No marathon in May

My goal of running the Med City Marathon has been dashed... at least for this year.  With all the time I took off for my hip injury, I won't be ready to run the full 26.2 miles.  I have no doubts I could run/walk it, but that isn't my style.  If I'm going to do it, I want to train and do my very best.  However, that doesn't mean I won't run the half marathon.  I have 5 weeks to feel comfortable running 13.1 miles.  Easy peasy as long as I get my long runs in on the weekends. 

I'm extremely disappointed, but letting my hip heal was way more important.  I want to be a life-long runner.  I read so many stories of people who struggle their whole running career.  I'd rather enjoy my runs than run in agony. 

I have many more chances to run a marathon.  I haven't given up on the goal.  It just won't be this spring.  The Des Moines Marathon is only  5+ months away.  Plenty of time to ease back into training and this time without a debilitating injury. 

New PR!!!!!

April race... check!!!
Gene Van Wyk Memorial 5K Run
Pella, IA
Mallory and I had a free Saturday morning so we decided "What the heck?" I ran it last year and knew it was an easy route. Plus, I was headed to Easter right after and knew I'd consume majority of Kincaid's candy.

My goal was to break 26 minutes. I wasn't too far off last week and I did not push that hard. The weather was about the same (cold), but there were a lot less people. Starting closer to the front and having to dodge around less people makes a difference.

At mile one I was at 8:06. I wasn't sure I could hold out that pace the rest of the two miles. But, I figured it was only two more miles and if I slowed down I should still be able to break 26:00. Upon entering the Pella Christian track, the goal of not only beating 26 minutes, but also hitting a new personal record, was in sight.

24:14!!! 40 seconds better than my last record.

I had to sit down while a volunteer took off my timing chip. The feeling of yakking was looming. But, it luckily passed and I basked in the glory of running my hardest.

Thanks to Mallory for running with me!

March race... check

One of my goals was to run at least one race every month. Saturday, March 31st I checked March off my list. Nothing like waiting until the last day. Katie, Mom, and I ran the April Fool's 5K in Waterloo at George Wyth State Park.

Runners are encouraged to dress up in costumes since it's for April Fool's. Last year Jentri, Jill and I wore tutus. This year Katie, Mom, and I were going to be fairies. Somehow fairies evolved into a butterfly, bumblebee, and ladybug. It was fun and totally up my alley... I'm an entomologist after all. Katie floated like a butterfly to her PR. And, Mom stung like a bee by taking 1st place in her age division... again.

I've done many races at this park and love it. It's beautiful scenery. Trekman Racing hosts the event and does a great job. It's very organized and has great perks. The food afterwards is amazing... bagels from Panera, pizza, fruit, and cupcakes from Scratch bakery!! It doesn't get any better than that.

The race was capped at 1,000 people. I ran this race in 2006 with little over 200 people. It's amazing how large it has gotten. I'm hoping that is a trend everywhere... that people are exercising more and finding way to motivate themselves. There's definitely a sense of camaraderie when you're racing with 800+ people.

Kudos to Katie for pushing herself to near yakking. She may not have felt great for a short time, but hitting a PR is worth it.

BTW... When I packed I thought the temp was going to be closer to 60. 45 degrees was a little cold in capris and t-shirt. Luckily I had my Columbia fleece otherwise I would have froze for sure.

Now onto April......