Marathon: My personal journey

Training for a marathon has a few up and down moments. The roads will curve and twist. Today, I had a cold training run. The wind blew the entire time. I ran well and simply focused on running one segment at at time. Before I knew it, the run was finished.

The key for me was total immersion. I immersed myself in the positive nature of the run. I can't wait to run again tomorrow.

 I am grateful for the opportunity. Thank you.

OK, this might seem obvious. They key to your journey will be two things related to starting. First, you have to start. Second, be patient. Every training season I have experienced some early frustration with my pace or something related to training. Getting a jump on your training runs is important. I try to run consistently before I start training. 3-5 miles a day is good, if you can swing it.

The good news, you will get better over your time in training. Your patience will be rewarded on race day (at the finish line).

Speaking of finish line, I am motivated by the people who are at the end of the race...my family.

Check this photo of my son and I at the finish line in Chicago 2012.

Love that feeling. Love the cowbell. Need more.....

Oh boy, this is on my mind right now. Someone asked me if I have a big race coming up this year. I answered with "yes" and "no". I have registered with a couple of relay teams. The run for troops and market-to-market. They both will be FUN races.

GULP. 

The no part. I have not signed up for a full marathon yet. I have a goal of running 10 total or more. I am up to 5 right now. I could stop at 5 and be fully content.

But then there is the wolf at the door. I love it. The training, the grind, getting in better shape, challenging myself physically and mentally. My last race was awesome. I didn't PR, I didn't care. I had my best race and effort.

Here are my options right now:

• Run a downhill race (full marathon) out west.
• Run a full marathon in a vacation location. 
• Run the quad city marathon again- it was so much fun.
• Run the Chicago Marathon, my hometown, my family, the site of my first marathon. I have run it three times. Pay for it outright. 
• Run the Chicago Marathon for a charity.
• Run a "fast" half marathon. 

I am grateful for my abilities, time and mind. These awesome flowers were photographed during my runs recently. Enjoy!

I love the sound of "long run in the books, rest day coming". I really enjoyed my long run today. I was worried about it, changed my mindset and zoomed along. It was a difficult run, but I managed physically and mentally.

I am feeling more ready for the Quad City Marathon, as every day goes on. YES!

As I ran today, I kept thinking about Tyler Sash and September 11th. I said a few prayers for the families.

Thank you for reading and supporting me!



Image source:
http://www.911memorial.org/explore-memorial
http://www.hawkcentral.com/story/sports/college/iowa/football/2015/09/10/tyler-sash-death-iowa-hawkeyes-football-helmet/72025844/

I am so excited that week 13 is finished. This morning I had a long run and struggled quite a bit. The humidity and a total of 57 miles this week really caught up with me. I am excited for a couple of rest days. This journey has been intense and many up and down moments.

It's going to be a fun marathon, I can feel it. For now, I can't wait to rest!


Image source:
http://www.whatacharacter.com/p-s/s--page10.htm

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/

This week my training plan was designed to test my limits. It sure did! I learned so much this week. Perhaps the most valuable lesson came with the interval training. I was afraid of it and performed well. It gave me so much confidence for the rest of the week.

My long run was a great test so far. I survived the run, but need some more work to get in marathon mode. Thank God for 10 more weeks!

My cross training efforts were solid and have really paid off. Here's to a nice rest day!


Image source:
http://nicktumminello.com/2014/03/supramaximal-interval-training-vs-high-intensity-interval-training/

Most weeks, I run a consistent route in my neighborhood. I don't see anything crazy, so it's fun to run in a new area. I was running in Chicago and ran into some cool people!

I ran into Bob Newhart on Navy Pier! We took a selfie together.

Then I ran into a local pirate, so we had to take a selfie.

What a week of training! I really put in the mileage this week and it felt great. On my long run, I ran 14 miles. It was a difficult long run, as I decided to space my water break out too far.

This upcoming week, I will focus more on my pace, fueling strategy and hydration. I will slowly start incorporating speed work in the mix too.


Image source:
https://www.pinterest.com/keener64/snoopy/

My goal was to run 120 miles in June, as part of a Nike Plus challenge and my marathon training called for 124. I pushed it and ran 128!

I felt great throughout the journey and look forward to a better July! I snapped this picture during my run today and it was sooooooo beautiful!

Today, I finished a ten mile run. It was my opening week. I ran in extremely hot temperatures and it was awesome. I started off fast and started to slow in my pace. I was so proud to run so well and finish.

Week 1 is in the books and I can't wait to continue with training!


Image source:
http://daylol.com/nw/2013/11/03/collection/like-a-boss-collection

Unexpectedly, week 1 has been super interesting. I have been up and down all week. I felt great yesterday afternoon and had some realizations about pace.

Next up, my first long run. I am looking forward to it and can't wait to get a solid rhythm going.

Thanks for reading and have a great weekend. Go Black Hawks!


Image source:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Chicago_Blackhawks

It seems like all runners obsess over time/pace. In the end, it's just great to get outside and run. Forget the pace, music, etc.

Just enjoy the fact that you are able to go out and run. This week, I will run without music:) Whoa!

Image Source:
http://quotesnsmiles.com/picture-quotes/25-motivational-picture-quotes-for-running/

I hope you had a great weekend! I used this weekend to rest my legs after a good week of running. Mentally, I am recharging too. In past month or so, I have been debating which full marathon to sign up for. I am so close to pulling the trigger. 

My confidence stems from:

• I have one more year of experience
• I have one more year filled with cross training
• I have one more year to eat better
• I am more determined
• You will help me
• My family and friends are my rock
• I like competing
• Goals will be realized 
• I run for JP!
• A charity needs me...could it be Diabetes in Action, Livestrong, American Cancer Society, or others....