Yes today was the day that we completed our last long run of the season prior to the marathon. Wow I can't believe it's almost here and mostly I can't believe how far I've come!
Today's run started at o'dark thirty (or 6 am) and the first 7 miles were run in the dark. Thank goodness that Kristen (thanks GIRL) had her head lamp on her hat so we could see where we were going. It actually went pretty well and I was pleased with how well I did.
I did feel a little "off" at the beginning but I fought through it and kept on going which I guess is the most important thing. I was most proud of the fact that aside from when we stopped for water/gu/cliff bars I didn't walk at all on the run.
It was fun to run to Ohio State on a game day and see all of the tailgaters there and get to see campus from a whole different perspective- I did not run or do anything remotely physically active in college.
So that's it- next week we will run a mere 12 miles and the week after that is 8. That will seem so short in relation to this run today. And then we have the marathon on October 19! I'm really getting excited about the marathon now and I have no doubt that I will finish.
Tomorrow is my Mom's birthday celebration- so I have to go out a bit later and get her her birthday gift. But right now I'm drinking plenty of fluids and watching the OSU game- GO BUCKS!!
Saturday, September 27, 2008
Tuesday, September 23, 2008
8 Miles during the week, are they serious?
Well yes indeed they are, we (Kristen, Christi and I) ran our longest run during the week today- 8 miles. We decided to start at the Horseshoe (OSU stadium for those not in the know) and run from there.
It was nice to run on a part of the trail we've only ever seen at the end of our seriously long runs, and thus can't appreciate it very much. But tonight was nice. In fact on the way back as we passed near the Shoe we could hear the OSU marching band practicing, which for me was great- being an OSU Alum an all! Go BUCKS!!!
Another interesting thing that happened on the run was that Christi got interviewed by a TV crew who was interested in our comments about the River smell from the sewage that drains into it. So that made for an interesting end of the run- our MIT TV star!
Speaking of MIT I got asked today by the head of MIT Jeff if I would be willing to share my first time marathoner experince with the PR director of the Columbus Marathon. I of course said yes. Running really has changed my life and I'm glad to be able to share that experince with others.
The "theme" of MIT if you will is "Run a Marathon- Change your life" and for me that has been so true. Running is not something I do, it's who I am- I'm a runner. And as K and I were chatting about tonight while we ran that impacts every are of my life, what I eat, what I drink, my sleep. All of that impacts my running so it's more important to me than it ever has been before. Running soothes my stress, takes off the rough edges and 9 times out of 10 makes me smile. I'm so incredibly blessed to be able to run.
Let's see in the non-running side of things, I've been good. This weekend my family will gather to celebrate my Mom's birthday. I'm so blessed that my Mom is not only my Mom but my friend too- she's my biggest running cheerleader, as she's always been about every dream I've ever had since I was a little girl.
It was nice to run on a part of the trail we've only ever seen at the end of our seriously long runs, and thus can't appreciate it very much. But tonight was nice. In fact on the way back as we passed near the Shoe we could hear the OSU marching band practicing, which for me was great- being an OSU Alum an all! Go BUCKS!!!
Another interesting thing that happened on the run was that Christi got interviewed by a TV crew who was interested in our comments about the River smell from the sewage that drains into it. So that made for an interesting end of the run- our MIT TV star!
Speaking of MIT I got asked today by the head of MIT Jeff if I would be willing to share my first time marathoner experince with the PR director of the Columbus Marathon. I of course said yes. Running really has changed my life and I'm glad to be able to share that experince with others.
The "theme" of MIT if you will is "Run a Marathon- Change your life" and for me that has been so true. Running is not something I do, it's who I am- I'm a runner. And as K and I were chatting about tonight while we ran that impacts every are of my life, what I eat, what I drink, my sleep. All of that impacts my running so it's more important to me than it ever has been before. Running soothes my stress, takes off the rough edges and 9 times out of 10 makes me smile. I'm so incredibly blessed to be able to run.
Let's see in the non-running side of things, I've been good. This weekend my family will gather to celebrate my Mom's birthday. I'm so blessed that my Mom is not only my Mom but my friend too- she's my biggest running cheerleader, as she's always been about every dream I've ever had since I was a little girl.
Saturday, September 20, 2008
Drop back week...
