"My new shoes make me run faster"

I said this to my husband this last night and he laughed at me...rightly so. I got Nike Vomero+ 5 on Monday (after going to Marathon Sports and trying a bunch of different kinds) and I was so excited to wear them. Maybe it's not my new shoes, but considering that I set a 10K PR last night - knocking nearly 5 minutes off my last official 10K time (Tufts, October '10) - it felt like it might be the shoes.

I actually headed out with a full intention to set a PR. I needed speed. After being held back because of sickness, I needed to unleash it. And I did. My splits....

Mile 1 - 8:10

Mile 2 - 8:20

Mile 3 - 8:46

Mile 4 - 9:26 (this was tough mile - lots of hills)

Mile 5 - 8:53

Mile 6 - 8:17

Mile 6.2 - 2:11

Average - 8:43

It was not easy - especially after those first two miles. My legs felt like they were going to give up on me, but we kept pushing on. Mile 4 I really slowed back because I knew I needed to in order to come back strong for the last two. For the second half of my run I was listening to Ultramarathon Man, the chapters where he covers his first Western States 100 Mile run. At one point, he quoted his first coach who said, "If it doesn't hurt like hell, you're not doing it right." I must have been doing it right because my legs hurt like hell on that last mile. They gave it everything they had...and then some. I love my legs for that.

And with just 10 days away from the marathon, I am feeling good. No, I will not be running the marathon at this pace. Never has been my plan. Not sure if I'll even run one mile at a 8:43 pace. But it felt good to do this. It felt good to know that my body can and will still work. Bring it on.

2010...best year yet.

As far as running goes, this really has been my best year.

It's the year when...

I became a runner.

I started running for the right reasons.

I started tracking my runs.

I started pushing myself.

I stopped slogging.

I found out what I could do and then I did it.

I became a smarter runner.

I enjoyed it more than ever.

Before 2010, I had run 10 miles one time (other than my 2 1/2 marathons). Since July of this year, I have run 10+ miles (not including one race) at least 8 times.

Before this year, I didn't think I could run faster than a 10-minute mile. Since August, I have logged numerous sub-9 minute miles.

I ran 13.25 on Christmas Eve, which is the most I've ever run at one time.

I set new PRs in 5K, 8K, 10K and 1/2 marathon distances.

I ran more miles (650) than I ever have before in one year.

So ya, looking back on 2010, this year rocked.

My only hope is that 2011 will be even better. And here are my running goals for 2011:

1. Run at least 900, hopefully get to 1000.

2. Complete my first marathon (DC, March 2011).

3. Be consistent in my strength training.

4. Eat like a runner.

5. Get down to an 8-minute mile.

6. Run as many races as possible!

Looking forward to 2011. I will turn 32 on 11-11-11. This is the YEAR OF RACHEL! Bring it on!

Week 3: Day 2 - New PR

I set a new PR last night. 5 miles in under 45 minutes (44:22 to be exact). Awesome! Felt great. I ran yesterday evening with a friend and despite talking, having fuller-than-normal bellies, one of us being a little under the weather, we were able to keep up a good pace. I was thrilled when I got home. It did make this morning's 2 mile stroller runner feel a little tougher and slower, but so worth it! I love runs like that. They are the reason I keep running!!!