How did I set 3 PRs in one month?!?!? I’ll tell you. It’s no secret. I have always been a competitive runner….I compete against myself. I RARELY run a race for time, or train to be faster. Knowing that running alone is a major task in itself, I’m not trying to go completely off my rocker and hurt myself. I know that running any distance at any pace is a major accomplishment for me.
I have noticed though that within this year, my pace has improved, and I can hold it for longer miles. I usually take breath breaks between each mile and a half, but in the last few months I haven’t needed that break. I am still running slow as I have never claimed to be fast. But there is an increase in my speed, and straight running distance.
As as you all know, my EPIC Half Marathon race 3 weeks ago, I set a new PR. From my original Half marathon finish to now was a 16 minute PR!! I still can’t believe how awesome it went. Anyhow, I have also had slow 10K times. With the amount of time I’ve spent training, the 10K mark comes and goes and I have noticed a faster time. I have been stuck at running 6 miles at 1:20. And it seemed so tough and I haven’t been able to break into the teens until now!
With my drive to succeed and my want to become a better runner, I have hit 3 separate personal records this month. Obviously starting with the Wine and Dine Half marathon.
I am still training for the Goofy Challenge in January. But this Saturday I am excited to be running Track Shack’s OUC Orlando Half Marathon! So today I went out for an “easy” 6 miles.
What ended up happening, usually happens on a cool day that is just meant to get out and run. I honestly feel I am running like the wind!!
I had had 2 very ad runs last week, and the third run was just OK. I struggled to focus and find my rhythm. Today, I wasn’t expecting much or even hitting my 6 mile target. 1- because wasn’t sure how my back would react to it, and 2- it was going to get dark very quickly and I didn’t want to be stuck in the pitch black alone.
On days that I know I will run, I keep a focused, positive mentality. CogniTea does a REAL good job in making that happen. So as I sat and sipped on my delicious hot tea, I was mentally preparing for my run.
I prepped as usual with stretching, rolling, and lacing.I already have KT Tape on (4 days) so I knew my back wasn’t going to an issue.
I put on my long-sleeved tech and some running shorts and was out the door. Honestly, the first 2 miles were hell! They were tough! My legs felt heavy, my shins tightened up and I felt sluggish. Even though I was keeping a 10:21 pace. I went to my 2 mile turn around point and came back just in case I felt pain. Since I was alone, I didn’t want to be stuck out there.
When I headed back, It was only going to be a 2 mile mark. I knew never to judge a run in the first few miles. Not sure if this happens to anyone else but it takes my body 2 maybe 3 miles to get into the rhythm and find a nice ride. So with that, I kept going. Even though I was in a little pain, I pushed on. Made it to the 4.5 miles mark and then it got VERY dark. Was a little tough to see, but one thing I did see what that time on my Garmin! I knew I had to continue no matter what! I wanted that third PR and was way to close to ignore it!
Again a great run where I didn’t need those breath breaks and was keeping a steady pace that I just kept running back and forth around this light pole where I could keep an eye on my surroundings, and then whala!!!!!! PR!
2 weeks ago I did the same thing, but today I beat my previous time. I am finding myself more in tune, more focused into my body movements. I have realized my strengths and weaknesses. I just found a way to get into the zone and fly. I want to say that CogniTea has a little somethin’ somethin’ to do with it. It has given me mental clarity needed on my runs. I now drink a cup before each run. Sometimes its all I need to power me through shorter runs. Like today, I drank some water at 3 miles then when I was done.
It is my sheer determination, and will to prove to myself how strong I am. I don’t compete against others. I support and encourage others to keep going. But with me, it’s a personal thing 😉 I came home, stretched and immediately drank my Vega Recovery Accelerator to feed my hard-working muscles. A second PR in 2 weeks…after having back to back horrible runs. Anything is possible, any goal is attainable, you just have to believe in yourself. It is the most powerful weapon you can have.
I know that I have come a long way from running 6 miles in 1:30 to 1:11 but it takes work, dedication, and strength. I may have Scoliosis, and have HUGE struggles every day but I don’t use that as an excuse to make this impossible. I’ve been told many times that with the severity of my twisted spine, that it is impossible to run. I refuse to believe that and won’t believe it. Because each day that I run 1 mile, means I am doing the imPOSSIBLE.
-cheetah g
Empire Unleashed 
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