Week 18: mission accomplished

It's hard to believe that this journey is over. I've learned so much about myself over the last 18 weeks. I accomplished a goal that I didn't think was possible so many times during training runs. Someone told me that those bad, painful runs would help me come race day, and they did! I ran through pains during those runs that I didn't feel today. Before I talk about the race, let me talk about my last training runs.

On Monday, I did my last solo run before race day. It was a gorgeous Fall day, and I got to run in shorts and a t-shirt. I found my old iPod and decided that I would run with it on race day. It had all of the songs from my youth, and I knew it would be the distraction that I needed for 4 plus hours. My pace that day was a little faster than I wanted to be because I got caught up in the music. 

Tuesday was another cross training day that consisted of volleyball. Didn't take any shots of my mad hops this week because Jadynn didn't go. 

On Wednesday, Jadynn's friend, Hannah, joined me for a two mile run. I enjoyed running with someone new and hearing all of her future plans. The two mile run was over before I even realized it.

My final training run was with Kevin on Friday. He started my journey with me in South Carolina, so it was only fitting that we ran my last run together. Since we were both training, we didn't get to do a lot of runs together. This run reminded me how important those runs are to me. 

Race day: where to start? I brought oatmeal to the hotel to eat my typical breakfast, but there was no microwave to use. Strike one was my first thought. Luckily, Kevin brought bagels, so I had one and a half with a banana. I was hoping that would be enough to get me through the race. It took 25 minutes for me to get to the start line, so that gave me extra time to get nervous. I wasn't sure I'd be able to finish on my own. In all of my training runs that sucked, there was someone there to push me. This time I was flying solo. Then I remembered that my brother and sister-in-law would be in the crowd, Kevin would be on the course, and I had a lot of people praying for me and sending positive vibes my way. Most importantly, I had a piece of my friend, Mike, with me. Mike ran his first full over a year ago, and now he is fighting a courageous fight with cancer. I was wearing the shirt our relay team wore in April to honor his run and allow him to cross the finish line again as a marathoner. His wife also gave me his hat to wear that he wore in his marathon. I knew that I would focus on him and others that cannot run when I wanted to give up. I said one last prayer to God and asked for him to allow my body to finish this race, and I was instantly filled with a peace that I've never felt before on race day! I knew He was with me, and I would finish. By this point, I started receiving texts from my friends. It was awesome. Some sent texts the entire time I was running. This helped me because I knew they were thinking of me and gave me boosts when I needed them. While I was running, my heart was touched by so many of my fellow runners. I saw a blind man running with his wife. I saw an amputee running. I saw several runners continuing with sheer pain and agony on their faces. I saw runners of all shapes and sizes pushing their bodies to finish a marathon. I focused on these individuals when the miles started getting tough. I knew that I would have to walk up hills in order to save my hips. I walked through a couple water stops, too. Other than those moments, I ran the entire marathon. I never thought this would happen. Just proof that I was running for something bigger than myself. When I got to mile 20, I waited for the Hell that everyone warned me about. It never happened. I got caught up encouraging runners that were on the other side of the street. They were several miles behind me, but they were out their owning their miles. Before I knew it, I only had a 5k to go. At mile 25, my sister-in-law joined me for a mile even though she isn't cleared to run. This was supposed to be our adventure together, and I'm so thankful for that one mile. After she left, I had .2 miles to go. The finish line was in sight. My goal was almost accomplished! Crossing that finish line was amazing! It was something I would've never dreamed possible in the past. It just proved to me that we all have an inner beast living inside of us. It proved that we can accomplish dreams if we put in the time and effort. 

Will I ever run another one? No! This past 18 weeks showed me what it felt like to be on cloud nine and what it feel like to be in the valley of despair. It taught me how to be stronger and how to fight for a dream. I wouldn't change this experience for anything, but I'm not willing to do it all again. It was a once in a lifetime experience. Looking forward to having time to do whatever I want and resting my body! Thank you so much for following my journey and for all of your encouragement along the way! 

Week 17: almost there

It's hard to believe that race day is one week away. The first part of training seemed to take forever, and the last month has flown by. Here's to staying healthy and enjoying the ride.

Started the week with a four mile solo run. My goal was to try and maintain my anticipated race pace, and I was able to do it. There were moments when I caught myself trying to go faster, but I stayed focused. I know this will be something I need to concentrate on for race day. 

On Tuesday, my women's volleyball league started, so I counted that as cross training for the week. By definition, it really isn't, but I was still out there and moving. It is one of my favorite forms of exercise. 

