A Happy Birthday to Me

I didn't ask for a spa day.  I didn't ask for new clothes.  I didn't ask for a fancy dinner.  I didn't ask for a new purse.  I asked for a garden and a half-marathon.  And I got both!

Right before the Tinkerbell Half, my sister-in-law invited me to run with her and her running partner, Mary in Santa Cruz on my birthday.  I accepted the invitation.  Here are my results.

Santa Cruz Half-Marathon 
Distance: 13.01 miles
Time: 2:03
Avg Pace Per Mile: 9:34

Mary, Me, and Katie

 It was an absolutely beautiful run along the coast.  There was a high surf warning and the waves were crashing high on the coastline.  The day before was rainy, cloudy and windy but it was perfectly clear for the run.  We stayed at Chaminade in Santa Cruz and had a fun time laughing and having conversations without kids interrupting!

My time was ok. Officially it is a Personal Record.  I'm disappointed because know I could have done so much better.  I definitely needed to train more.  There were other factors too.  Part of the course that was really a trail run.  For over 2 miles we puddle hopped over uneven terrain.  It was less running and more avoiding falling in single file.  That was an 11:00 minute plus mile.  Then there were hills.  Blech. And then there was my head.  I hit a mental wall at mile ten/eleven.  I couldn't bob and weave through the crowds, I couldn't reconcile the remaining mileage, my toe was blistering and it was just bad.  That was a 10:00 minute plus mile. 

My shoes now have over 300 miles on them and I was seriously considering hanging them up after this run (as in for good).  Now I want to break through that 2 hour wall (and make sure I GLIDE my toe!).

My new garden.  While I was in Santa Cruz eating huge hamburgers and chocolate cake, Kevin and the kids were building me 64 sq. ft. of happiness.  I am so happy to once again have a garden to produce all kinds of wonderful produce.  The weather is great and seeds are going in the ground this week!!!!