Milestones & Motivation = 1/2 Marathon I'm coming for you!!!

Today's run was a BIG milestone for me and it also provided me with some much needed motivation & encouragement.  I was up at 0530 this morning, ate a good breakfast, then set out for the hour drive to the trail head.  I met up with my other TNT team members and off we went taking on the trails at Umstead.  What's funny to me is that for this to be a "team run", I always end up running by myself.  But I'm okay with this.  Especially when I'm in my element on a trail, in the woods.  Happy Turtle!!!  I used to hike @ Umstead often (and long ago rode my mtn bike here as well) so I was familiar w/ the terrain and the trails which are full of "rolling topography".  Translation:  HILLS and more HILLS!  And they are not easy hills.  The elevation goes up and down which makes for a very challenging run.  

The mileage on the training schedule for today was 10 miles.  I ran 8.5 miles & walked the remaining 1.5 miles (per coach's orders & my promise to her that I wouldn't over do it to prevent any regression from my war against PF and/or by instigating some other injury, DOMS, etc.)  I stuck to my promise and I wound up with one of my best runs to date!!! 

I killed EVERY hill (this is a big deal) and for the first time I just ran without pressure or expectations.  While I kept track of my time, I didn't focus on what the clock said.  I just got into a comfy pace and ran.  And give or take a hill, I really enjoyed it.  Who'd have ever thought that statement would come out of my mouth?  HA! 

I have started running w/ a Camelbak instead of my amphipod belt.  I like this much better so I'm in the process of purchasing a Camelbak that's specific to a women's build which will not only fit my torso better, but the straps/sternum area will be much more comfortable.  In addition to running w/ a better hydration system today, I also got into a groove for when I needed to fuel myself.  This is something we as runners have to "figure out" because everyone is different.  I've determined that I need to fuel myself every 3-4 miles.  That being said, I think a big part of today's run being such a success was b/c I was fueling myself timely and I was on a trail in the woods.  As I stated previously, being on a trail, in the woods is one of my favorite places to be, so again, I was in my element.  

Side Note:  These trails are 2 seconds from one of the places I'm contracted at for work, so I think I'll start utilizing them more often for my weekly training.  BTW, why the hell I didn't think of this before now makes me feel like an absolute dumbass.

Here's a picture I found online that shows elevation for some of the trails at Umstead.  Today I was on Graylyn, Corkscrew, Turkey Creek & Reedy Creek (which isn't on here).  I wasn't kidding when I said it was "rolling topography".  I think you click on the pic to make it bigger if you so choose.  :)