Thursday, February 27, 2014

Training Update

I'm in full force half marathon training for the Kentucky Derby Festival Mini Marathon on April 19th in Louisville. 
 
This race was my first half marathon after having Chapman, so my goal last year was to finish with at least a 2:30:00 or less. I finished in 2:13:57. Needless to say, I was pretty pleased with that. It's not my best time, but not my worst either.
 
My next race was the Iron Horse Half in Midway in October. I made sure to take plenty of training time for this one so that I could hopefully finish better that I had the time I had run this race pre-pregnancy. When I ran it pre-pregnancy, I finished in 1:59:48. This is the only time I had ever finished in under 2 hours. So, training was rough because I wanted to beat my past time. I'm glad to say that I did beat it with a 1:59:36. Only by 12 seconds, but hey, it's 12 seconds and a PR!!!
 
Now...for this year's Derby.
 
First and foremost, this race is VERY flat. Now, don't get me wrong, I like a flat course, but I like some rolling hills too. I feel like too much flatness, and I'm constantly using the same muscles in the same ways and my legs get tired faster than if there are some hills to give my legs a break.
 
Goal: Being that this is a flat and pretty fast course, I am hopeful that I can get a half-marathon PR for this race. And if my training is an indicator, I feel like it's looking pretty good. My long run last weekend was an 8 miler and I averaged 8:55 per mile, and honestly felt like I could go for five more. My average pace for he month of February at this point is an 8:58 per mile. I need to run a 9:05 pace to beat my current PR. So, I'm hopeful, but I'm not expectant. I know that race day can bring lots of things that we aren't expecting. 
 
With that said, just run! Just run, enjoy my friends, and have a good time. Not to mention, this will be my stepfather's first mini, so GO STONEY!
 
My long time running buddy Bobbie got me a gift once that said, "Definition of a good run - sun in your face, wind at your back, friend by your side."

And the winners are...

Well, for my Safety Bug giveaway, I only had three entries - and needed three winners! I guess it will take some time to get back into the blogging world, but I'm very glad to announce the winners of my first giveaway back...
 
 
Sherry Peavler
 
 
 
and
 
 
Mama Ruby at I'm a Runner's Mom
 
 
 
Trish - send me your mailing address at sheri.satterly@Danville.kyschools.us.
 
Sherry and Ruby - I will give you yours in person!


Saturday, February 15, 2014

Back at it with a Giveaway!

Hello fellow runners and bloggers! I know it's been awhile for me in the blogging world, but I'm vowing to make a turn around and get back at it. So, what better way to get back at it than with an update and a GIVEAWAY!
 
As far as an update from home goes...
 
Chapman is now 18 months old! He is the most amazing little guy in the world and he constantly keeps us on our toes. He loves to snuggle and loves to climb. He is no doubt, 110% boy! We grow to love him more and more each day.
 
As far as an update for running...
 
Since pregnancy, I've completed several 5K races (almost had a PR) and 2 half-marathons. I PR'd my half-marathon time by about ten seconds at the Iron Horse Half Marathon in Midway, KY. 1:59:36!!! Currently, I am training for the Derby Festival Half Marathon in Louisville, KY on April 19th. I've not quite decided what the goal is yet, but the goal is definitely to PR, just not sure by how much. We shall see. Training is going pretty good. I've been consistently running faster than race pace, so hopefully that's a good sign. Not to mention, this 13.1 is super flat!
 
Now for the giveaway...
 
I have something for you night runners out there!
 
I have three SafetyBug from Panther Vision - super bright strobe lights to give away to three lucky winners. The SafetyBug light has 5 ultra-bright flashing LED lights. It is the smallest and brightest safety light around and has multiple magnetic attachments. You can attach it by using the stick pin, the adhesive disk or the magnet attachment. Very versatile! It also has up to a 1/2 mile visibility!

 
 
How to enter (leave a comment on this post for each):
 
1. Be a follower of my blog and let me know.
 
2. Share this giveaway on Facebook.
 
3. Share this giveaway on Twitter.
 
4. Visit the Panther Vision website HERE and tell me what you just have to have!
 
5. Visit Panther Vision on Facebook HERE and like their page.
 
GOOD LUCK!
 
This giveaway will run until Sunday, February 23rd at 11:59 p.m.