Marathon: My personal journey

This week was a fun and tough week of training. As I sit here writing this, I am fighting off leg cramps. They are the kind that start in your hamstrings and shoot to your calf muscles. YIKES!

This may be a sign that I need some additional hydration:)

I traveled this week and it was a challenging schedule to keep. Earlier in the week, I took this picture. I hope you enjoy it. The morning views are amazing. One of the many benefits of running early in the morning.

I love Iowa Football! This is a great video highlighting our coaching staff and team. STOKED! Enjoy the video.

Today, I ran the Hooley Hustle 5K in Dubuque. It was a beautiful race and a gorgeous day. Before my 5K, my son ran the half mile race. He rocked the house. I was so proud of him!

During the run, I learned so much about myself and was close to a personal record. Even though I didn't get it, I was extremely proud of my race.

I powered through some rough spots and really ran well. My marathon training really showed today.

Another race and getting better. Love it!

Thanks to @roadid (https://www.facebook.com/RoadID) and @calicobean  (https://www.facebook.com/pages/The-Calico-Bean-Market) and the other sponsors for being great supporters. Stop down and get some Tailwind at the Calico Bean Market @gotailwind +Tailwind Nutrition .


Image source:
http://www.dubuquejaycees.org/participate/community-projects/hooley-hustle-5k-run-walk/

I could say the heart or heat or BOTH. My training is progressing. Week 10 was a big one with 55 total miles in the books- YIKES! Today I am taking a rest day and really need it. Yesterday was a hot and aggressive run. I still don't feel totally ready for the marathon. I have 6 solid weeks of training left.

I am going to really dig deep in the next 3-4 weeks. Stay tuned. I will be writing about the infamous "long run" tomorrow sometime.

Stay cool.


Image source:
http://www.dreamstime.com/stock-photography-sun-running-image10862982

I would like to say Happy Middle Child Day to my most awesome sister Marianna. She is an avid reader of this blog, so the tribute is fitting! She is an awesome mom, daughter, sister and friend. I have read that middle children are great negotiators, are independent at an earlier age and find ways to happy (adapting).

Marianna this is your day, thank you for being my sister and I love you!


Check out these fun facts about middle children.
http://www.msn.com/en-us/lifestyle/family/15-fun-facts-about-middle-children/ss-BBltbZA#image=7

I am so happy to share a few really cool running milestones I have recently achieved. On Nike plus, I just hit the purple level- woo hoo. In July, I clocked 188 miles.

Since I started running, I have run over 5,000 miles. I would love to someday say I have run enough miles to cover the world from end-to-end. Sounds fun- right?

How many miles would that be? :)

Thanks for reading and supporting me. It means the world to me:)


Image source:
http://creativeroots.org/2013/11/korean-warrior-illustration-jon-contino-nike-run/

One of my favorite weeks is half time! This is where you get a chance for a "dress rehearsal". I ran a solid week. Here is my 1st half recap:

I have worked through my physical issues.
I started out with new equipment (shoes, orthotics, under amour)
I have focused better on my pace, which allowed me to improve each week since week 1- YES!
I have worked diligently on my nutrition.

I am proud of the first half, but I can say that I am not 100% comfortable with my progress yet. I have some big runs coming up, 20 and 22 milers. A mix of speed work, intervals, cross training and nutrition will help me bring this thing home.

I can improve each week and will work hard on that!

Thanks for supporting me. You all rock.



Image source:
https://dfsreport.com/3314/nba-halftime-report/