time of 1:41:35, but it happened!  I've decided that I'll be training for the Surf City full marathon on February 3rd, and hopefully start doing trail runs with A Running Experience Club (based in Long Beach.)  http://www.arec-lb.com/

(in the white, not blue)

I FINAAALLLLY made a trip back to my home town; Chico.  When I arrived, it was the first day that the weather started to cool off.  Looks like the temperature should be heating up again in Chico when I head back to Southern California, but at least I got a little feel of a TRUE fall.

Got to love running in the home town.  The smells, the sights, and the neighborhoods just bring back to many comforting memories.

(excuse my finger...)

A friend had a bet going that he couldn't run 10 miles without walking (under an hour and a half), so I told him that I would help to pace him and keep him going!  Pacing in the mid-high 8's, he completed the task!  Talking at the same time.  Totally worth the 40 bucks.  You rocked Daniel!

October Goals

Quick post to list:

Goals for October

1- believe hard work will pay off for a PR on the 7th (completed!)

2- decide next race/ training plan to go by (already have some ideas... ;)

Surf City Marathon- Feb. 3rd-? (decided on!)

Rock N' Roll Arizona Marathon- Jan. 20th-?

3- plan a greattt 18th birthday for my sister (done!)

4- talk with advisors for next semesters classes (scheduled for Halloween... why then Michelle??)

5- come up with the BEST/ORIGINAL Halloween costume to make up for past years of SLACKING (currently still slacking)

6- learn more about myself

7- find a way to use my strengths to benefit others

A Tapered Long Run

I figured I should jot down a few things about my (tapered) long run this past week.  Since the Long Beach half marathon is on October 7th, I was able to fit in time to a 10 miler the Thursday the week before.  A "good feeling" run is the best! It is definitely the kind of run that gives you the push to continue training.

I averaged a 8:34 pace through out the 10 miles, mile 1 was the only one a little over 9 minutes (for a warm-up!)  I knew I could keep a mid-8s pace fairly easily, but always find myself jogging along in the 9's during a LR.  This run gave me confidence during the end of training, which is what I needed!

Now I just can't get sick/injured... Last time I will mention that, do not want to jinx it!

Problem: I find myself singing outloud quite frequently during runs... the trouble is that I have headphones on and know that people probably can hear me. There is no reason I should ever be allowed to sing in public unless I'm surrounded by others singing and can appropriately blend in. Therefore, this needs to stop.

This post is a reminder for me that LRs don't always have to be dreaded!

It's strange how your mentality changes when increasing milage. While training for a 10K, a 12 mile run sounded HORRIBLE. At this stage of training for a half, a 10 miler sounds like it will go by quickly. Anything less than an hour and a half sounds amazing to me. As long as some good fuel will be included post-run. Maybe some chocolate to wash it all down? ;)

AND YES I RECOMMEND THIS!
Fudge Brownie? yes.
Froyo? yes.
3.5 (or something like that) servings? no.

Awkward First Post

Helllllo all. I am Michelle with a last name that a select few know how to pronounce (on the first try).  A first post is so awkward- so I'm just going to jump to the point.  I am here to talk all things running, food, fun, life, chocolate (on a whole other level from food), school, and probably sushi (another craving that comes way to often.)  I'd love to get to know others from blogging!
I strive to live a healthy and happy life and have a passion for nutrition and exercise. Everything in moderation! But sometimes a little too much chocolate isn't a bad thing?...?

Hopefully as time goes on you will get to see who I am, but in the meantime, here are some pictures for your enjoyment.

I will be running the Long Beach half marathon coming up October 7th, has anyone else been training for it?