Stepback week

First off, thanks to javamom and wb5ker for the words of concern. I haven't even met you all and you are sending me such kind words. Thanks so much.

I'm going through "I don't want to run anymore" syndrome, and it showed. We were suppose to do 11 miles this week. Saturday was cloudy, cold, misty. I didn't not want my feet to touch the ground, and they didn't until it was time to go grocery shopping and to an absolutely fabulous bridal shower that evening.

So Sunday, I was determined to do as much as I could after church before it got dark. So I did 6 miles, but was feeling kinda nauseous. You shouldn't eat leftover Mongolian Beef and then go out for a run/walk. That is not good.

So that's all. This week is the 20 miler. Keep you posted.

The 18 Miler...

Before I got out of bed this morning, I asked God to please help me to finish these 3 laps. Without Him, I can do nothing in my own strength.

When I left the house, the weather was beautiful. Hit the streets at 5:55 and arrived at the Park around 6:15. I saw two familiar cars, so went the opposite direction in hopes to occassionaly see a familiar face. DH stayed at home so I could go out. He is so kind. The goal was to complete 3 laps today (18 miles). And the goal was accomplished. Did it in less time than last week too. A couple of things I did differently. I carbed up really well for lunch yesterday. And I invested in the PowerGel.

We were using ClifBars, but since this will be served at the race, I figured I had better try it. It was great! Not the best tasting stuff, but was good. Didn't have to chew a huge Cliff bar. With the gel, you just take a couple of gulps, drink some water, and you're done until the next time.

The first lap was fine. Second lap, I felt good. First 3 miles of the third lap were good, but then around the bend I began to slow down. Anyway, it is done.

Our final LONG run will be 20 miles in two weeks.

Schedule Adjustments

Well, my DBIL is going back home today. So that's been an adjustment to my schedule for the short runs. I am now doing my short runs during lunch time or immediately after work before I pick up the boys from preschool.

So I did the treadmill yesterday. I don't like the treadmill at all. At 45 minutes, I only got 2.7 miles done. The treadmill is harder than outside, so anyone who can go fast on the treadmill is doing good.

I'll hit the treadmill today before I go and pick them up.

To all who have responded to my sponsor letter so far, thank you so much!

Things I've discovered...

First, if you are reading this and found me by way of my letter, thanks so much for stopping by. I really appreciate you taking the time out to see how things are going.

Well, I did 17 miles today. 15 run/walk, 2 straight walk. I was alone. No hubby, just me. And this is what I've discovered. Training for a marathon is hard. Not on the body, per say, but on the MIND. That is what truly needs to be in training.

The first lap was as expected. Lap 2 was harder. By the third lap, I just don't know what happened but the balloon deflated. I got to the 2.5 mile turnaround and did just that. I won't even post my time.

I'm not whining, because these long runs are suppose to serve as our 'practice' for the final long run in October. I am just humbled once again by those who can run the whole thing in 2 hours. The hours of dedication to diet, training, lifestyle that is committed is humbling.

So, I have another long run next Saturday. It's with the group and hopefully my DDH will be by my side, or at least within eye view.

When I got home, I told him, "I needed you today." He didn't say anything. He didn't have to.

We're really counting down now...

We only have around 6 more weeks to go before hitting the pavement in Chicago. This weekend was pretty hectic for us due to other activities outside of the training. The long run was scheduled for 17 miles, but due to prior commitments, I was only able to get 12 miles on my legs. That is a lot. But I got an email from a fellow teammate explaining the necessity of these long runs and they are crucial. From all of the reading, you can not afford to cheat on the long runs. So I am really counting on some grace on this last one.

I didn't even track my time on this run. All I know is that I completed 12 miles, or two laps, around the park.

We had our group meeting on Sunday to tie down the logistics. I must admit, the stomach was beginning to churn a little bit. But I have to just trust that what I am doing will provide the outcome that is expected at the end.

Happy September

The weather is beautiful in the Midwest. Got out there yesterday evening for about 2 miles. Had to go to the grocery store so the run was cut short. We have our 17 miler on Saturday. We won't make the group run, but have to make it up. So I'm putting it out here to be accountable and not cheat. We can't afford any shortcuts at this point. All long runs are extremely important and we march down to the 20 miler. That is the longest distance we will do before the marathon. No arguments, just following the schedule.

So two miles in 26:39 (13:19 min/mile pace).

I'm going slow, but at least I'm a lot faster than when I started.Wanna-Be-5Ker is jamming on her pace. Keep up the good work!

Have a great weekend.