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For those of you in NJ, you know the past two days has brought some ugly weather. I decided to bundle up, brave the rain and wind and go for a run up at the track.

After running the half mile to the track, I was a bit shocked to see someone else had the same “brilliant” idea as me. To the lady running around the track for most of the time I was there, you were very motivating and definitely Runspirational. I have no idea who you are and we did not speak, but your grit and determination helped me fight through the elements today and finish my 6.09 miles in a faster time than expected.

Before I went out the door, I decided I was just going to run today. No looking at my watch, at my pace every other second, just run the over 6 miles until I was done. I covered up my FitBit Surge and away I went.

I totally had thoughts of what the hell am I doing out here in this weather, you could’ve done this on the treadmill, you’re going to be soaked when you get home, I hope my new shoes come soon these things might be water logged for days. LOL. The conversations we have with ourselves. Don’t worry, I had someone positive ones too like this will pay off for the New Jersey Half Marathon. If you go faster, you’ll get home faster. They never said it would be easy, but it’s well worth it. Keep going, you got this. And you know what, I did.

I ended up running the 6.09 miles in 58:36 for a 9:37 pace according to my FitBit Surge.

I had to ring out my gloves four times to get all of the water and sweat out. I was soaked but I was happy. Happy that I pushed it. Happy that I was Inspired to Run and who knows maybe I inspired the other runner.

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What a way to start off the week. Brutal wind gusts up over 50 mph and rain here in NJ. Not exactly the safest conditions to run outside in.  When I saw large trees knocked down, branches falling, and items being blown into the roads, I thought twice. I didn’t want to be like Dorothy in the Wizard of Oz, floating around in the wind. So, I decided today was a good day to go to the gym and hit the treadmill.

I woke up a tiny bit sore still from Saturday’s long 8.05 mile run but not bad at all. I was expecting to be more sore. I knew the easier paced, shorter distance run scheduled would do the trick and it did.

I went to the gym, hopped on the treadmill, put some U2 on, and went to work. Walked for 3 minutes, then ran for 43 minutes and walked for 4 minutes. I ran 4.45 miles and did a total of 4.85 miles. I worked up a hell of a sweat too. Felt really good.

I had to hold myself back from cranking up the speed. I’m still teaching myself that not everyone run I do has to be a buckle up hell on wheels run. I’m learning the importance of keeping my legs fresh. Getting there.

 

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I like to make Saturday mornings my long run days. I prefer to use Sunday as a complete rest day. It’s the one day a week I take off completely. Currently, I run four times a week and do low impact cross training, like the elliptical, two times a week. I’m able to work out each day during the work week, so I prefer taking Sunday off completely to spend with my family.

I’ve been building my base before I start my 12 week half marathon training program for the upcoming New Jersey Half Marathon. I’ve been mixing in runs on the treadmill, roads, and up at the high school track.

This Saturday, I tried a new route and ran for 8.05 miles. I started out running on the road for half mile up to the high school. I then ran a half mile around the track and went back to the road. The next mile was all up hill. I then ran into the park were it’s mostly rolling small hills. I love being able to take in the beautiful park scenery, seeing others walking their dogs, or running.

Side note, isn’t it the best to pass other runners on the road? It’s like a family. I always make sure I wave and smile at other runners, no matter how I’m feeling during that run. I get an extra jolt too. It’s really kind of Runspirational :o)

Back to the run. I came out of the park and had a steady uphill to conquer on the course. Such a great feeling to make it to the top and hit a flat part. It sucks while you’re doing it, but it’s so worth it.

I was feeling great and approached the high school around mile 5. I decided to do another lap around the track. It was nice to do .75 miles on the softer surface.

Back out to the road and I hit the final steep but not that long of a hill. I hit it and felt like my speed wasn’t what it could be. I said to myself, come on, you got this. It’s not that long. The fastest you go, the fastest it’s done. It’s amazing the conversations we have with ourselves when running.

When I hit mile 6, I could feel it in my legs. I think my legs are used to runs ending around 6 – 6 .5 miles. Last Saturday, I ran 7.1 miles. That was the longest I’d ever run prior to this Saturday. It’s amazing how our muscles and mind can be so conditioned and you just need to change things up and push them to the next level.

I was able to dig deep and kept pushing. I kept checking my pace as I didn’t want it to dip to slow. When I hit the last .15 prior to my house, I really kicked it into high gear. I try and train to always add a sprint kick at the end so when I race, I know I can push it for the last, short distance to the finish line.

The weather was kind of blah, but the temp was good and it wasn’t snowing or raining. Very good running weather if you ask me.

 

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A torn Achilles tendon. That’s basically the root as to where the story begins for Runspirational.com.  The short story is I didn’t care to run, especially really long distances, until after I tore my Achilles tendon in two places. That was rock bottom. I felt horrible from not even walking for a couple of months. No movement at all can make your body feel extremely terrible.

On my 34th birthday, I was far enough along in my rehab that I was allowed to finally run. I remember thinking to myself, if I can run 5 or 10 minutes that will be huge. I ended up going for 20 minutes on the treadmill. It was a birthday gift from my mind. It served as my first Runspirational moment.

After that, I decided I needed something to train for. I found an 8K, the Ashenfelter Classic, that was close to home. The race was on Thanksgiving morning. It also happened to be one year exactly since my Achilles surgery. I thought, it’s not going to be easy, but I’m going to do this. I’m going to work hard, train my body and mind, and I’m going to finish this race. I did and I beat my goals.

There is more to the story, including a home renovation, birth of my son, new PRs, back surgery, and the decision to take on a half marathon. You can read up on it in the About Me section.

Hopefully, if nothing else, this website will be a part of your Runspirational journey. Just know, I’m rooting for you.

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