Shut Up and Run

It's been awhile since I last updated so I guess I'll fill you in on what's been happening in Bethany's little world of running! Besides the training, I have started planning an event that will be held at a local winery in Livermore, Red Feather Winery. Event planning is not an easy task and without the help of a dear friend Jenni, I don't think I could do it! I don't know if you will see this, but Thank You for your inspiration, I think you are amazing. The event will be held on a Sunday afternoon from 4-8pm, Sept. 27th! Food, wine, and music will be there along with the company of ME! haha. I would love everyone's (your mom, dad, grandma, grandpa, sister, brother, cousin, aunt, uncle, niece, nephew, and dog) support!

July 11th

Tonight we started something new at track practice ... Tempo running! Basically, you are suppose to challenge yourself to the point where you breathe harder than normal. You start out running for 4 mins at a 10k pace (a somewhat fast pace) and jog/walk for 90 secs. and repeat 4 more times. Surprisingly it was challenging. These drills are helping us pick up our pace for our long runs. Its amazing what you can train your body to do in a small amount of time. I am convinced that anyone can be a marathon runner (well, someone with a somewhat normal health).

July 8th

Saturdays run was a little different the my previous half marathon in Livermore. :) I ran near Berkeley in a town called Orinda. It was nice. I was thinking it would be cooler than normal, but boy was I wrong! Hills + Berkeley + morning = cold right? Nope. There were lots of hills. I don't recommend going out the night before a big run either ... not such a good idea. I was way more tired on the run than I usually am. And the hills just kept coming. It felt like I was always going up. How does the Science work here? Aren't you suppose to come down after going up? Ok, so maybe it wasn't that bad (I think it was though). Hehe.

July 1st-7th

Yet again, I ran further than ever. Who knew Robertson Park in Livermore would be so beautiful?

Me of course since I live there! Livermore has to be up there in my favorites. Running through the vineyards, robertson, and sycamore park ... comon! Saturday, I unintentionally ran 14 miles (that is more than a half a marathon!) ... what was I thinking? Actually, it was more like what was the Livermore ranger thinking? Apparently he thought it would be a good idea to take down our markers and let us get lost. Luckily, most of us (minus me of course) have GPS attached to our wrists so we realized that we had ran more than half way and turned around. I felt like gumby afterwards and the aches and pains lingered on me for the rest of the day while I was at work. When it was all said and done, I was really proud of myself. I feel like a little kid running up to mom with excitement of completion (you know how you acted when you made something you were proud of? Same feeling.) with this running hobby. I also have so much more energy and feel great. The rest of the week involved more running yet again, and the oh so glorious hill sprints! Is it bad to say that I actually love hill sprints???

Tuesdays track practice.

So I know these aren't the most attractive pictures of me but I think they are funny.

Thursdays practice in Pleasanton...

...who needs stretching anyways?

Hill sprints in Puerto Vallarta... we were looking for the margaritas!

and after the hill sprints of course!

July 28th

We did benchmark drills today. In our first track practice back in the beginning of June, we timed our mile. I think I ran it just under 10... probably like 9:20ish and I shaved off over a minute I think. 8:16ish. I can't remember exactly. I know I could do better but I was feeling like I did in high school...dreading time mile day. Haha

Go Team!