The Happy Birthday Half!

Friday 13.1 miles/1:55:49/8:51 average pace

What better way to kick off Birthday Weekend than running a half marathon before work! I woke up this morning before the alarm went off, so about 4:45. I admit, it is getting easier! Zach and I both had all of our running stuff ready, which is KEY to getting out the door super early, and we were on the road about 5:15.

We ran around the neighborhood streets since it was dark out and felt like the only people in the world. Unfortunately, I learned a lesson this morning which is BE CAREFUL when it is dark out! It is very hard to see things like uneven spots in the sidewalk. Yes, I fell. It happened really fast - I kinda tucked and rolled which worked out well. I only got some light scrapage on my leg, knee, elbow, and shoulder (only! :D) but my hands got scraped up too, one pretty bad. Luckily I do not need my hands to run!! I shook it off and we kept on running. :) We looped back the the house - Zach had to get ready for work, so after 5.25 miles we parted ways. I thought about going up to the apartment to clean up my wounds, but I really didn't want to take a break, and I knew that it would take a while. I had to keep on keepin' on! Plus, I figured I ran 16 miles of a marathon with a nasty cut on my leg and torn up hands after falling at mile 10... so I knew I could do it.

Miles 1-5 w/ Zach were: 9:25, 8:52, 9:09, 8:46, 8:41

It was not quite light out yet, so I ran a half-mile or so on the streets before heading onto the Iron Horse Trail. I think I was the first person on the trail! I was feeling great and running consistent pace around 8:50. I had a great playlist on my iPod - some very motivating rock- Bruce Springsteen, Jimi Hendryx, CCR, Van Morrison, Eagles. :D It was sweet. Baby, I was indeed born to run.

Miles 6-13 were: 9:03, 8:48, 8:55, 9:01, 8:41, 8:52, 8:36, 8:12

I ran a Birthday Half Marathon last year too and I am not surprised but still really psyched to see I am faster! Quite a bit faster, actually. I know that a single training run doesn't really show that, but overall, I see the same trend when I look back over my log. I rule!

ALSO, last night I joined Zach and his rad new ride for a nice bike ride: 8.0 miles/33:25/14.4 MPH. Followed immediately by:

0.5 miles/3:35/7:10 pace

Not bad! I admit I was trying to run fast and beat Zach. Hehe. It was easy.

I have a birthday-tacular weekend coming up, I cannot wait! Tonight we are going to Yoshi's, a cool jazz club (is there any other kind?) in Oakland. Tomorrow Zach and I are doing a longish bike ride and going to breakfast/brunch in Walnut Creek. Then tomorrow evening I am going to see my awesome sister-in-law make an appearance at the Roller Derby in San Jose. She's on a brand new team that isn't yet competing, but they are doing an intermission-type practice bout. Or something. I have much to learn about this Roller Derby.... Finally, I am hanging w/ Maritza on Sunday and then maybe going swimming at the lake w/ Zach. Which brings us to my actual birthday, which is on Monday. :P I have to work (boo!) but I will also be completing Week One Day One of my Pfitz 12/55 schedule for CIM. And going out to dinner with my wonderful husband. Have a great weekend everyone!