On Wednesday, my best friend, Monica, and I met up for a three mile run. There's just something about pounding the pavement with your best friend that is good for the soul. I'm so thankful for all of the miles that we've shared over the years. It's been exciting to watch her grow as a runner and share in her journey. So thankful that she's been part of my marathon journey. 

Thursday was a rest day before my long run on Friday with Kristin. She joined me for a cold, windy 8 mile jaunt. I cannot express how thankful I am for all of the miles that we've shared over the last 16 weeks. She was willing to join me whenever our schedules allowed no matter how many miles were on my plan. So thankful that Kevin invited her to join us in week 2. Through the miles, we've became running buddies and friends! 

For my last run of the week, Kevin and I ran a local 5k. I needed to get in 4 miles, so I ran a mile from his house to the start line. I used to always think it was crazy to see runners running before the start of the race, but now I get it. Your legs are lose, and your heart rate is elevated. Once again, I wasn't sure if I was going to race or jog. I decided to run how my body felt. I ended up getting third place in my age group, and Kevin earned third place overall. 

It's hard to believe that this is my last post before race day. My goal is to carb load, enjoy the easy miles, and to try and not let my nerves get to me! We shall see how that goes. Thank you so much for following my journey. I truly appreciate you taking time to read each week. If you could say a prayer for me this week, I'd truly appreciate it. The next time I post; I will be a marathoner! Eek! 

Week 16: it's almost GO time

As I sit here writing this post, I realized that in two weeks I'll still be putting one foot in front of the other. These last few weeks of training have flown by, and it's going to be race day before I know it! I think I'm ready for it, but only time will tell.

This week was a beautiful week, and I got spoiled running in the sunshine and higher temps. Every day this week I got to run in a tank top and shorts! That usually doesn't happen in November. The only bad part was the fact that it started getting dark at 5:45. On Monday, Kristin and I got in five miles after my chiropractor appointment. We almost didn't finish while there was still daylight. It was a good run with some hills, so it was a good test for my hips. There was a little bit of pain, but I know this is good practice for race day. 

Tuesday was a rest day before another run with Kristin on Wednesday. I got in 1.5 miles after I dropped the car off to Jadynn, so we only had to do 3.5 miles together. It was really warm out, and it reminded me of all of those tough summer runs. I loved running in the sunshine with Fall leaves! 

For cross training this week, I mowed our yard! I forgot to snap a picture! Oops! I got a four mile run in on Friday by myself, so my legs could rest on Saturday. I enjoyed the sounds of nature and sunshine during my run.

Saturday night I met Monica and Kristin for some carb loading before our half on Sunday. It was nice to spend some girl time together somewhere other than a trail or road.

Sunday was a gorgeous Fall day for a half marathon. I was up in the air about how to take on the race. I wasn't sure if I should race it or just enjoy the run. I decided that I would let Kristin dictate the pace since this was the race that she had been working towards. I was a little ahead of her from the start, but we met up at mile one and never looked back. We were cruising along at a pretty fast pace, and my hips were feeling it after the hills at the beginning. I told myself that I was going to do whatever I needed to keep up with Kristin. This was her race. She has run countless miles with me, and it was the least that I could do for her. At one point, she was a little worried that she wouldn't be able to maintain our pace for the entire 13 miles. She was wrong! She did amazing today, and I'm very proud of her. We finished with a 9:38 pace; we've never been that fast for that many miles. It's amazing how a race will bring out the real runner that is hiding inside. Monica ran a great race, and I'm super proud of her. I'm truly blessed to call these two women my friends and running buddies. 

Hoping to stay healthy over the next two weeks and continue to get stronger mentally. I know this will be for my success on November 22nd. I just have to keep in mind that my goal is to finish and remember that I'm not the same woman I was when I started this training. I've grown physically, mentally, and spiritually. In the end, that's what important. 

Week 15: bring on the taper

Well, I survived the week that I've been dreading since training began. This week tested me mentally, and I definitely got stronger. I know that all of these lessons will help out on race day. 

Started the week off with a slow, five mile solo run. My legs and hips were still recovering from the weekend. I've come to realize that my Monday runs are going to be a little slow after a long run on Saturday and cross training on Sunday. I was surprised when I finished to see that my pace was 10:18. I've started to learn that my body is capable of doing so many things.

