I’ve been running now for about two years. I started running solo, then I started to run with a buddy, now I am back to running solo and I am thriving more than ever before. The moment I let go of looking at my watch and obsessing over my pace, it was as if a brand new runner was born, a runner that I am starting to love!
I’ve been working on my speed lately, and my goal is to get a sub 9:00/mile for at least 3 mi or more. I went for a 3 mi run last week and my pace was EXACTLY 9:00/mile! SO CLOSE! This is still the fastest 3mi I have run, so that is a success in itself. I hadn’t run over 5 miles in almost two months, and decided to see if I still had what it took to run 8 mi.
NOT only did I still have the endurance, this was my fastest 8 miler ever. SUB 10:00/miles! My longer runs are naturally slower than my short runs, but not this one! Not only did I move quicker than normal, but this run FELT GOOD! I didn’t feel tired at all! Well my legs did, but that’s for many reasons. MY endurance is what I was focused on. The small speed work I have done is PAYING OFF for my longer runs!
I’ve always loved running AFTER I am done, but lately I have been loving the run WHILE I am running. I still struggle getting out the door at times, but once I am moving I love it. I am finally starting to consider myself “a runner” and it feels damn good. You know what else feels good? When big companies like your photos on Instagram….
Bahaha to be fair they “liked” quite a few peoples photos, but I still felt special. Anyway, running is rocking my world right now and I am so thankful for my body’s performance.
In non running related news, today is Disneyland’s 58th birthday! To infinity & beyond!
I want to gooooo…
Q: Have you had any amazing workouts lately that rocked your world??
Blissfulbritt 
73 thoughts on “Who’da Thunk”
Her Happy Balance
I love when companies like my photos too haha! I mean I know they’re only doing it because I”m rockin’ their product, but still! It’s a big deal 🙂 And I wear Asics too! And a BIG Congrats on your speediness!
spectacuLAUR
I ran half a mile which pretty much ROCKED because I haven’t been able to run in forever. Probably not my best idea but hey, I tried. Lol! I’m really glad your pace is picking up. I remember when I started running on surfaces other than a treadmill, my mile times changed DRASTICALLY. It’s amazing what your body can do when you aren’t staring at a screen full of numbers! And I always love when companies re-tweet or like my photos. It makes you feel slightly cool for a minute 😛
Brittany
That half mile is EPIC! There are some people that can’t even do that, and you were able to after not running fo’EVA! I hate the treadmill..HATE HATE HATE!
kathy @ vodka and soda
these days i’ve been doing double workouts and that always leaves me feeling awesome.
great job on the runs, lady!
runner1313
Any run in the intense summer heat is a victory. 🙂
sugarcoatedsheridan
Great job on the running!! What small speed work have you been doing? I swear, no matter how hard I try I cannot get below a 9:30 minute mile for longer than about 2 miles.
Brittany
To be honest the “speed work” isn’t much of anything, but I noticed that when I don’t stare at my watch it’s easier to “push” a little harder. For example when I get close to my 3 mile mark I can PUSH extra hard and almost sprint for a bit near the end. IT’s all about getting out of your comfort zone..10:00min/miles feel fine for me..it’s not a struggle anymore, so now I push harder so that my runs are a little uncomfortable near the end and I give it all I have for my last 5minutes or so.
Change of Pace
Congrats on your speed! That’s awesome that you even ran your fastest 8-miler! I’ve always considered you a runner, so you should too!
Ooh- Happy Birthday, Disneyland! I wish I could be there to celebrate the occassion!
Hayley
Wahoooooo you go girl! I find in the summer my pace slows A LOT, but then picks up in the fall with the cooler temps. I love when you get faster (semi)unintentionally and surprise yourself!
chasingchels
Ahh yes, letting go of the watch and just running always results in faster and better runs (in my experience anyway). I love my watch and know that it’s great for me to have to make sure i keep my pace under control, but i try to only look at it when it beeps each mile. I’m actually really happy with my run this morning…,mapmyrun tricked us with a run a mile longer than expected but we felt pretty good considering how hot it was and we were very happy we pushed through it together 🙂
Megan
Does squatting while watching Extreme Weightloss count??
Brittany
YES YES YES x 1083597235!! I almost wanted to tell you not to read my post, I didn’t want you to feel running bummed..but with that sad, I cannot do nearly as many squats as you can. I can’t even do half. You’re a machine.
