Scorpion Arm Warmers

Carol, Amber, Me, Denise and Stephanie

I am not sure if it was pride, anger, or just me being selfish....but last Sunday Amber and I decided to sign up with our other gal pals and join them on their half marathon Saturday. I was determined to get a personal record after such a disappointing finish last week. I have ran 6 marathon's in the 1:50 range, but knew I could do better. After such intense training, especially dreadful sprints once a week, I had to see if the magazines held true of becoming faster. Initially, it sounded like an fun idea, but as the week went on I realized I am seriously burned out. I went into the race completely different than the week before. I treated this race as more of a fast training run, bagged my "good" diet for the week, and went back to drinking diet coke as my main staple (it had been water). And you know what?? I ended up with my best time yet. 1:46:47. I am thinking it was my new scorpion arm warmers, my husband bought me the night before....definitely makes me wonder....

Three's A Charm

Stephanie, Amber, Jenny, Denise, Carol, Jenessy, and Rachel

I ran my 3rd half marathon of the year Saturday. And it was my best race yet. I managed to cut a minute off of my time (which was huge for me) and the best part was I walked away injury free and felt GREAT! Me and a few other runner girlfriends carpooled over to the start at 5:45am. (we missed you Tiffany, Minnie and Tishia!) Denise was kind enought to load us all in her car and drive down to Mesa. Don't we look chipper for such an early morning event?

Doug met up with me at the finish line and got some "action" running shots. Just looking at them made me realize how goofy I look when I run. Relax the fists Jenny (apparently I am ready to beat someone up?) Or maybe I was listening to Michael Jackson's Beat It at the time. Ha!

Here I am racing in at the finish. The clock was a minute off of my chip time (which is the time they use) My official time was 1:50:14 A personal best! I someday hope to at least get a 1:45 or less.

Jenny, Denise, Amber, Rachel and Jenessy

Unfortunately, I wasn't able to see a few run in for the finish since we had to hurry off to make it to Luke's soccer game. Jenessy ended up getting a 1:40 (impressive!), followed by Amber 1:47. So even though I felt fast these two ladies were REALLY fast.

Once again I owe much of my thanks to my faithful running partner Amber. I seriously would not have gotten up MANY mornings at 4:30am without her help! (not to mention increase my pace...) I am not sure which race will be next, but tomorrow it's back to the grind for another early 6 mile run. Gotta keep in shape for the turkey trot in two weeks. Stay tuned......