well, 2019 has already started off with a bang – with 2 running races already under my belt within the first three weeks of the year. now, don’t let me fool you – i didn’t spend all of the holidays training…in fact, i actually probably should’ve trained a little more leading up to these races. but hey, life happens and it can definitely get busy!
so what races did i kick off the new year with? well, i finally was able to run the walt disney world® half marathon. long story short, i got to cash in that deferral from the “canceled” race a couple years ago. so truly, this race was two years in the making! and am i glad that i deferred to this race. i had actually never run this race course, so it was my first time running through magic kingdom. what a magical moment! i must say, there is definitely something about running through cinderella’s castle. and quite honestly, i really took the chance to just enjoy this race. with not training as much as i probably should’ve, i decided to have a little fun – take it slow and stop for some pictures with characters. i even got a chance to see sebastian – i mean, you never see him out!
using the galloway method (3 minute/1 minute), i ended up finishing under three hours, coming in at 2:56:47. not too shabby for a couple character stops and a bathroom break! definitely a great start to the year for distance racing. and i have my first 15k distance race in just about a month. definitely can’t wait for that.
and in true fashion, a week after my half marathon, i already had a 5k planned. and one of my favorites – the park ave 5k in winter park, florida! the fourth race in the track shack series, this race is always a blast (and tends to have the best weather too). and this year was no exception – with weather in the mid-50s to kick off the race. and yet again, i always find that i run better than i anticipate in this race. deciding to change my intervals slightly – moving to 4 minute/1 minute – somehow i ended up averaging roughly a 9 minute pace, finishing at 28:33.
what makes me most excited is the fact that i am only about 34 seconds off my goal for the year, to break into the 27 minute range. now i just need to get back into a more consistent training schedule and hopefully i can get there. but alas, i have another 5k this upcoming weekend – the adventhealth lady track shack race. here’s to another great upcoming race, supporting an incredible cause!
until next time
xoxo
kpmoments 