Drop back, cut back, fall back, there are many terms and phrases for it out there in the running world, but it all amounts to the same thing- less miles!
Today's run was an "easy" 12 miles and the weather was perfectly lovely unlike our rain last week, cool and clear. We had a great talk before we got started from Tim about our mental state when we run, which was great to hear and needed as we continue to prepare for the marathon. Tim owns the running store that helps to sponser MIT and he's so great always so kind and encouraging.
Then we were off, I got to run not one but two friends today- Hannah joined Christi and I for 6 miles of our twelve and Christi and I finished off the last 6 on our own. The run wasn't fast today, but then that's what drop back week is all about- a little rest before we hit the last looong (22 miles) run next week. I wasn't feeling my best (tummy issues) but I made it through the run.
Now this week we will tackle our longest week day run to date of 8 miles. It'll be fine, just a bit of a challenge to get in after work, but we'll do it we always do! :)
Other than my running I had a great week, got to meet my sister for dinner on Wed and the ever adorable Peyton- who is oh so cute these days! He's quite the little chatter box. It was fun to hang out with them.
Well off to get some rest now!
Today's run was an "easy" 12 miles and the weather was perfectly lovely unlike our rain last week, cool and clear. We had a great talk before we got started from Tim about our mental state when we run, which was great to hear and needed as we continue to prepare for the marathon. Tim owns the running store that helps to sponser MIT and he's so great always so kind and encouraging.
Then we were off, I got to run not one but two friends today- Hannah joined Christi and I for 6 miles of our twelve and Christi and I finished off the last 6 on our own. The run wasn't fast today, but then that's what drop back week is all about- a little rest before we hit the last looong (22 miles) run next week. I wasn't feeling my best (tummy issues) but I made it through the run.
Now this week we will tackle our longest week day run to date of 8 miles. It'll be fine, just a bit of a challenge to get in after work, but we'll do it we always do! :)
Other than my running I had a great week, got to meet my sister for dinner on Wed and the ever adorable Peyton- who is oh so cute these days! He's quite the little chatter box. It was fun to hang out with them.
Well off to get some rest now!
Tuesday, September 16, 2008
Treadmill Running and Running Friends
Although I'm not a big fan of the treadmill running I did run on the treadmill today. I did 5 miles this morning at 5:30 am- which is early for me. But I made it through just fine, although I was a little sick of CNN by the end of the run. But that 5:30 run was all worth it for the running friends tonight.
Tonight we had a gathering of some running friends where we didn't run- now that doesn't happen too often. But it was so much fun. I had a delightful evening. Good food and good friends, not much can be better than that in my book. And as I sat surrounded by these friends that I had met while running and through running, I felt so grateful- grateful for not only the physical changes I get from running, but for the friends that running has allowed me to make. I'm so glad that each one of these friends has come into my life- they make my heart full and my life unbelievably richer.
I'm so thankful for running, for friends and yes even for treadmills!
Tonight we had a gathering of some running friends where we didn't run- now that doesn't happen too often. But it was so much fun. I had a delightful evening. Good food and good friends, not much can be better than that in my book. And as I sat surrounded by these friends that I had met while running and through running, I felt so grateful- grateful for not only the physical changes I get from running, but for the friends that running has allowed me to make. I'm so glad that each one of these friends has come into my life- they make my heart full and my life unbelievably richer.
I'm so thankful for running, for friends and yes even for treadmills!
Saturday, September 13, 2008
20 Miles in the rain is well....
20 miles in the rain (well at least the first hour and a half anyway), was not quite what I had expected for today. But oh well, the weather is what the weather is and there is no way to predict or change it- so go with it you must.
I met the BOP (Back of the Packers) at 6:00 am and we were off- what started out as light drizzle quickly changed to an all out downpour complete with lightening, once we decided that the lightening probably wouldn't kill us we pressed on. Running through puddles up to our ankles in some points did not make for a comfortable run at all, wet feet SUCK no matter how you slice it.
The miles that were the hardest for me both mentally and physically were the last 5- up until then I felt pretty good (relatively speaking),but those last 5 were killers. Not helped by the fact that the last two water stops (Como and Henderson Road for locals) were out of water and gatorade-UGH. No ones fault really, just a humid day and that's how it goes sometimes.
But I made it through- and according to anyone I asked they have assured me that the 20 miles is a good indication that you can make it through the marathon! So only ONE more long run (22 miles in two weeks) before Marathon day, I can't believe it's almost here.
