MIA for good reason

Obviously, I've been MIA recently. I really can't believe it's been a month since my last post. It disgusts me. But I have good reason.

Remember how I mentioned that I'm in the process of getting my teaching certification? Well, I've scheduled my tests for the end of January and I've basically been spending four to five hours a day studying. No joke. This test is going to rip me new one. Some days I feel so overwhelmed, and I feel like 4-5 hours of studying a day isn't enough. So, between work, training for a marathon, and taking care of our new dog (yay!), it seems blogging has been pushed to the side. I'll try to be more regular with my posts, but don't count on it. After January you can bet your ass I'll be back in business.

And let's not even talk about my mileage counter. Haven't updated that in a while, eh? I'll get to it. Eventually.

But because my mind needs a break, I'm not studying tonight. Instead, I'm gracing y'all with my presence in a way-too-long post about the recent running updates in my life.

I ran a 5K on Saturday.
In an effort to shave my 5K, I went into this race really pumped up and ready to kick some PR ass. I didn't PR, but I did finish in 26:40, just 40 seconds shy of a PR. Officials results aren't up yet. I felt I ran as fast and as hard as I could without passing out. Word around the block is that the race was actually 1/8 mile too long. If that really is the case, then that sucks, because I think I could've PR'd (which is why I'll be running another 5K on Thanksgiving morning to see if I can do a repeat performance).

I like being in the 26:00 group. Especially for a female. I usually get passed (a lot) during 5Ks by both men and women, but during this race I can only count a handful of women that passed me. In fact, I was passing people! Hooray! Hooray!

I'm training for a marathon.
It's true. And I'm pretty sure I've mentioned it before, too. And I reckon I'll mention it every single time I post something. I AM TRAINING FOR A FRICKIN' MARATHON! *Gives self high-five*

So far training has been a little....meh. My first month of training felt hard. I'm not exactly sure why. Every single one of my long runs kicked the sh!t out of me. And they weren't even that long. I'm talking 8- and 9-milers, people! I should be able to do that with my eyes closed! More times than I care to admit I honestly felt like I was making a mistake by attmepting to run a marathon. What was I thinking?!

But the last couple of weeks have been better. A lot better. My mileage has increased and I feel like I'm hitting the endurance level I want to be at. Maybe it's been all of the inspiring marathon race reports I've been reading lately. Who knows?! But I'm totally pumped up for my marathon, and I truly believe I can do it.

It's officially running season here in Florida.
This entire summer has been really depressing hearing about all of your fun 5Ks and half-marathons, and outside runs. I guess not depressing...it just made me jealous. This was my first summer in Florida, and it was a scorcher. But I survived it, and now all of the 5Ks, half-marathons, and marathons are starting in my neck of the woods. I can even run outside without wanting to die now! It really is amazing. It's about 70 degrees outside, low humidity, and PERFECT weather for running. I may miss the fall colors of Utah right now, but I know I won't miss bundling up to run in the snow. Right now, I really like Florida weather (hahahaha).