After running 28 miles in three days, I took Tuesday as a rest day. I was supposed to meet Krisitn for a five mile run on Wednesday, but it rained most of the day. It was raining when I left work, so I cancelled. When I got home, the rain was slowing down, so I decided to lace up and head out the door. I really wanted to curl up on the couch and take a nap, but I knew I'd hate myself if I skipped a run. My intentions were to enjoy a slow run because I was exhausted from working 13 hours on Tuesday. I started off nice and slow until it started raining on me at mile 3. With that being said, I finished the last two miles at a 9 minute pace. Needless to say, that didn't make my hips very happy! 

I met Kristin for a five mile run on Thursday. She had to be at bowling at 4, so we went at a pretty fast pace. There were some hills on the route, so I was happy that my hips stayed strong. Every day it's a guessing game on how they will react. 

Friday was a rest day before Saturday's 20 mile run. I spent the evening carb loading and catching up on my weekly tv shows. Kristin was going to run the first ten miles with me, and Monica was going to join us at mile 8 to get in her long run. Kristin and I started off strong even though we encountered a few hills along the way. A couple of the miles were under 10 minutes. I knew I was going to have to slow down in order to finish the entire 20 miles. Once Monica joined us, we maintained a good pace. When we got to mile 16, my hips were starting to hate me. They were tightening up, and my stomach was cramping. The last 3.75 miles were a struggle. There were moments when I seriously considered calling Kevin to come and pick me up. In my head, I knew that I was possibly going to face similar circumstances on race day. I knew that I needed to try a walk run approach for the last two miles. I encouraged Monica to leave me and finish strong, but she stayed with me. It wasn't pretty, but I got it done. My pace was still where I want it to be on race day even though I walked at the end. Lesson learned: start off slow in hopes of finishing strong. No matter what happens; I will finish. 

For cross training, I spent the afternoon on Sunday hiking with Jadynn, Monica, and Monica's family. It was a beautiful fall day, and I definitely got in a workout. Thankful that I didn't twist an ankle on a tree root.

Looking forward to tapering the next two weeks. Hoping it will give my hips and body a chance to rest. It's hard to believe that I only have 11 more runs until race day. Here's to staying healthy and resting until then. 

Week 14- almost easy street

It's hard to believe that race day is less than 30 days away. Eek! As it gets closer, I am a mixture of emotions. I am definitely going to have to start focusing on the mental aspect of training. I think my legs are ready just not sure about my mind. Here's to getting mentally tough in the next few weeks. 

Monday was a solo five mile run! There's just something relaxing about losing yourself in the music with the beautiful Fall colors. This is truly my favorite time of the year to run! The temperature is just about right, and the leaves are gorgeous! 

Tuesday was a rest day, but I did walk the 1.5 miles home after dropping the car off to Jadynn. Usually it's not a big deal for that walk, but I was still rocking my dress and dress boots. I'm sure people were wondering what was going on with me. Yeah, I am that girl!

Wednesday my girls, Monica and Kristin, joined me for a five mile jaunt. I truly appreciate all of the miles that I've shared with these two. There's just something about girl time while getting in some miles that makes my heart full. 

I really wasn't feeling my five mile run on Thursday because I was tired, and it was raining. I absolutely loathe running in the rain. I was complaining to my sil, Abby, about it, and she made me realize that running is a blessing. I was getting to the point where I was thinking of it as a curse. I decided that I was going to run five miles in the rain for those who cannot run. Talk about a change in perspective.

Friday was a rest day before my long run on Saturday. 19 miles was on the agenda. Kristin agreed to do 10 miles with me, so I decided to run the nine miles from my house to hers. I foucsed on maintaining a pace between 10:30-11:00 because I'm thinking that will be an ideal pace come race day. Once I met up with Kristin, her fresh legs started pushing the pace. I was ok with going a little faster but knew I'd have to slow down to be able to finish. I knew there would be a few small hills at the end. We were able to finish with negative splits, so I will call that a victory. Somehow I managed to trip and fall when I was paying attention to the traffic instead of the sidewalk! Oops! 

For cross training this week, Kevin and I ran the Buckeye 4 miler. I wasn't sure how the race was going to go after 19 miles on Saturday! My hips were a little sore and my body felt exhausted. He told me that he was going to stay with me for the whole race. This is something that doesn't happen very often. I told him that I was going to run how my body felt. Our first mile was at a 9:30 pace, and I felt good. The second mile was 8:59, so I knew that I needed to slow down a little bit. I have five miles penciled in for tomorrow. We ended up finishing at a 9:18! Not bad for tired legs. Just hoping my body doesn't hate me tomorrow. At this point, I'm not sore. Guess I'm in better shape than I realize.