Megan
hahahah perfect timing with my whiny pity party this morning! Way to rub salt in the wound… and like I would ever not read what you have to say : )
wildlyhealthyblog
Awesome progress. Sometimes I get discouraged because I’m “not as good as I used to be.” I need to focus on small-increment goals. Great post!
MegBek
I felt what you’re talking about for the first time yesterday 🙂 I’m sure my pace wasn’t amazing, but we didn’t time it and I felt great out there, like I was actually a runner. I’m not good at it so I don’t really like it that much. But, since I’ve been working on my form lately, I’m feeling much better. I’m going to work on my speed on my shorter runs as well. Awesome about your photo! I just got instagram so I’m still learning how to even upload a picture, haha.
cleaneatingveggiegirl
LOVE Disneyland and Disney World!! They make me feel like a kid again :).
Lisa
That’s amazing!
And congrats on your running ability! That’s always something I wish I was better at – but I guess the spin bike and me will just become better friends. And that’s awesome you ran your fastest 8 miler, I’m super impressed by anyone who can go 2 miles without stopping ha.
Alex@Veggin' Out
Ah Brittany!!!!! So, so, soooooooo excited for you!! I knew you could do it 😀 And congrats on your 8 miler too! That gives me so much more confidence that I will be able to handle the longer runs when I get to them in a few weeks. I did a 4.25 mile run last week – the longest I have EVER run, and I must say that I was pretty proud of myself 😉 I know I still have a ways to go, but seeing as I doubled my distance from a few weeks before, I KNOW I will get there! And I’m also so glad to hear that you’re truly enjoying your runs! I felt the exact way during my three mile run yesterday. I was kind of sad it was over because I was loving it!
Yay for Disneyland!! I have never been there 😦 😦 I feel like there is a void in my life… it’s on my bucket list to do before I get too old! I want to go SO badly!!!
Brittany
Whoohoo!! You go girl!! Just wait until you get to 6, and 7, and then 8 miles!! You will feel on CLOUD nine!! Each run that is further than the last is like a mini Christmas!! AWESOME job on the recent longer run! You are going to kill your half marathon!
As for Disneyland, you MUST go…YOU MUST! I try to go once a year hahaha.
Nicole @ FruitnFitness
You are turning into a little speedster! I have no speed in my running, nope, none zero! But I usually do love to get out and go for a run no matter how slow I am going.
sincerelylily
yayyyyyyy okay, i freaken needed a post like this today. about running love. i haven’t ran in 3 days (because i am tyring to pack up my life in boxes) and i am SUCH AN EMOTIONAL NUT at the moment. run run run – keeps ladies sane.
it is great not worrying about the watch- but it is even better when you run with one and then look at the pace and your like OH MER GAWWWWD IM FAST. YAY for being a beast!
I can’t believe you got a famous instagramer to ‘like’ your post. Wowzers. Speaking of Disney, they are making this movie and I wanna see it- Disney trying to make Mary Poppins into a movie but so much more:
http://video.disney.com/watch/trailer-saving-mr-banks-4e130be70eb618c738ea079f?cmp=wdsmp_banks_4d_google_media
Brittany
GO RUN!!! Get all your emotions out and leave them on your favorite running path!! DOOO IT!! I am so excited for you and your move.
OH MY GOSH that movie…looks so good. I cannot wait. I love Tom Hanks!
Alex @ Cookie Dough Katzen
I’m going through that same feeling of loving to run alone. I went for a run this morning on my own and just allowed myself to get in the zone. Keep rockin’ it!
Erin
Good for you girl- so exciting!!!
I had a pretty good run the other day WITH the stroller (which I normally hate running with) so I was pretty proud of that (:
ko0ty
Good job on your run! I envy those who love runnning and are passionate about it because all my friends run (and none of them cycle like I do) so I’d love to actually WANT to go for a run with them. I tried really really hard to get into running though but I really dislike it. 😦
Brittany
You can’t force it, that’s for sure!! Keep on spinning, that’s my second favorite workout!! I would cycle with you all the time!! 😉
pickyrunner
Every time I see how excited and happy you are with your running it seriously motivates me to keep this run break going. I miss feeling that way after every run and to know you’re improving while loving every minute of it is so reassuring! Keep truckin’ along, girl!