Thanks to all my friends there at the back of the pack, who have supported me this whole journey- good run or bad they have been right there to lend a helping hand or a gentle nudge to get through those last few miles. You all ROCK!!
After the run I did have lunch with my parents and sister, BIL and nephew and now I'm going to drink some more water and have a nap.
Have a great weekend all and GO BUCKS!!
I met the BOP (Back of the Packers) at 6:00 am and we were off- what started out as light drizzle quickly changed to an all out downpour complete with lightening, once we decided that the lightening probably wouldn't kill us we pressed on. Running through puddles up to our ankles in some points did not make for a comfortable run at all, wet feet SUCK no matter how you slice it.
The miles that were the hardest for me both mentally and physically were the last 5- up until then I felt pretty good (relatively speaking),but those last 5 were killers. Not helped by the fact that the last two water stops (Como and Henderson Road for locals) were out of water and gatorade-UGH. No ones fault really, just a humid day and that's how it goes sometimes.
But I made it through- and according to anyone I asked they have assured me that the 20 miles is a good indication that you can make it through the marathon! So only ONE more long run (22 miles in two weeks) before Marathon day, I can't believe it's almost here.
Thanks to all my friends there at the back of the pack, who have supported me this whole journey- good run or bad they have been right there to lend a helping hand or a gentle nudge to get through those last few miles. You all ROCK!!
After the run I did have lunch with my parents and sister, BIL and nephew and now I'm going to drink some more water and have a nap.
Have a great weekend all and GO BUCKS!!
Friday, September 12, 2008
First Blog Post
Well I did it, since all the cool kids were doing it, I decided to go for the blog thing too!
As you can probably tell from the title, I plan to use the blog to update you all on my life and goings on with my running. So here we go
As most of you know I am currently training for the Columbus Marathon on October 19- which means I'm currently seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for the training phase. I've already completed runs of 13, 15 and 18 miles (along with the shorter runs that took place before that), now I never thought I'd say that 8 miles is a short run, but hey it's all a matter of perspective.
Tomorrow I will tackle the longest run to date of 20 miles and most experinced marathoners say that if you can do 20 you can do 26.2, so I'm looking forward to this run with equal parts anticipation and nervousness. I have been so lucky to find the group that I have to run with- Marthoners in Training (or MIT) for those locals. It's a great group of people who are all so supportive of runners of all ability levels and the group I run with is especially near and dear to my heart. We run together on Saturday mornings and then we run together during the week too. It's so much easier to run with friends than alone, and the girls are great! No matter if you're having a great day or a not so good one, they are always right there to encourage you along.
In fact on my 18 mile run I was having an "off day" and they waited for me to finish my run and were so supportive on that last hard hill. Those kinds of connections and friends are priceless. Thanks gals you all ROCK!
So with that I shall go off to bed now- I know it's early but so will 5 am come early tomorrow morning. I'll try to post after the run and let you all know how it went!
As you can probably tell from the title, I plan to use the blog to update you all on my life and goings on with my running. So here we go
As most of you know I am currently training for the Columbus Marathon on October 19- which means I'm currently seeing the light at the end of the tunnel for the training phase. I've already completed runs of 13, 15 and 18 miles (along with the shorter runs that took place before that), now I never thought I'd say that 8 miles is a short run, but hey it's all a matter of perspective.
Tomorrow I will tackle the longest run to date of 20 miles and most experinced marathoners say that if you can do 20 you can do 26.2, so I'm looking forward to this run with equal parts anticipation and nervousness. I have been so lucky to find the group that I have to run with- Marthoners in Training (or MIT) for those locals. It's a great group of people who are all so supportive of runners of all ability levels and the group I run with is especially near and dear to my heart. We run together on Saturday mornings and then we run together during the week too. It's so much easier to run with friends than alone, and the girls are great! No matter if you're having a great day or a not so good one, they are always right there to encourage you along.
In fact on my 18 mile run I was having an "off day" and they waited for me to finish my run and were so supportive on that last hard hill. Those kinds of connections and friends are priceless. Thanks gals you all ROCK!
So with that I shall go off to bed now- I know it's early but so will 5 am come early tomorrow morning. I'll try to post after the run and let you all know how it went!
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