Two great runs in one weekend = happy Becky

Yep.

Two great runs in one weekend.  I feel like I'm cheating the system somehow.  Typically, I have one great run for every 4 mediocre to awful runs.  But two good runs right in a row?  Huh...not sure what I think about that!  (That's a lie; I think it is AWESOME!)

Anyway, I ran 10 miles in Idaho on Saturday.  It's my first double-digit run since being sidelined with my IT band issue.  I was very nervous because I felt like this would be the real test for my knee.  I started out nice and easy with a gradual declined, and then looped back to conquer the hill at my dad's place around mile 5.  I felt good the whole way!

You can definitely tell where the turnaround point was on my hill climb!  Gotta love those downhill sections.  They make me excited for my Half Marathon this weekend!  In case I hadn't mentioned it, I recently signed up to run the Timpanogos Half Marathon.  I can't wait!  I'm hoping to smash my previous time.  I would love anything under 2:30, but I am secretly (I guess not so secretly anymore) hoping for somewhere in the 2:15-2:20 range.  It's a downhill course, so maybe it is possible?  We shall see!  Let's hope that Saturday doesn't decide to be the day where I have a bad run (that I am so due for).  Fingers crossed!

Here's the elevation profile from my 10-miler this weekend.  I'm trying to be a more balanced runner and incorporate all types of running environments into my training.  Since I seem to be running better than I have in the past, perhaps there is something to it?

Views from the run--gorgeous!

This is the view directly out my dad's window.  So pretty!

I wasn't the only one enjoying the nice temps! 46 degrees at 7 am--perfect for running!

Anyway, my weekend was awesome.  Not only did I get a good run in, but I was able to spend a huge chunk of time outside with my family.  And because Idaho somehow managed to escape the massive heatwave engulfing the country, it was a perfect 80 degrees outside.  Perfect weather for BBQs and fireworks!  (Side note--it is a state holiday here in Utah/Idaho on the 24th of July.  We light off more fireworks than we do on the 4th!)  I went to the new water park in my hometown (and wore a swimsuit.  in public.  around people who actually know me...) and then took family photos.  And then lit off a crap ton of fireworks because they AWESOME.  It was pretty much a perfect day.  The only thing missing was Hubster who was in Seattle running the Ragnar Relay Northwest Passage race.  I missed him!  He ROCKED that race though--they were blazin' fast!

Now I am back in Utah and had to get back to my training schedule.  I have been 18 for 18 on my workouts for the last three weeks.  I haven't missed one yet!  So, this morning called for 5 miles and although I was definitely short on sleep I got up and did the darn thing.  I started out slow (legs felt heavy) but quickly warmed up and ended up running the whole thing with an average pace of under 10 minute miles.  Fastest time for me yet.   I am super excited about the progress I've made in just the last three weeks alone.  Apparently complete dedication to a training schedule will actually yield results.  Who knew?  :)

How was your weekend?  Is anyone training for anything at the moment?  How is it going for you?