Brittany
YAY!! That makes me SO happy to hear!! You will get back there, patience is indeed a virtue as much as I hate to say it!
Alex @ Brain, Body, Because
Yay, this is awesome! Great job on your pace, especially in this crazy heat. Did you draw that little cat picture? All about his determined face!
I’ve been super into yoga lately. I think that happens any time I’m feeling stressed, but it really is helpful 🙂
Brittany
NOO I found that cat picture online and I thought it was PERFECT! HAHA! LOVE me some yoga.
Amy @ A Desert Girl
Good job, you runner you!!! That is sooooo awesome!! I’m super proud. And motivated.
I have not had a single good workout this week. I NEED to start making that a priority.
Jan @ Sprouts n Squats
Yay!! Well done on doing so well on your runs and pace that is awesome!!
I’m sure they only liked the other photos so they didn’t make others feel bad but really they liked yours the best 😉
PNWRunner
Congrats on improving your time! Speed running helps alot. My runs have been getting better as well. A lower mile average is always a plus!
Amy
GOOD FOR YOU!!! Ahh that’s amazing — you’re so speedy! 😀 I’ve actually only run solo… Part of being an introvert, I suppose! I’m still working on upping my miles, but when it’s 100° out, that’s slightly more difficult. And if you come visit me, we’ll definitely take a road trip down to Disneyland — I really want to go back too!!
Rachel
Awesome job Britt! I’ve been trying to decrease my time but with this heat wave, no such luck haha I like how you don’t run with the time.. I get a little too obsessive. My friend who ran in high school said they always tried to get runners to run without the watch lol
Choc Chip Uru
I am just saying, please teach me how to run 😛
You are so awesome!
Cheers
CCU
P.S I will not be commenting for around 4 weeks to prepare for my exams – see you in a month 🙂
Brittany
Best of luck with your exams!! You’ll need some running to de-stress after all that! 😉
Christina Does It All
GIRRLLLL, You go! That’s awesome, I love that you’re loving running 😀
jessiebearwhat
Yay for enjoying being a runner! (and Disneyland’s bday.. I want to go so badly now.)
Courtney
That would totally make my day if Asics liked my photo, too!! 🙂
Alex @ therunwithin
amen amen amen I love this post, well duh the runner in me is all over it. I never use a watch or pace unless i know it is a specific tempo run. it is awesome that way
Heather @ HeatherRunsFast.com
Reading this post Rocked My World! A) Your are killing your runs! B) Happy to hear you are actually ENJOYING running again C) Asics liking your pic= awesomeness!!!
Britta
Waahhoooo!!! way to go, that is freaking phenominal 😀 You are totally crushing your runs! Where as I have been getting slower and slower.. oopsssieeee. I should go for a run right now actually, but I real tired. haha Maybe I’ll get the motivation to lace up.. just maybe 😉
Melissa @ Mouthwatering Morsel
whooo good job! I always used to love running while but then I started to hate it … always loved your running pictures.
gracegetslost
You’ll have a buddy soooonnn!!!
Brittany
WHOOHOOO!!
Nicole Marie Story
I heart this so much! Returned my gorgeous Garmin to REI because it was driving my bonkers, like was yours. My exercise? Yoga. Euphoria. xoxoxo
Alyssa @ Road to RD
Congrats on your pace! Sometimes the best things happen when we’re not even trying 🙂
Elizabeth
YAY on your super speedy pace! Keep it up woman!! 🙂
Chobani liked my photo in instagram the other day and I was like BOOM!!!!!
HappinessSavouredHot
Kuddos for your improvement! Running starts slowly in all senses of the word, but once you do it regularly, the benefits and the pleasure seam to multiply. 🙂
An Unrefined Vegan
I’m so happy to hear that your running is going GREAT and that it makes YOU happy. There’s nothing like that feeling of a good run. I also sometimes struggle to get my arse out the door, but I never, ever regret taking a run!
kelly @ racesrepsramblings
This is AWESOME!!! CONGRATS!! Seriously – what a great milestone. Isn’t it such an amazing (and addicting) feeling??? I’m so happy for you – glad to hear you feel like a “runner!” Because you are! Now when’s that next race??
