My BHAG: I will finish the America's Finest City Half Marathon in 2 hours and 7 minutes without stopping on August 15, 2010.

My past two races I have been so elated with finishing, that I didn't mind taking mile 7 as a walk. I am a terrible runner, a fact all of my former softball coaches and teammates can attest. Not only am fairly slow by nature, but 6 years ago I was diagnosed with Rheumatoid Arthritis and was told by multiple doctors to stay off my feet. Instead I was prescribed to take a million pills a day in order to function normally, gain weight, and enjoy a life of not moving. Needless to say, more than my joints were deteriorating.

Luckily, I began reading up on nutrition and found a way to control my RA with a healthy vegetarian diet, low on sugar and white flours. Although my hands and feet wake up every morning with a bit of aches from the remnants of RA, I have not had a flare up in over 4 years, and have kept moving at the discouragement of my doctor. (I definitely do not claim to be a doctor, but I do suggest looking into nutrition if ever you find yourself with a diagnosis.)

For me in the past few years of seriously taking on running, yoga, and my health, being able to move everyday feels like a blessing. The past 2 races I have ran in, I have been so proud to push past a little bit of discomfort and rested on the crutch of my slowness to take it easy and just finish. But if there has anything that my journey with RA has taught me it's that you have to keep moving to keep moving. Now that I know I can finish a half marathon, it's time I pushed my body to finish it full speed and without hesitation.

Every week I will be blogging my training journey with how far and where I ran, what I did for cross training, and what I wore. I hope you can run with me, and keep me moving towards my goal.

This week's training mileage total: 12 miles
Longest run: 4 miles with a pace of 9:40 (right on track)
Cross training: 3 yoga classes and 1 bootcamp class.
Wore on my long run: I Just Wanna Run Tech SL, Run:Roll Down Shorts and the Flight Running Bonnet (available in store and through the Guest Education Centre).

Run:Roll Down Short: It is important to note here that this is the FIRST pair of run shorts I have ever ran in! They are the most amazing shorts (in my opinion) that we have ever made. I love that they are cut similar to the Run:Speed Shorts, but are a touch longer and a bit looser. They are the perfect length that I feel covered, and are more on the baggy side, which I love. I know I don't have to worry if someone's running behind me!

I Just Wanna Run Tech SL: This is probably my favourite running tank. It is so lightweight you do not feel it as you are moving, and it quickly wicks your sweat so you don't even notice it. I love the way it drapes, and I love that it is a bit loose giving me room to breathe. On a hot, hot San Diego day this weekend, 4 miles felt like a breeze!

Here is my training schedule this week if anyone wants to join in on the fun!

12 weeks until race day:
Monday: Yoga
Tuesday: 3 miles
Wednesday: 2 miles + yoga
Thursday: 3 miles
Friday: Rest (or yoga)
Saturday: 30 minutes cross training
Sunday: 4 miles

See you next week!  P.S. Does anyone have any tips or vegetarian protein recipes I could benefit from?