On Saturday, I ran 14 miles. I feel like once you get past the half marathon mark, that’s when the runs start to really feel “long.” 14 miles means that now I’m getting into the runs that are on the back half on the marathon journey. When I was training for my first marathon, it was extra exciting because each of these runs was the furthest I’d ever ran. This weekend’s run was interesting because even though I was with my training group, I ran mostly solo just due to pacing. From miles 2-10, I was mostly alone with my thoughts. It was a drizzly morning and I really worked on just settling in to the run and using some of the motivational phrases we all shared on Friday. At mile 10 I met up with a couple girls in my group. And the pouring rain. Yeah – it POURED for the last four miles. Not awesome. But, it got finished. My garmin froze at mile 12, but according to my running buddies our last two miles were at 10:19. Not bad for a 14 mile run, with the last four miles in the rain!
In other fun news, I’m excited to announce that I’ve been selected as a Zooma Annapolis Ambassador! In case you aren’t familiar, Zooma is an awesome women’s racing company that was formed by Brae Blakeley. Brae left a career in corporate law to follow her dream for a national women’s event series that empowers women to live active, healthy, and happy. I ran Zooma last year, and while there was one missed water stop snafu, overall it was a fantastic race! This year, I’m confident that it’s going to be amazing! Stay tuned, because I’ll be sharing lots more about the race in the coming months. If you are in the area (or willing to travel) and interested in running with me, see below for a code giving you 10% off!
What’s your favorite race distance? Why?
* as a race ambassador, i receive a free entry into the race, but all thoughts are mine and i would’ve run this race again, either way!
Congrats on the Zooma ambassador ship! My homegirl Katie (www.katieheddleston.com) is an ambassador again this year, too!!
thanks lauren! i’m excited to get to know katie better!
Great run Courtney! I would definitely have considered driving up to Annapolis for the Zooma race, but my favorite local race is the same day 🙁
Rose recently posted…RNR Raleigh Training Week 4
oh bummer – we definitely have to plan a race meetup sometime this year! it was so fun seeing you in durham last october!
Congrats on the ambassadorship! I have worked myself up to 13.1 miles and I am dreading those longer runs, but I know they have to be done! I Love my Garmin but mine has froze up on me 2 or 3 times already ( and I don’t mean it froze because it’s cold). I have had it less than a year. Any suggestions as why this happens?
Meranda@fairytalesandfitness recently posted…Maui 5K and a Concert
thanks meranda! i have NO CLUE why garmin’s sometime freeze but it is SO frustrating! if i figure anything out, i will def let you know. i hate when it happens!!
Great job on your 14 miles! I wish I’d known you ran ZOOMA last year – I was working the event. Have fun being an ambassador!
Michelle @ Running with Attitude recently posted…Let the base-building begin
thanks michelle! i probably saw you last year — i was such a hot sweaty mess after the race, LOL!
Great job on the run, especially with the weather the way it was here on Saturday! That’s so impressive that you did those last 4 miles in that rain. So far I’ve only done 5ks so that my favorite distance for now 🙂 I’m planning my first 10k in June.
Chaitali recently posted…Week in review
Congrats on the run and the ambassadorship. I love reading about your journey
Betsy recently posted…A Random Mind Dump
So excited to be running with you in Annapolis this year, and can’t wait to meet you!
Lindsay @ Lindsay Weighs In recently posted…Sisterhood of the World Bloggers Award
I CAN.NOT.WAIT! 🙂
aaaah!!! all this good stuff 🙂 I’m sorry I missed you for our run Saturday but happy you got over the hump!! And SO EXCITED to be running Zooma with you this year 🙂 YAY!!!!
Mar @ Mar on the Run! recently posted…Lessons in Nutrition: Marathon Training Week 7
Woo hoo!! So exciting, congratulations on being an ambassador!
Cori @ olivetorun recently posted…Experiencing a Peace of Mind
Thanks Cori – I’m pretty excited to run this race again!
I think that is super fast for a 14 mile run and congrats on Zooma, I wish they’d do one in Charleston.
Abby @ BackAtSquareZero recently posted…Here Comes the Taper
Thanks Abby — it’d be awesome if Zooma went to Charleston – I love your city!!
Woo ZOOMA! I hope they do another kick off event at Charm City!
Lindsey recently posted…Motivational Mantras
I’m pretty excited!!
I agree, once runs get over the half marathon mark, it’s a whole new ball game. Those weeks up until the taper are some of the most challenging to tackle mentally. I think that is why the half and 10 miler are my favorite distances to run. They are far more manageable to train for with a busy schedule!
PS. I’m really looking forward to meeting you as a fellow ZOOMA ambassador! CONGRATS!
Lisa @ Lisa Runs for Cupcakes recently posted…I’m in! ZOOMA Annapolis 2014
Been off the grid b/c of work- so a belated congrats!!
Jennifer recently posted…Friday Five – What I’m Cooking Next
Congratulations again, you are going to rock your ambassadorship! They are lucky to have you 🙂
Anita recently posted…Review – Vega One Making #OneChange