Brittany
Next official race is in October, I just signed up for my third half marathon last week!! WHOO!! Maybe there will be another one before that too..who knows! 😉
kelly @ racesrepsramblings
WAHOOO!! That’s sooo exciting!! 🙂 Congrats again. I’ll be excited to hear more about your training for the Oct race. Yay! 🙂
Gina
I hope I can get to that place where I love running while I’m running. The first ten minutes are the hardest, but I can’t say the other twenty + are a party!! I’ve only been at it for six months, so there’s hope!! Your post is so encouraging!!
Brittany
The first three miles are sometimes awful, but once you get over that hump it’s amazing! Keep going, you’ll get there!!
sweetsummersmiles
That’s awesome you were recognized by another company! SoDelicious liked and followed by instagram last week and I freaked out a little bit too 🙂
Eating 4 Balance
In non-related news as well… and totally not the point of your post… Have you been to both Disneyland and Disney World? I’ve only been to Disney World (love) and was just talking to family the other day about what the differences were??
I bet that “like” made your day! It would have made mine 😀
Brittany
Disney talk always wins over anything else! YES I have been to both Dland and Dworld. I have only been to Dworld once, and I have been to Dland more times that I can count!! The difference is that Dland is one park. Dworld has multiple separate parks in one: Epcot, Animal Kingdom, Magic Kingdom (which is just like the Dland park),and MGM studios. So basically Dworld is a larger version of Dland with an extra three parks. You’ve been to Dworld, so I assume you went to Magic Kingdom. That is JUST like Disneyland. Same rides and similar layout.
Sort of similar to how Dland and CA Adventure are right next to each other, but separate. I hope that makes sense haha. Now I want to go to DWORLD!
Eating 4 Balance
Thanks for the response! I have already told my parents that our next big family trip has to be Disney World. And also whenever I get married Disney will be at the top of the list for honeymoon locations 😉 It sounds like I should just stick with Disney World since it is so much closer. Plus, one huge park just sounds insane! Breaking it up into a few is just mentally easier to tackle and keep track of. Haha.
olivetorun
This was awesome to read! I love when people are on a “runners high” type feeling. Also- LOVE that Asics liked your picture! I love their brand and it’s nice to know they’re out there supporting real life runners!
Courtney
I am trying to get faster at running too. You say you have been doing speed work–can you tell me a little more about that? Whatever you are doing is working! Are you doing intervals or what?
Thank you!!
Courtney
Brittany
Hi there!! Well what I have been focusing on lately is really pushing my comfort zone on my shorter runs. 10:00min/miles feel “good” to me these days, so I try and push myself to feeling slightly uncomfortable near the end of my 3-5milers to the point where I am almost out of breath. This still isn’t fast, somewhere in the low 9:00min range, but it’s helping me on my longer runs! I haven’t been doing anything crazy, but occasional interval sprints help too!
Colin DeWaay
Congrats! Keep it up!!!!
jessielovestorun
Woo hoo!! Get it gurrrrlll!!!! 🙂
P
Awesome, awesome that you’re getting faster and faster :D!!
The opposite has been happening for me, and I’m trying to pinpoint the reasons why. Hopefully my pace will get back to how it was late May/early June when I was running 9:30/mi for up to 3 miles. Hopefully even faster ;).
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Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
I’m happy to hear you rekindled with an old flame: running. You know you’re one of my running inspirations right? If not, you do now. When I run on vacations, I affix my key to my sneaker laces too. Perfect solution and congrats on the great running and the asic’s nod. Well deserved. It was a really cool photo.
Brittany
You make my heart smile. Seriously, I just love ya! We must have lunch and you can make me your fruity alcoholic beverages someday.
Meghan@CleanEatsFastFeets
Agreed.
laurasmess
I hate running. I really, really wish that I loved it but my brain just rejects the process every time. Now, swimming? Yep. Netball? Love it. I think I must have a snort attention span. I need other stimulation! (so happy about you crashing through your goals though, woop! Well done!) xx
Rach @ This Italian Family
You are such a champ! Way to go!!
di @ life of di.
That’s so cool that Asics liked your photo! 🙂 It’s the little things…you know 😉 As of recently, my killer workouts have been few and far between but on vacation, I did workout every day (6 days we were there) and on four of those days I did a 3.5 mile beach run. I swear my legs looked more toned than ever. Now I’m back to pavement running and I think they’ve changed again. UGH. Wish I had a beach nearby – I’m not kidding – I really think running on sand uses different muscles making your legs look more awesome than normal 😉 Haha.