One more long run and two weeks of tapering stands between me and race day! I think I'm ready. My goal is just to finish and take in the whole experience. I've been following my plan, so it should get me through. Right?!? I got this! I need to post that everywhere, so I really start believing it! 

Week 13: keeping the luck

This week started with a five mile run with my BF. We hadn't ran together in forever, so it was nice to get in some miles and catch up on life. She helped push the pace and reminded me that I can still run fast. I am truly blessed to have her in my life. 

Tuesday was a rest day before my 8.5 miles on Wednesday. I decided to run home from work again since it would be my last 8 miler during the week. I got lost in the music and was home before I knew it! It's hard to believe that running 8.5 miles is like a walk in the park. Once upon a time, anything over 3 miles was a struggle. It's amazing how far I've come as a runner. 

Thursday was a rest day because I was doing my long run on Friday. Somehow I convinced Meissa, Monica, and Kristin to run 12 miles after working all day. I wasn't sure how the run was going to go because I was tired and the forecast was calling for cold and rain. I was determined to get it in no matter what because I didn't have time the rest of the weekend to fit it in. Luckily, we only got a few sprinkles and was able to maintain a decent pace even though we were all a little tired. Loved sharing the miles with the three of them. Nothing makes the miles go faster than getting lost in conversation with good friends.

I had one more run to get in on Saturday, so I had to squeeze it in between Jadynn's game and a wedding. The temperature was cool once again, so I ended up running in pants, long sleeves, and gloves! I'm not sure that I'm ready for the cooler temps!

For cross training this week, I biked while Kevin got in his run. Luckily we only had to do 13 this week because it was cold! I was prepared with my gloves and ear warmer, but my poor little toes froze. I can only imagine how cold it will be on race day! Maybe a late Novmeber race wasn't the best idea. 

Looking forward to shorter miles during the week and surviving the longer runs on the weekends for the next two weeks. Then it will be time to taper! 

Week 12: almost perfection

Have you ever had one of those weeks when the stars seemed to align and all of your runs/workouts went off without a hitch?!? I had one of those this week. I started off the week with a solo five mile run. I had no intentions of pushing myself because I did my long run on Sunday. I simply got lost in the music and set out. I chose an unknown route, so I did encounter a big hill! My hips needed some love, so I decided to walk it. Good thing I did since it was .5 miles to the top. After cresting the hill, it was all downhill! I ended the run under a 10 minute pace, so I was happy! 

On Tuesday, Kristin and I met up for a five mile jaunt. We got caught up in the conversation, and our legs just did their thing. We were off to the races and finished under a 10 minute pace. A perfect run with perfect company. 

Wednesday was a rest day due to conferences at school. On Thursday, I had an 8 mile run, so I decided to run home from work. It's along a pretty busy road, so I wasn't sure how it was going to go with traffic. It was a warm, humid day, but I was determined to make the most of my run. I had my hydrate and fuel with me, so I knew that I was as prepared as I could get. I laced up my shoes and turned on my tunes. I was pleased with my pace. I got in 8.5 miles at a 10:15 pace. 

 Friday was another rest day before my 18 miles on Saturday. I was really dreading this run. My long runs had been less than stellar, and we were running at 6 AM. I'm usually still sleeping at that time. The only positive was that I was going to finally getting to run with Abby. When we started, it was dark. The sky was beautiful with the stars and a slice of the moon. It was amazing to watch the sun rise as we ran down the trail. After running 8 miles, we met up with some of Abby's friends from the local running group. We ran the last 10 miles with them. It was a beautiful Fall day, and my body felt great. We finished the last two miles under a 10 minute pace. The best part was the fact that I finally got to run with Abby on a picture perfect day. 

For cross training, I biked with Kevin while he got in his 22 miles. I wasn't sure how it was going to go after running 18 miles. It was another beautiful day, and I enjoyed the time we got to spend together. The only bad part was when I had a small crash. I misjudged getting back on the sidewalk. Luckily, I wasn't seriously hurt and could continue on our journey. 

This week was exactly what I needed. I was starting to doubt myself and wasn't sure if I would be able to finish come race day. I felt amazing after my 18 miler and know I can add on another 8 miles if I slow down my pace. It's hard to believe that in six weeks I'll be sitting here writing a recap of the race. Time is starting to fly by. Looking forward to three more long runs then tapering. The key is going to be  staying on track and taking it one training run at a time.