I’m posting on the fly today, from my phone as we drive to a party up in the mountains of Idyllwild. an hour from home and 25 degrees cooler. We decided to spend the afternoon enjoying the cool weather andthe smell of pine trees.
I am participating in Mommy, Run Fast’s Virtual 5 Mile Race. After completing my run yesterday (in a respectable 46:50), I just knew I could do better. After all, my course was tough, starting off with the first two miles uphill.
It was a beautiful morning, even better than the day before. I had decided to create a fast course, so I started with a one mile uphill warmup. That allowed me to run the next two miles downhill, on the road. Awesome start, I was running under 8 minute miles!
I did pause at mile 1.5 to drop Penny at home. She’s a great runner, but she is 11 years old and I didn’t want to push her too much. I also saw a loose dog at about mile 2, tried to catch it (he had tags) but he just kept running away from me. I admit, I turned off my Garmin in both these instances.
The next three miles were pretty flat. I had a bit of exercise induced asthma at about mile 3.5 and I had to slow down a bit. I didn’t have an inhaler with me ((I usually don’t work so hard!). I was able to work through it, though I did run slower for the last mile.
I was thrilled that I was able to finish three minutes faster than Saturday’s run! I ran 5 miles in 43:48, an 8:45 pace. I planned my route so that I finished at the bottom of the hill, so I used the last half mile home to cool down.
I’m so happy that I participated in Laura’s virtual race. The only thing that would be even better would be to win some of the awesome prizes!
Doing this race has also inspired me to add some speed training into the mix. For a long time, my running has consisted of, well, just running. No intervals or tempo runs, just long(ish) slow distance. I’d like to get faster again, it feels good, so I’ll have to add that type of training.
I am the Running Girl!
I want to thank Laura from Mommy, Run Fast for organizing the race, and all the runners who participated. Check the website for links to read all the stories (I’ll link here when the post is up).
How is your weekend going? Did you participate in any races, virtual or otherwise, or other event? Do tell!
Sounds like a awesome run and very cool concept. ohh be careful, Glad you got your asthma under control for the run. Great Job!!
Chris Donnelly recently posted..Keeping our kids fit and healthy
Thank you! I’ve dealt with asthma for a long time (ran 35 marathons with it!). When I race I usually carry my inhaler, but since I only have problems under strenuous conditions, I didn’t even think about it.
Debbie recently posted..Sweaty Sunday: Virtual Race, Day 2
ok so no races here BUT Im off to participate in FREE YOGA DAY around austin!
I love free yoga! I didn’t mention it but I went to yoga after my run. Not free, but a groupon made it only $3.50!
Debbie recently posted..Sweaty Sunday: Virtual Race, Day 2
You are a RUNNER GIRL! I did Laura’s virtual race too. It’s fun to mix it up with IRL races.
Enjoy the cooler mountains!
Angela @ Happy Fit Mama recently posted..Getting Back to My Goals
Thanks! I <3 my license plate. Congrats on your race. I look forward to reading your report.
Debbie recently posted..Sweaty Sunday: Virtual Race, Day 2
Awesome pace. I bet you felt wonderful afterwards! I ran the Indy Womens Half Marathon this weekend and will be running Laura’s virtual today.
Jill @ Fitness, Health and Happiness recently posted..Goals to Accomplish in September
Impressive to run a half marathon and a five mile race in one weekend!
Debbie recently posted..Sweaty Sunday: Virtual Race, Day 2
Great job!! I love that it inspired you to run faster again! 3 more minutes is impressive. I just put the post up, you can link up here: http://www.mommyrunfast.com/my-5-mile-recap-and-a-labor-day-virtual-run-link-up/ Enjoy the rest of the long weekend!
Laura @ Mommy Run Fast recently posted..My 5 mile recap and a Labor day Virtual run link up
Thanks so much for putting this on. It was a lot of fun. I’ve already posted my links and I’ll be over soon to read everybody’s posts.
Debbie recently posted..Sweaty Sunday: Virtual Race, Day 2
Love that license plate! You beat me in the 5 mile run
AmyC recently posted..TrainingTruths: Workouts & August Review
Thanks! I was surprised that plate was available when I requested it. Especially in California where we have a lot of runners and a lot of cars.
Debbie recently posted..Sweaty Sunday: Virtual Race, Day 2
youre so impressive!!! and i love the gorgeous pictures that you take! what a BEAUTIFUL area!!! spa love!!
Thank you! Not bad for an iphone, huh. I got a nice DSLR for Christmas last year and my best shots are still with the phone.
Debbie recently posted..Sweaty Sunday: Virtual Race, Day 2
Great job! And way to improve
I too am running Laura’s virtual race, heading out for 5 miles soon. Decided to run the 10 mile as part of my half this past weekend.
Jen recently posted..September 3rd Weekly Goals
Thank you. I look forward to reading your report. I hope your half marathon went well. Doing a 5 mile race the next day is impressive, even if it is a virtual one.
Debbie recently posted..Sweaty Sunday: Virtual Race, Day 2
Well done! I’m so glad you were able to go faster and flatter!
I had my long run this week – so nothing speedy! A 10k race next Sunday though
Kate recently posted..40 days left, and pink shoelaces
Thank you! Good luck in your 10k next week!
Debbie recently posted..Sweaty Sunday: Virtual Race, Day 2
Sounds like a fun event!! =) Those clouds over the mountains are so beautiful!
It was! I really enjoyed it. Yes, it was such a beautiful day yesterday and such a miserable one today. Hotter, more humid, and stinky! I picked the right days to run my virtual races!
Debbie recently posted..Sweaty Sunday: Virtual Race, Day 2
Great job on the improvement. No races here as I am injured. I took it easy on the legs this weekend with a ton of rest. I’m living vicariously through you all instead.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted..A Tri & A Fib
Hope you get back out there soon! Glad to hear you’re taking care of yourself.
Debbie recently posted..Weekend Reader: #Vegan Recipe Inspiration
Love the pictures! Congrats on the pace! My sister and I crossed a finish line together-great weekend!
Thanks! How cool that you crossed with your sister. Hope you get a great picture. I’ve crossed the finish line a few times with my husband, friends, and one very special time with my adult son. Exciting!
Debbie recently posted..Weekend Reader: #Vegan Recipe Inspiration
Great job again! I’ve been feeling like I want to add some speed work to my training lately too. I have a 10K coming up at the end of the month and I’d like to actually race it.
Laura recently posted..Ruby Tuesday: Nothing to report
Speed work is amazing. Yes it’s hard, but it still feels incredible that with a month or so of speed trainng, you actuaaly run faster!
Debbie recently posted..Weekend Reader: #Vegan Recipe Inspiration
Awesome time. I love your license plate!
Thanks! I was pretty pleased with my time too. And of course I love my RUNINGRL!
Debbie recently posted..Wednesday Workout: Yoga Moves to Make You Stronger