I’m in the frustrating place where my clothes don’t fit–my ‘big’ clothes are getting too big, but I’m not back into my ‘skinny’ clothes yet. And even the stuff that still fits and I can still get away with doesn’t look great. If I could get by wearing just my running clothes I would be all set, but otherwise I’m going to have to break down and buy some transitional clothes soon. Not a bad problem, just an annoyance to spend the money–and thrifting on the weekends is not an easy task, I’d be better off if I could go during the week, but alas. The flip side is that I’m–and looking–more like myself. Even though I’ve been heavy for most of my life I’ve never felt like that was me or my body. When I close my eyes I see the person I am when I’m running–fit, strong, healthy, and every day, little by little, I’m getting myself back.
My long run on Monday was great. I managed to maintain my slightly longer intervals throughout. Still a LOT of work to do to make my goal in November, but I’m confident about it. I know I can do this. Beast Mode will get it done. LOVE my new hydration FlipBelt, but definitely should have taken an extra bottle or two with me. Only took one gel about halfway through. Getting the hang of fueling with a more minimal approach and it’s working for me. Currently I’m doing a 5 minute run/3 minute walk interval set, my goal is to be up to 8 minute run/2 minute walk by the end of this month. Making it public so I don’t back down–I really should’ve pushed myself to that already but I didn’t. No matter, ever forward.
So in Big Things…I signed up for the UPMC Health Plan Pittsburgh Half Marathon 2017 and the 5k the day before–known as the Steel Challenge. They’ve done the Challenge for a few years now, but I have never done it. It’s a risky maneuver, given that I plan to PR the half, but I’m a bling junkie, and I’m confident that I can run the 5k and not race it so I won’t blow myself out for the half the next day. Plenty of time to train (races aren’t until May), and having registered for it already will make sure that I do it–don’t wanna waste my money. This is especially key for the winter months when I’m hating treadmill life.
And on that note, time to get ready for work. Happy Wednesday!