The History...

I've been wanting to organize my running experiences is some form, so a blog seemed appropriate. I don't know if anyone will read this - maybe its more just for me. But I have just decided to start training for my first marathon (12 weeks to half marathon and then 12 more weeks to full!). This blog will (at least for the time being) focus on my run to the marathon. My first goal is the Tri-cities half marathon on Sunday, February 26, 2012. My goal is to complete it under an 8:00 mile or under 1:44:48. After that I plan to find a marathon to run in late April/early May. Let the training begin!

For the sake of a bit of history, below is the highlights of my short running career which began March 8, 2011. It includes my 5K training, 10K training, several races and of course, the Cascade Lakes Relay where I injured my knee and had to take about 3 months off running - ok, I still ran a bit, probably why it took 3 months to heal!

11/11/11 Decide its finally time to start Half Marathon Training with a 2 mile run - first run with no knee pain since injury

10/8/11 First race since injury: a 5K fun run (BBCC Dollar Dash) at 21:24 (a 7:00 mile). Some knee pain, but second overall and first in my category

9/26/11 Physical Therapist gives me the clear to start running (jogging really) again!

9/15/11 Finally agree to see the physical therapist - Bruce is a miracle worker!

9/9/11 Finally agree to see the doctor, just gives me meds and says "I suggest you try a physical therapist too"

8/27/11 First run of 5K since injury - in 24:57 - lots of knee pain!

8/15/11 First run of 1 mile since injury - 11:51 - lots and lots of knee pain!

8/6-7/11 Compete in Cascade Lake Relay - My legs were 7.5 miles, 6.6 miles, and 7.5 miles. Hurt my knee on the second leg (Bursitis??), the third leg killed the knee (couldn't walk or do stairs without lots of pain). This began a 3 month period of almost no running as I healed - But I finished!

7/28/11 I changed legs on the CLR relay, so I run the new legs in a practice run: 21.4 miles in three legs in 2:43:54 or a 7:39 mile.

7/23/11 Last time through my original legs of the CLR relay: 19.03 miles in 2:20:30 or a 7:22 mile!

7/16/11 First time through my original legs of the CLR relay: 18.98 miles in 2:21:24 or a 7:27 mile!

7/14/11 Set a new 10K record (not a race so its not official): 40:06 or a 6:27 mile!

6/25/11 Finally hit my 5K goal of under 20 min (lots of downhill and not a race so its not official): 19:20 or a 6:20 mile!

6/20/11 First 10K not on the treadmill: 45:34 or a 7:21 mile

6/18/11 Ran in East Oregonian River Run 5K: 20:06 or a 6:28 mile. Good for 4th overall and 3rd in my category (in the rain!).

6/23/11 First 10K ever: 53:04 or a 8:33 mile

6/11/11 Second 5K Race - Moses Lake Run for Your Life: 20:42 or a 6:39 mile. Good for third overall but first in my age category!

5/28/11 First race ever - a 5K at the Moses Lake Spring Fest: 20:23 or a 6:33 mile. Good for 10th overall and 2nd in my category. I've caught the bug... I may never get enough of this running thing and begin searching for more races to compete in!

5/8/11 Begin a 10K training program

3/29/11 First 5K ever in 32:58, a 10:36 mile.

3/8/11 I decide to start running on the treadmill to get in shape. I download a 5K training app for my Ipod touch so I have a goal - The first workout is 60 seconds of jogging followed by 90 seconds of walking (10 times!), I thought I was going to die. I had no idea how much I would end up enjoying running or where it would lead!