Happy Saturday Half

Stats for 2/6:
Time- 2:02
13.17- Miles
9:17- Pace
Started at 36' cold but clear. As we ran it warmed up for a PERFECT running day.

I pulled in at 7:40ish because I wanted to have time to use the facilities and stretch. Not 1 minute later Zoe pulled in :) I am not sure when she took the picture above. I am a BIG FAN of un-posed photos, thanks Zoe!

The Fleet Feet group gathered waiting for announcements. I noticed the pack seemed smaller, every week new faces but I was sad to see the mini crowd, I hope this is not due to injuries. My plan said 12 but I wanted to do 13.1 to prepare for the Million Inch Run (15.78 miles) next weekend. We stood around chatting. TOUGH Zoe opted for short sleeves and no gloves, at 36'!! I was bundled up in my Golite hoody, Sugoi tights and Bondiband which kept my ears warm and I was carrying my Golite bottle and wearing Nike gloves. I am having soooo much fun with matching the Bondibands :)

We linked up with Janna and set out. My knee was stiff at first, but after a mile felt amazing. My legs feel strong, I have had very little soreness during this training. Miles passed quickly, with chatter including a Dumb and Dumber gloves reference, counting how many times Janna said "Butt" (8 total) and admiring the tan legs of a fellow runner. We passed the Water skier lake, again with a boat and skier. The worn house nearby had a loud barking dog behind a makeshift fence. We realized quickly what Mama Dog was defending, the most PRECIOUS brown and black puppies were playing near the front door. I joked about stealing one and running while holding it on the way back.

Up next the HILL! Not to brag but my new attitude about HILLS is helping me ROCK! We zoomed up and enjoyed the water stop at the top. ANNOUNCEMENT: My Garmin has a new name ZAG, for my Alma mater Gonzaga. When we set out to go down the hill Zoe reminded me to start "Zag." Zag and Gus played very well together chiming at nearly the same intervals. At one point we were running behind Jen and Tammy (sp?) and Zag said we were going 10:30 pace, so I passed them pulling Janna and Zoe with me.... Only to realize it was Garmin gremlins and we were actually trekking at 9:15 pace... OOPS!! Sorry ladies!!

One of the Fleet Feet coaches linked in with us worried about our pace. I have been running just over 9 minute mile pace for long runs for over a year, I do not plan on changing. She talked to us about relaxing our arms and staying injury free, very good tips. Funny when she was with us we were running 8:30 pace, it was like we sped up while she was talking.
Lioness Janna (she has a CRAZY mane when she runs) ran ahead and started snapping pictures. I focused on lifting my legs so it looked like I was moving. The photo-op mile was our slowest, but we laughed a lot. We talked about Sam and thought he may have relocated for Love. Then with about a mile to go there he was!!

Sam our Bald Eagle friend! Thanks for coming to the finish line buddy. Running bird watching is becoming one of my FAVORITE pass times. We glided into the finish, both Janna and Zoe have good kicks at the end, which will HELP me as I get S-L-O-W-E-R toward the end.
Self portrait. We stood and chatted while friends passed by. We talked to Angie, a friend from high school, about her 5 month old baby and training while breast feeding. She was inspired by my blog to start running and is passing on her passion to others. That made me soo happy! Then Melissa (HERE), another high school buddy, passed running with a BIG DOG, she was mid-way through her 6.2 mile run....GOOD WORK Melissa and Angie!! Zoe must have thought I knew everyone on the trail, it was just funny timing.

We ran 13.1 miles, a Half Marathon for training. It was a GREAT way to start a Saturday. Huge thanks to Zoe, Janna and the Fleet Feet training peeps. I can't stop smiling thinking about these longs runs and can hardly wait for the Million Inch Run next weekend. We are already planning our outfits since it is the day before Valentines :)

HAPPY SUNDAY!

PS. I am floored by the response to the Recovery Socks Giveaway!! There is still time to enter if you haven't..