Motivational Monday

Lately with the temps consistently reaching the triple digits, I don't have much motivation to run. Despite being in 'marathon training', I haven't even broke 30 miles / week yet, pathetic I know.  If it weren't for being diligent about at least getting in the long runs to stay on track, I probably wouldn't run at all.

Bear reacting to heat at Omaho Zoo source 

I don't know if this is just me, but my runs have been s-l-o-w lately... only they don't necessarily feel slow. Normally I can do midweek runs anywhere b/n 7:45 - 8:30 pace depending on what I want out of the runs... lately anything below 9:00 min / miles feels like a chore.  I know, I know you take it easy in hotter temps, but it does take a toll on my mentality and it has me question on if I will be able to reach my goal of sub 4 for my first marathon.

So I decided that although a sub 4 would be awesome, I won't have the proper training to push the pace on some of my runs to make this happen, so just finishing is good enough for me. Since I know I am perfectly capable of finishing, it's time that I come out of this whole "no races for the summer" business and knock out some states!!

I already had the Ultra Northwest Passage Ragnar in my schedule for july 19-20, but after that zilch until my marathon, and my next half  is not until Oct 13 in Delaware, yikes.

Lucky for me, Kim is all about racing the states and in a matter of 6 hours I had thrown out a potential back to back, she got blessing from her family, received confirmation from one of the race directors that there is indeed a medal, and we got our flights booked. We are super efficient at making decisions when it comes to racing.

First up we have Iowa with the Seawall to Seawall 1/2 marathon in Clear Lake Iowa. What's in Clear Lake beside lakes? Apparently the plane crash site of Buddy Holly, Ritchie Valens, and the Big Bopper-- feels kind of morbid to visit that, so it will be immediately on the road once the race is over.

Second race / state is Nebraska  with the Logan View Raider 1/2 marathon in Hooper, NE. Population size is only 830, and not a thing to do while we're there... I think we can create our own fun.

 If I can find a reasonably priced flight to Salt Lake City, then I will be adding last minute to my schedule the Legacy Midnight Run (1/2 mary) in somewheresville Utah with Kim and L. I always wanted to do a night half marathon, so I've been diligently stalking flights in hopes to make this happen last minute. 

 I'm excited to add some more races to my schedule to keep me motivated and accountable. I updated my upcoming race schedule page on my tab bar  HERE 

At a glance, here are my next few months of important races:

July 19-20 - Ragnar Northwest Passage (WA)

August 3-Potentially Utah (state #29)   Legacy Midnight Run 

September 1-Iowa (State #30)   Clear Lake 1/2 

September 2 Nebraska (State #31)  Logan View Raider 1/2 

September 15 AirForce MARATHON

Sept 28-29 Bourbon Chase Relay

October 13- Run for the Buds 1/2 (DE)

October 14-  Seaside 1/2 (NJ) 

I'm a lucky gal as all these races are with fellow runners, so let me know if you care to join in on the fun or have any other suggestion :)