This past weekend I completed the Soldier Field 10 Mile race! I was super excited and super nervous for it. Last November, I completed a 15k without really being able to properly train for it and did better than expected. I was, however, crazy sore after my 15k so I wanted to make sure I had a plan for how to improve that!

I trained for about 7 weeks using Insanity Max:30 for conditioning, PiYo for strength and flexibility and running 3x a week to condition my body for the actual running part.

Charlie was awesome enough to come with me, be my gear check, and wish me good luck before I headed off!

 

I set 2 goals:
1. Complete it in 2 hours or less
2. Run the entire time

I did neither. I did, however, do better than my 15k. My first checkpoint was to run 3 miles. Once I started mile 4 I told myself, “Just finish this mile then you can walk.” I started mile 5 and told myself the same thing. I ran ALMOST 7 miles before my legs really started to give out and my body was telling me it really WAS time to walk. I walked from mile 7 to 8 and then it was just so gorgeous along the lake I HAD to stop for a picture!

I ran most of mile 8, walked half of mile 9 and then when I heard my name announced at the 9 1/2 mile mark, it gave me just enough energy to run the last 1/2 mile and cross the finish line on the 50 yard line!

I found out that I finished in 2 hours 10 minutes, which isn’t too far from my goal considering I stopped in line for the bathroom and had to wait for water at a couple checkpoints. I look forward to seeing how I continue to improve with each race!

The day after, my legs were still a little sore but with one day of PiYo I was back to my normal self on Monday and ready for another run!