Running with Pump

Haven’t posted in a couple of days, probably because I haven’t run since Monday.

Let’s play catch up:

Lots of pain since having my wisdom teeth out.

Lots of oatmeal, applesauce, soup, ice cream, etc.

Lost our softball game last night.  

Hung out with my nephew last night and all day today, which makes me very happy.

Got bored so I went out for two miles today.  By the way, this 90+ degree shit is for the birds.

Tomorrow I get to go to a Reds game with two of my best buddies and my nephew.  Expect lots of picture spam.  That’s about it.

One year ago today I decided to change. I was sick of being lazy and overweight and I felt like my girlfriend (at the time) deserved more. Since then, I’ve ran 11 shorter races (5K-15K), 4 Half-Marathons and one full Marathon. You know what my biggest accomplishment is, though? It’s realizing that my ex didn’t deserve more, I deserved more from myself. Somewhere along the way I was able to flip the switch (thanks to many of you) and I started running, lifting and eating healthier for myself and not for anyone else. That’s a pretty bad ass feeling.

Stats:

Remember my “Ricky Bobby” picture from the full marathon? I couldn’t even raise my hands to my head because I still didn’t have any self-confidence. I had finished 26.2 miles, but I still felt silly raising my arms in the air. Like, I was a fake or something.

Something happened between that race and my race this past weekend. I decided on an apartment to move into, I got a new car, I finally went and got my wisdom teeth out. Basically, I stopped being a fucking dinosaur and grew up. (I love “Step Brothers”, you should too)

That’s why this picture (below) is really important to me. I finally had the pride to raise my arms as I crossed a finish line. I finally felt like I accomplished something. It wasn’t about the distance, it was an internal feeling that I’m not even sure I can describe. I guess all I can say is that I’m finally happy with myself. I like where I’m going and it has nothing to do with any relationships other than the relationship with myself.

Maybe next race I’ll keep my head up as I raise my arms. Always a goal for next time. :-)

Here is me and future me:

Went for a 4 mile run this morning.  Only eventful thing that happened was that I ran through a sprinkler along the way.  Unfortunately, I ran through nipple first apparently and now my undershirt is rubbing me all kinds of the wrong way.  

It felt nice to get out and run and not worry about hitting a certain time.  Very therapeutic run this morning.

I forgot to post a pic of the race shirt from this weekend.  I like when they are bright colors:

That pic is after my run this morning, which is why it’s a sweaty mess.

Here is a rare photo of me from this morning not in workout clothes:

Ok, Monday.  Let’s do this!

In the last 54 days I’ve ran a 15K, 3 Half Marathons and a Full marathon.  It’s time for a running training break.  I’ve said this before, but I really do mean it this time.  

I think I’ll start lifting a lot more in the month of June.  Any suggestions for workouts would be great.  

I can’t just sit and around be lazy.  This is my life now.  I wouldn’t change it for anything.

On July 1st, I start my training program for my November full marathon.  Along the way, I have 3 more half marathons (pending finances).

Since no one likes a post without pictures, here a few from today:

This is the reservoir we ran around today:

Here is what I ran in, although crappy quality (It was 3:30 a.m., leave me alone):

And this one I’m proud of.  One year worth of accomplishments:

Remember this post?  Good thing I made that list because I STILL managed to forget my Garmin.  I’m a moron.  I realized I left my watch at home about halfway up to the course, which was a good hour from my apartment.  Smooth, Bryon, smooth.

It actually turned out to be kind of a good thing, apparently.  I PR’d.  I guess running by feel has its benefits.  In all of my races over 15K, I have walked at some point.  Whether it be at the water station, a big hill or just when I’m near death.  Today, I didn’t walk at all.  I also only took one GU.  I might do this racing sans Garmin every time.  There’s a nice freedom about it.

Also, most of my races are almost completely flat.  This was not.  At all.  So many hills.

Results:

Medal/Bib:

Hope everyone has a good weekend!!!

Going way back, here. Thundercats!! 

Softball tonight, Geist Half Marathon tomorrow morning.  Happy Friday, everyone!!