Week 7- Hell Week

This is the week that I have been dreading since day one, and to be quite honest, I was pretty fearful about not making it through this week.  I had to run 4 miles Monday and Thursday, 6 miles Wednesday and then 12 miles Saturday (that is 26 miles for you Math majors out there, which is nearly the distance of a full length marathon), which seemed pretty insurmountable to me...but I MADE IT!  I have no funny observations or snarky comments about this week, I am just happy to have survived it.  I do feel confident now in making it across the finish line in three short weeks and finally making one of my dreams a reality.

Week 6-Feelin' like a bad ass!

I have to admit that after 10 miles last week, I was really not looking forward to this week's 11 miles, but after hitting the snooze button several times I talked myself into hitting the pavement.  I was pretty disappointed when I didn't feel all that great for the first 4 1/2 miles but after that I really got into the zone and at 5 1/2 miles was elated to do my "halfway there" victory dance.  Running today really got me thinking, partially because there isn't that  much else to do while running 11 miles and partially because running has become a rather reflective active for me. Here are some of my more memorable observations from today:

1. The sun coming up behind the trees is intensely beautiful and awe-inspiring.

2. Early in the morning the dew on the grass looks like glitter.

3. I apparently love the smell of petunias.

4. Men only get up early on the weekends for a few things: golf, football and the occasional fishing trip.

5. There is such a thing as a "second wind."  There are also "third," "fourth" and "fifth" winds.  The human body is truly an amazing thing!

6. While running one really good song can make you feel like a total bad ass.

7. Once the pain begins, it is not likely the pain will retreat until you stop running.

8. After 10 miles I get tunnel vision.

9.  To train for a marathon you must either be completely insane or completely stubborn...I am the latter.

Week 5-Running on trash day stinks...

After another night without sleep, because my little guy decided to make my morning 10 mile run just that much more challenging, I woke up...um, a little late to start my run.  Once I finally got going I have to admit I couldn't for the life of me remember what I was dreading about my run. The sun was coming up, the ground was covered in dew, and the smell of the air...was NASTY... oh yes, it was trash day in our little neighborhood and everyone had certainly put out their finest smelling garbage this lovely Saturday morning. Instead of fresh, crisp Fall air that happens to be one of my favorite smells, I got a whiff of dirty diapers and rotten food every 30 feet or so.

As disgusting as trash day on my run was I will admit that the smells permeating from the trash bins did help me forget about how far I had to go and how far I had already gone.  I did have one moment where my body really wanted to stop, my joints were aching and I didn't feel like I had anything left around 9 miles but I thought...ONE MORE MILE...I can deal with anything for one mile!  After it was over I felt surprisingly energized and actually had a very productive day, but a little later when my best friend asked me if I could feel my legs all I could respond with was, yes, I could feel them but I really wished I couldn't because I was pretty sore...

*Mental status remains positive and my head is still in the game, but unfortunately I think I'm going to be a little sore tomorrow.*

Song of week is cheesy but appropriate: Don't Stop Believin'

Week 4-Victory Dance

This post is clearly a little late but after my "long" Saturday, I had to take some time to gather my thoughts and assess my current status.  Due to the holiday weekend and plans to leave town, I woke bright and early to go for my 8 mile run, which is saying a lot because I never, ever get up before my son, it is kind of an unwritten law that you sleep when they sleep.  It was a nice, cool morning and I took a new route to try to add a couple more miles to my current routine.  I was feeling really good and I even did my "victory dance" at the halfway point that I have started doing while on my run.  Yes, a victory dance at the halfway point helps me gear up for the second half., anyway I did my victory dance and went on my merry way.  About 7 miles into my 8 mile run, I had lost my mojo for sure, instead of dancing I was mentally repeating "just put one foot in front of the other" and "come on, keep going!"  I knew that I could make it but mentally I was slowing down and needed a pep talk for sure.  Next time I need to take some reinforcements and definitely some more music because if I have to listen to anymore Lady Gaga, I was going to throw myself in front of the next cyclist that passed by me.


*Mental status is good, but feeling challenged and physically I am doing well, a little stiff Sunday morning but still good.*

Song of the week: I enjoyed Monster by Lady Gaga this week, although I am pretty sure there is something seriously wrong with that girl.