This post isn’t extremely overdue or anything. When will regular blog posting become a part of my daily life again? Ummm, that’s a different story for another time.
* * *
… if it means that your beefy thighs set a new PR.
I knew my jeans were getting increasingly tighter over the past few months for a good reason.
While I’ve fought with myself over why – after weeks and weeks of dedicated training and smart eating – my clothes aren’t fitting as I’d like and why the scale seems to display numbers I had hoped I would never see again, I will own my new PR of 1:39:41 [7:37 pace] and my sexy, muscular legs that got me across the finish line of my 4th half-marathon.
If it wasn’t the thighs that did it, perhaps the new Nike running capris – they just scream fast!
Anyway, I woke up Saturday morning and immediately got an anxious swarm of butterflies in my tummy. Today was the day. I hesitantly looked out my window and said one million and one thank-yous to the clouds as the sky was dry.
Since the weather looked like it was going to cooperate, I thought I might have a chance of reaching my secret time goal and went ahead and “tatted up” my left arm with a Sharpie.
I used CoolRunning.com to calculate my “I’m dreaming” splits: mile 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12 respectively.
Yes, to all of those who asked, I sure did use my iPod, and I wore it in the most obvious place possible, haha. I am a rebel with a cause. No one hassled me, and there were many others running with music. I honestly don’t think I could have run the race I did without my pumping playlist.
After a bit of a late start, the first wave [finishing <2 hours] of runners started their strides through the park. The first 3 miles were not fun. I could not figure out my pace because the 5K mile markers were confusing me, and I immediately got a very dry mouth. Dehydrated already!? I took water from the first aid station, around mile 2, which I never do.
Finally, around mile 4, the course thinned out and I was getting into my groove; my pace was steady and I felt like I had things under control now.
I didn’t feel like I was going unusually fast, but I was crossing the mile markers a little ahead of what my tattoo told me I needed to do. As I passed mile 8, my watch read exactly 60 minutes [7:30 pace]. I had 40 minutes to run 5 miles – the positive mantras increased as the pressure was on!
After a while, I observed that there were hardly any other women within my sight. I tried to keep up with a few of the dudes and used them to pace myself. Great work, gentlemen!
Fast forward to mile 12… I was still feeling strong and knew then I could definitely make my goal time. Whoa, where did this competitive character come from?
I soared through the finish line with a smile [inside]. I had just conquered one of my hopes & dreams for 2011 :)
2/38 age group [18-24 year old females]
66/558 overall
I have a lot more to say about the race, running, and life in general – as is expected when posting occurs once in blue moon – but my contacts are getting sticky and my body is apparently pooped from Running Tuesday [8 miles // 64 minutes – TM @ 0.5 incline].
Good thing Spring Break is right around the corner because my blog needs some major attention!
Always,
HILLontherun
Weekend Things
Time to Train
Ten [8-mazing] Miles
Tips to Ease Race Nerves
In the Spirit of Running
Um, that is ABSOLUTELY INCREDIBLE! You are amazing!!! :) Your hard work definitely paid off and those jeans are just lame-o for not fitting your fabulously fit, toned thighs :)
Congratulations girl!
<3
n
That is AMAZING! Congrats on the new PR, and achieving one of your goals for 2011!! It’s gonna be a good year!!
Congrats! Cute running outfit! I always get bigger thighs when I’m training hardcore for a race. It’s the beauty of it =)
you look really good! your gear is very chic.
Ahhhh girl congrats!! You are GORGEOUS and I love that tank top, where did you find it?!
thx :) champion.com
WOW! You’re awesome!
That is a great time! Congratulations!
Congrats! That’s an amazing accomplishment, especially beating some of those speedy men.
Congratulations on an amazing race!!! It sounds like not only did you run really fast, but you had an awesome time doing it. And you won second in your age group!? That’s awesome!!
I love those Nike capris by the way! Your entire race outfit is super cute.
Awesome new PR! Congrats! And I love your running top!
Congrats Hillary, you’re so amazing!! And your running outfit is so cute, I love it :)
It’s NOT the super cute outfit that got you there…you are amazing.
Congratulations! That is an awesome achievement!
Awesome PR!!! During my marathon training my jeans got a little tight too… guess that’s what it takes to rock a race :)
Congrats, Hill! WAY TO PR!!!! Love those thighs or else I’m taking them for myself, ya hear!?
You take beautiful race shots, girl!
What an amazing time!!! Congratulations!!! :-)
Great race picture too!
AWESOME time!!! Congrats!!!
CONGRATS!!!! love the pics :) haha i love tight jeans too… i seriously just posted about that! :)
I was actually complaining about the tight jeans. I like your attitude better :)
Congrats girl — that is so awesome!!!! :)
You rocked your goal and you looked awesome doing it! :)
Congrats on your PR!! Amazing pace! What a fabulous race and I love your race attire, too. Hillary – you are beautiful, and your body looks strong, fit, healthy and feminine!
Thank you, Dorry. You are so so sweet :)
wow awesome race!! you are SO fast!
did you get a trophy or medal for coming in 2nd in your age group?
congrats!!! that is so awesome and such a great time!!!
Congratulations!! What an awesome (speedy!) accomplishment :)
OMG CONGRATS!!!!!! awesome awesome awesome!
You speed demon you!!!! AWESOME job girl :D
Awesome job, girl! That time rocks!
Congratulations! I can hardly hold that pace for one mile – I can’t imagine doing that for 13 miles!! You are incredible!
Way to go on the PR GIRLIE!! :)
Holy crap! Speed demon! Congrats girl.
Strong, muscly legs are amazing when they propel you that fast – I love your attitude towards fitness and health. Very balanced, down-to-earth and empowered – not to mention that you look fantastic!
Girl, you are speedy! Congrats on an awesome race! Plus, you look super fit and teeny tiny; tight jeans are just a great way to show it off! :)
(First time commenting on your blog…hi!)
Thanks for the sweet comment and saying hi! :)