Trying so hard to run faster

Breathing a sigh of relief that the fundraising portion is done! Now it's all about the running! We are in the tapering off phase so that means race day is VERY close. I'm beyond excited! I'm still hoping to set that PR. My PR is 2:18:51 for the half, but I believe I'm capable of 2:15 or less, 2:10 if its a great day! Sometimes I get frustrated with my speed or lack thereof.

 People assume because I'm a trainer I can run these 8 minute miles and that's really not true. The 10 minute range seems to be my plateau zone and a tough one to get out of. I try to push into the 9 minute zone. Some days are better than others, but i just feel like i have a hard time getting faster. At least I'm consistent. Sure, there's the excuse that I'm super short and I really don't have the "runners body" going on. Runners tend to have long legs, shorter torso, and are very lean, I have a long torso, VERY short legs and as some say, a little top heavy. I still get told I'm built like a gymnast even though i haven't done it in years. Sure, it doesn't help that I have that body type, but I'm doing my best to work with it. Another problem is old injuries. i have no arch in my left foot. i don't mean low, it's collapsed, i get plantar fasciitis A LOT! I bare 25 more pounds on my left leg than my right. i also have that nagging neck and scapula pain from a high school cheer accident. Really wish that girl didn't land in my head:-/

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That said, I'm trying to eat very clean yet get enough carbs to fuel my running, a little easier said than done. I also drink a ton of water, which you have to in this Arizona heat! I try to get in massages since that helps my neck a lot. Lots of icing for my foot too.

The great thing about San Diego is it will be nice and cool, especially since we are running in the morning! That will be helpful. I hear the motivation of the Team In Training community is amazing! I guess I'll have to find out for myself:-) until then, I'll keep eating clean and running the best that I can.