Change in plans

First, I want to say hello to the people reading my blog. I can honestly say when I started this, I didn't think a soul would read it and it is quite exciting, and inspiring to know people actually are keeping track of what I do. So, thanks for keeping me honest! It's been a week since I've written so I'm sorry about that; I've been in contemplative mode this week as work has been super stressful. I have a huge gala coming up at the end of the month and it is truly sucking the life out of me. I'm at work early, working late; the days I don't have late meetings, I'm working from home. I know I'm making excuses and I'm trying hard not to but I also need to be realistic. Without the ability to be 100% dedicated this month, I can't push myself to do the Shamrock half by March. So, I'm planning on doing the 8k in March and doing a half in April in Chesapeake. I think that by giving myself those extra few weeks is really preventing injury and burnout. I've done this before (told myself I was training for a marathon) and I always quit. I am not going to quit this time, I'm not going to make excuses. I'm going to do it and I'm going to do it right, I'm going to take my time and listen to my body and train the right way.

On that note, I have a LONG way to go. I went on a little run today; it was my first run in awhile and my first outside run in a LONG time. So, we all know what that means, it was a lot harder than I would have liked. I ran a little less than 2 miles and felt pathetically tired. I have a long way to go and I have a tendency to get really down on myself so any and all encouragement that I can go from huffing and puffing 2 miles to 26.3 in 11 months would be greatly appreciated! I'm trying to get at least 3-4 runs a week through January. Once my big event is over, life will be much easier and I'll be running seriously 5 days a week, that is when the real training begins; I guess right now I'm just trying to get back into it and find that love I've always had for running.

So, here is my new schedule, for what it's worth:
Feb. 24 - Anheuser Busch 5k - Williamsburg, VA
March 16 - Shamrock 8K - Virginia Beach, VA
April 19 - Dismal Swamp Half Marathon - Chesapeake, VA
May 24 - Elizabeth River Run 10K - Portsmouth, VA
Aug 31 - Rock and Roll Half Marathon - Virginia Beach
Nov. 15 - Richmond Marathon - Richmond, VA

I may not do them all, might change up some of the shorter races depending on the bank account. These races are more expensive than I thought and I'm a poor newlywed! Luckily my husband is the most supportive man on the planet and he'll make sacrifices for me :) Well, that's it for now. Planning on the 2 mile run again tomorrow and yoga tomorrow night, hopefully I'll have a great run to write about tomorrow!

That's all for now,
April