Final Half Marathon Training Update

I cannot believe this morning was my final big run before the Chicago Rock 'n Roll Half Marathon. Well according to Runkeeper, I had to do an 8-mile run. I wish this whole time I could've done these runs on Sunday mornings, but alas with my work schedule I had to adjust. But ya know, I kinda like the Monday morning run. It is a nice way to shake off the weekend and burn some extra calories before Tuesday's weigh-in. :) Anyway, this morning the alarm went off at 4:45am and for a moment I regretted setting it for that time, but once I was up and getting ready for the run I was happy. I knew it would be worth it especially when I am greeted by this sight ...

I decided to once again head north on the Lakefront path and I was happy I did. That path is less crowded and more shaded by trees. This morning was actually perfect running weather. I wanted to bottle it up and use it for the Half on Sunday. :P

I felt great during the whole run. I had my jelly beans, water belt and pump-up music mix ready to go. I decided to try pinning my belt to my shirt to see if that kept it from shifting, which for the most part it did. It didn't twist around my waist, but still occassionally rode up.

I made sure to alternate which water bottle I drank from to try and keep their levels even and I had a jelly bean every 30 minutes. The plan seemed to work since...

I ended up finishing the run in 1:18. 30, which comes out to 9:49 min/mile. I was thoroughly impressed with myself. I kept a pace of under 10 minutes for the whole 8 mile run. I have never done that before :) I then went back through the old records and found that I did my first half-marathon 8-mile training run on July 4 and finished in 1:26.47 (10:51 min/mile). So that means I took off a good 8 minutes on my time or about a minute per mile. WOO! Now, I know the weather conditions were waaaay better than the last run, but I know my training had a little bit to do with it.

Once I finished the run, I felt awesome. I thought it was a great note to end my training on.

Well, the Chicago Rock 'n Roll Half is on Sunday ... t-minus 6 days! I am looking forward to it and hope to come away with a PR. It looks as if the weather conditions will be in our favor, but you know how these things can change in a matter of minutes. But, no matter what, I will try my hardest and finish - that is all I can ask ... especially having had back surgery just a little over 6 months ago.

Well, I celebrated my run today with a nice Dunkin Donuts Iced Coffee...