I Ate the Goddess

This weekend I ran in a 10 mile race and completely exceeded my expectations!  I had hopes of running 9 minute miles, I actually averaged 8:35 miles!!  I have no idea where the speed or endurance came from.  I still had the tightness during the first three miles and a slight desire to just stop.  Miles 4-7 were terribly boring, I think it wouldn't have been as bad if I were running with music but I forgot to put some on my phone.  Miles 8-10 were much better b/c I knew I was closing in on the finish line.  Mile 10 was actually my fastest mile at 8:06!  By the end of the race I still had a little left in me to run faster but I really don't know if I could have kept up this pace for another 3.1 miles.  I know from the last time I did a half marathon, everything came apart in the last 3.1 miles.  I felt tire but good after this, not totally drained so maybe I'll be in good shape to finish under 2 hours (I really really hope so).

These were my splits:
Mile 1 - 8:54
Mile 2, 3 & 4 - 8:36
Mile 5 - 8:24
Mile 6 & 7 - 8:36
Miles 8 & 9 - 8:30
Mile 10 - 8:06

Its always a little jarring getting out of the house extra early especially when I have to wake up the kids but it went pretty smoothly.  I dropped the girls off at my mom's house and headed down to the race alone.  Precious alone time, it was nice.  I was a little nervous that I wouldn't find the park the race was in b/c I forgot from last year how far south it is.  Then when I finally got there I had to use the port-a-potty immediately.  My warm up run was actually from the car to the port-a-potty and thank God there was no line b/c I was trying to talk myself out of using it.  I HATE using public bathrooms and port-a-potty FORGET IT!  YUCK!  At least there was no line.  Once I was there and picked up my number though I did feel ready to do it, I hope it works out like that for the half marathon.  Still need to figure out my half marathon outfit though.  I like having my phone with me but it was way too bouncey in my waist carrier, I can't wear the coat I normally wear on my long runs b/c its too warm now.  Must figure out what I am wearing fast!

Since I am SO HAPPY with my running I am going to just embrace the gigantic goddess that I apparently am.  Remember my mini goal of not being in the "Athena" category??  I was going to be super strict with myself because I wanted to be down 2 lbs this week and under 160 (aka non-Athena).  I had a slip up Friday night with a bag of mini oreo cookies.  Mini cookies are so hard to regulate because they are mini and less than a full size cookie but before you know it, you've eaten way too many.  Oh and all the milk with the cookies, I was a little nauseous when I put the bag back in the cabinet.  I figured one slip up on Friday wouldn't kill my week but then yesterday was just a gluttony fest so I'm not too hopeful this week.  My husband had his friends over during all of this and while he did a great job cleaning up, the delicious leftovers were all around.  The party leftovers, coupled with the cupcakes from my cousin's birthday party, on top of the three bowls of spaghetti and meatballs that my friend made for dinner last night will not add up to a good week on the scale.  I know I have nerve to even hope but I would just like to be down that 0.2 lb, I'll hit 25.   Anyway, I'm pretty sure I ate myself right into the Athena category.  I've been called worse than Athena.