The Allure of 13.1

Half marathons are the new black. They are super popular. And I know why, they are fun. It's challenging enough for one to feel proud of oneself, BUT, it's not a marathon which takes a lot of time to train.

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I've run 5 half marathons, 1 trail half marathon and 4 Rock'n'Rolls - 

My running story is this - 

In 2007, I had reached a point where I was completely unhappy with my body/myself. I had been trying to work out for several years but never really knew what to do or how to do it. I started doing Crossfit in late 2007 and did that for a couple of years. Then I met a runner. 

I officially started running in November of 2009. I ran my first half marathon in February of 2010. I ran my second half marathon in April of 2010. Then I ran 3 half marathons in 2011. I fell in love with the distance, but  

1) got burnt out on training and 

2) improved my times a little bit but never really got very fast

I was running in this group with people that had run multiple half and full marathons, so naturally, that's what I wanted to do as well. But I never really built a strong foundation of running 5ks and 10ks. So now that I've decided I'm not running a half marathon this year, I want to use this time to build a very strong base/foundation and build up some speed. I'm not a natural runner. I'm slow and I have to work hard to get to a speed that most people started out with. 

So my goal for 2011 is to speed up. I'd like to get a solid 5k time of under 28 minutes and be able to keep it there. I'd like my 10k time to be in the 50 minute time frame. Once I can do that consistently, then I will look at longer distances again. Those times aren't super amazing or anything, but I think if I can be fairly solid in those times, THEN, my half marathons will be more enjoyable. 

Since I ran a 5k in 33 minutes on saturday - yes I know, not my best, I have a long way to go :)

Weekend Recap

This weekend was a lot of fun! I was very sad to see it come to an end.

My stepdaughters and I did a project we found on Pinterest!!

I got to see my friend Ansley who moved to Chattanooga

this is her little girl, Pearl

I had dinner at my in law's house (like I always do) and got to see my little niece, Kate. 

I obviously have not worked on my blog yet. I haven't had time. And really, I'm not sure when I'm going to have time. Which brings me to my upcoming week - 

Tonight - my husband and I are celebrating his birthday! I don't know where we're going to eat

Tuesday & Wednesday - I get to help assist in yoga class!! It'll be my first time as an assistant teacher - i'm a little nervous

Friday - Sunday  - we're going to Chattanooga to visit Ansley 

Then next weekend, I have yoga teacher training all weekend - it will be our last one before exams. So sad!!!

I've also decided to bring back the fashion page, mainly so you can tell me if my outfits look crazy or if they look good. The older I get, the more comfortable I want to be and I'm starting to where more and more dresses. At some point, I feel like I am going to switch to wearing MuMu's full time so I need you guys to keep me in check!

Here was my Valentine's Day outfit - flowy dress, but at least I included heels and tights

your thoughts?? 

How was your weekend?