I’ve been slacking a bit lately on my blogging but it’s because I’ve been very busy! I’ve been training a lot for the St. Luke’s Half Marathon in April as well as busy with work, redecorating my apartment (priorities!), and I went on a four day vacation with my mom and sister down to Charleston, South Carolina. But no worries, I’ll be back to blogging soon hopefully!

With that said, I managed to run a local 5K yesterday and set an 11-second PR- without trying whatsoever. I’m not trying to brag at all but I went into this race thinking, I’m just going to run it for fun. I’ve been training for my upcoming half marathons so I’m not in 5K shape but I really did surprise myself when I crossed the finish line and saw the shiny new  PR on my watch! If anything it gives me extra confidence for the half because honestly, training hasn’t felt so great lately. Happy running this week!

(Source: Pinterest)

Yesterday, I started my long run around noon. Oops! It was Daylight Savings Time and I just felt like sleeping in. Plus it was Sunday Runday, so I had all day to get my run done, right? ;-) Plus, I really needed to make sure I was well caffeinated to get my 11 miles done. Happy it’s-almost-spring to everyone!

(Source: Pinterest)

Ok, sometimes running does suck. Especially this winter. I went out for an easy 5-miler on Saturday and it felt like the hardest run of my life. It was 13 degrees out and breathing in the frigid air was less than enjoyable. But I got it done because that’s what we do as runners. Yes, I could have bailed on the run. Yes, I could have gone on the gym and ran the 5 miles while watching endless amounts of Kardashian episodes. But instead I sucked it up and went out for my sucky, freezing run. And you know what, I felt phenomenally better when I got back inside. So when I saw this graphic from Run Pretty Far on Pinterest this morning, I thought it was perfect for today. Here’s hoping for warmer, happier, and less suckier runs this week!

(Source: Pinterest)

Last week my foot was finally feeling good enough to do my first workout of training for the St. Luke’s Half Marathon in April. My plan called for 5 miles with 3 miles at half marathon pace (8:00/mile). While the workout felt hard, I found myself thinking, if all goes to according to plan, in 10 weeks, I will be able to run this fast-for-me pace for 13.1 miles. That’s terrifying and absolutely amazing at the same time. Setting a big goal for yourself, whatever it may be, should be a little mix of terrifying and amazing. If it’s not, dream a little bigger! Happy running this week!

(Source: Pinterest)

Last week I ran some really great workouts. So great that 7:10/mile felt almost comfortable. Last week I also revealed my plan to hit my goal this spring of running a sub-1:45 half marathon. Then I saw this graphic on Pinterest, and it was perfect for how I’m feeling. I wish you all light, frolicsome runs this week. Happy running!

(Via Oiselle on Pinterest)

One of my favorite parts of running is having the ability to make goals. I think it’s important to have goals, no matter how out of reach they may seem in the beginning, because it’s fun and challenging to work towards something. If you read my blog often you know I’ve been working on getting faster. While I haven’t started training for my goal race this spring (the St. Luke’s Half Marathon, April 28) I have been doing regular mileage and speed work. This past weekend it paid off when I went sub-2:00 for the first time at the Walt Disney World Half Marathon by running a 1:52:55, a 10-minute PR for me. I can’t wait to see what’s to come as I ramp up my training and speed work. I hope you have some ambitious goals on your horizon, share them with me below if you’d like!

Well 2013 has almost come to an end and that can only mean people are going to start focusing on their 2014 New Year’s Resolutions. We all make them and (to be completely honest with ourselves) we all break them. I think the key to sticking to a New Year’s resolution is to build on where you are already. If your goal is to start running but you don’t workout yet, maybe you want to think about committing yourself to at least an hour and a half of exercise per week then look into a run/walk program like this one. Maybe your goal is to run faster and qualify for Boston (like someone I know…) maybe focus on speed and shorter distances in the spring and set your sights on a goal fall marathon. Maybe you want to get stronger, lose weight, eat healthier, work on staying in touch with far-away-friends. Whatever it is, focus on where you are already and build on that. Then you won’t be setting yourself up to fail and you can stick to your resolution. Happy New Year!