First long run in a while

Run: Intense. 9.2 miles. 1:25:52 total time. 9:20 min/mile pace. 864 Calories.

I hit the pavement, pathways, and trails this morning with my husband behind me on the bicycle. He was a kind of motivator for me when the going got tough--especially up those hills. My pace was relatively slow...I didn't want to overdue myself considering all of the dizziness I have been experiencing lately. The sleep I had was PHENOMENAL last night, so I woke up feeling very refreshed. I wanted to get to 8 miles at least, but was striving for 10. I crapped out at 9.2, so I guess I was right in between. It was a hard run; the sun was out, the wind was blowing against me, and I wasn't familiar with the terrain. I brought plenty of water and a couple of gel packs, which definitely helped...but it wasn't enough to keep me going.

This run proved a lot to me today; I need to increase my water and carbohydrate intake in order to last longer. I also need a more positive attitude; more times than not I was thinking, "Man, I just need to stop." A mantra is one thing I will invest some critical thinking into. Each step I take will coincide with a positive word to keep me going past the ninth mile. You-Can-Do-This...or something along those lines. Like I said, I need to think about it some more ;) Anyways. It was a good run. Tomorrow is a day off from running, Monday will be spent lifting weights, and Tuesday I will be stomping ground once more.

Saw the Doc today...

...and he attributes my dizziness to the insomnia I have been suffering. I will be taking a prescribed sleeping medication to help with this, so hopefully the dizziness will cease. Viola!

Whoa...I feel dizzy

Run: 6.64 miles, 1:00:19 minutes, 9:04 average pace

So, I did a 6 mile run today. It was my first in a while, and all I remember thinking is, "why isn't this enjoyable to me?" I'm just going to let it go and believe that it's all because I haven't ran in a while and I put on five pounds. Soon enough I will be down to my 118 pounds and working harder and enjoying it more than ever.

To get back on topic: my current runs (3 yesterday and 6 today) have left me in a state of woozy, dizzy, nauseousness. It really sucked. I have been dizzy for two days now and it's making me sick. I don't know if I should attribute it to the running or if it's something different. I am going to the doctor tomorrow morning to hopefully figure out the cause. No matter, I will keep on running. I'm going for an 8 miler this weekend!

I thought moving to North Dakota I wouldn't find very many runners-but I have been proved quite wrong. I already have a training partner for the Air Force Marathon (September 20) who is really pumped up about it. Motivation will keep us fit.

Getting back in the saddle

Run: 3 miles, 23:50 minutes, 8:07 pace

The husband and I are somewhat settled into our new place in Grand Forks, North Dakota. The whole move from Italy proved to be very exhausting. My running suffered from it, but now I am getting back on track...sloooooowly but surely.

I signed up for the Air Force Marathon in Dayton, Ohio last week, so now it's game time. Training started this week. 3 miles today and 3 miles yesterday. Tomorrow we are doing 6. Saturday either 10 or 12.
My body seems to be functioning well. No real pain in any parts of my body--it's a good way to start off training! I found some trails around the town that seem to be good to run on. They are bicycle trails, but can be used for long distant running as well. I'm so psyched to get this thing going!! I love the challenge of running a marathon. Hopefully I can get under 4 hours this time!