Running in Fall and Fall Fun Runs

{Running in Fall}
It isn't news that I enjoy running and if I'm going to run, I definitely need to be doing it outside. Enter the start of fall and what I would call the best time to be an outside runner. Whether you are a die-hard marathoner, couple times a weeker (like me) or just starting out. Now is the time. The weather is beautiful and the views are gorgeous. And if you can talk someone into running with you, bonus points.

Check out my fave place in the world to run and unwind - Lake Zorinsky in Omaha. Not only are the views gorgeous but the trail is a perfect length, approximately 4.5 miles with an additional 3.5 miles on the other side of 168th street if you want to tack it on for an extra long run. And when the trees start to turn, be prepared for your mind to be blown from all the beauty.

{Fall Fun Runs}
And with the great weather, brings the best time (in my mind) to sign up for some fun runs around your area. Bringing this closer to home, here are a couple of great fun runs that I'm either planning to check out or would if I didn't have plans.

• This weekend, yes THIS weekend, is the Tap n' Run Omaha on Saturday, Sept 28th. A 4k run with three beer chugging stations. Um, tell me this doesn't sound awesome? Running and drinking? Sign me up (except I can't, some of us get to work Saturdays). Someone go for me. Please? {Details here}
• There is also the Omaha's Henry Doorly Zoo Run on Sunday, Sept 29th. Not only will you get to enjoy the beautiful outdoor weather but you also get to run through the zoo, which provides such an amazing backdrop. {More details here}
• And if beer or zoo runs aren't your thing, this one has to be: Jones Brothers Cupcakes 5Cake Run on October 19th. At every mile of the 5k, you have to eat a cupcake. This one is right up mine and Cruz's alley! {Check it out here}
• Omaha's Great Pumpkin Run on Oct 27th {which, by the way, if you are thinking about this one, do me a favor, click here and  use code GOBLINS at checkout for 40% off entry fees! All thanks to Liv, Laugh, Love} 

Which one would you do? Or better yet, which have you done that you recommend in your area?

Maybe I will get crazy and sign up for the Commitment Day race again this year - nothing better to wake you up then running in the freezing cold on January 1st!

Discover many more ways to enjoy Fall in Omaha by visiting these other great local blogs!

Oh My! Omaha - Fall Foods in Omaha Restaurants

Coolest Mommy’s Coolest Thoughts - Incorporating Fall into your family activities … making memories during Fall

Liv, Laugh, Love - Apple Jack Festival

The Walking Tourists - Vala's Pumpkin Patch offers fun for all ages

Family Fun in Omaha - FREE Fall Family Activities in Omaha

Bolton Carley's Blog - What's your favorite season? quiz

LPO Beauty - Changing Up Your Look for Fall

Omaha Half Marathon

This morning I made a dent, albeit a small one, in my bucket list. I ran in and completed my first half marathon. Yes...me! A co-worker mentioned it a few months ago and I all but laughed in his face. I don't run long distances. I run five miles a couple times a week and I'm good with that. Actually there was a time I was proud of myself for that.

Fast forward a couple weeks and my sister-in-law Morgan mentioned it. That's when I actually thought this was something I could do. Granted, I didn't have much time to prepare, but I'd been running all summer and would just need to jump into a training plan. Easy, right?

It took a lot of back and forth with myself - "I can do it. No, I can't. Yes, I can." - until I finally took the plunge and signed up. No turning back... On August 25th, I signed up and promised myself I would see my way through it.

I attempted to follow the training plan, but to be honest it was slow going. Between work, little man and my excuses I just didn't get to day by day. I was frustrated on days I didn't get my runs in and tempted to back out. Nope, I can do this...

I woke up this morning at 5am feeling good and left the house around 5:30am. I got to Millard Ave and realized I had forgotten my running shoes. Are you kidding me?!?! This is not a good start to the day...it can only go up from here, right? To top it off, it was cold this morning. 37 degrees when I got into my car.

I got down to TD Ameritrade and the place was packed. I met up with Morgan and we lined up for our 7am start. Here goes nothing... The race started out well. I was keeping up and we were weaving in and out of the pack. Around mile 4, Morgan mentioned we were keeping an 8:10/mile pace. Eeek...too quick for me.  I ran through the next aid station for a drink of gatorade and tied my shoelace and that's where she and I parted ways (shoot, I'm just glad I lasted that long with her!). At mile 6, all of the 10k-ers were turning off toward the finish...oh how I was tempted to turn in with them...and be done. To think I still had SEVEN+ miles left.

Around mile 7, I started feeling my calves ache and we were steadily climbing hills from there until mile 9. Yuck. At mile 10 we headed back downtown and downhill which was awesome...I thought to myself "I've got this!"

I thought we would coast down 10th street to TD Ameritrade for our finish, but of course not, it couldn't be that easy. We turned onto Jackson and headed up past Hiro 88 (oh, how I wish I were inside enjoying some Snow White Chicken and a glass of wine instead of running right now). We then turned north and headed back toward the stadium on 15th. Ok, I can take this route straight to TD Ameritrade. Almost there. Nope. Up ahead I noticed we were turning east again on Farnam. Come on people...this girl is tired!

We headed down near Conagra (around 8th street - this is where I started losing steam) and back up Capitol to 16th. Back north yet again toward the finish line and I saw the mile 12 marker. Almost there! I gained some energy (I still have no idea how) and started cruising. The stadium was in site and soon I could see the finish line and not only that I could see the time clock...that can't be right 1 hour 55 minutes? There is no way I'm under 2 hours...no way its possible. But, it's true, I crossed the finish line at 1:55 and some change. I collected my medal from one of the nice looking marines and finally stopped running. My legs felt like jello, my calves were on fire, my core was aching...but I had finished!  I couldn't believe it had made it!

I have to say, I never in my dreams had ever thought I would be running 13 miles at one time and completing a half marathon, but it feels great. I can't say I want to do it again tomorrow or next week or next month, but I would consider doing another down the road. Mark that bad boy off the bucket list.

Goal: finish in under 2 hours & 15 minutes and no walking
Finished: 1:54:02 (actual time based on where we started)

After the finish with Morgan -
proud of both of us for doing this!

No Turning Back...

It's official...there's no turning back now. I just signed up for the Omaha half marathon.

I've been wrestling with this idea for some time now. To be honest, I love distance running and running outside, but haven't ever ran 13.1 miles at one time...EVER. My runs consist of 4.5 to 5 miles around Lake Zorinsky or at the gym and I'm happy to be done after those distances. I didn't think I would be able to make it much further...I mean it's been a LONG time since I've ran over five miles.

On the flip side...it's only 13.1 miles. People run full marathons all.the.time. (not me, but many people do). My bestie participates in Ironmans...full marathon, full bike ride and full swim (she's crazy, yes, but oh so inspiring). It's not that big of a deal.

But it is to me. It will be the longest distance I've ever ran at one time. And I'm excited to check it off my bucket list (which is actually a list of things I want to do in my lifetime that are jotted down on a notepad I keep in my purse) and complete it within a year after having my first child.

Last week I put together a modified version of a training schedule and told myself if I follow it this week, I'm going to sign up. Well, I did five miles, eight miles and another five miles. There were a couple of days I didn't get to my runs in because it's been a hectic week with the hubby playing long days/nights at a local poker tournament. But I took the plunge and signed up today. There is no turning back now...and I'm really excited to actually do it. Wish me luck!