Marathon: My personal journey

In a couple of weeks, I am running a 75 mile relay (the market to market) with the greatest relay team ever assembled. This group of people is awesome and I can't wait for the race.

The race is going to be awesome. We may not be the fastest bunch, but we will have a good time.  This weekend is shaping up to be really nice, I did a long run this morning and felt great. Have a great weekend!

Spring running can be fun and challenging. Challenges come in the form of wild, varied weather and this year I underestimated the impact of moving the clocks forward.

The good news: I am sticking with it!

The other day a friend asked me if I was going to stop running, and I said "no way!".

It's too much fun! It helps my lungs, keeps me sane and in shape!


Image source:
http://www.canadiangirlruns.com/2015/03/spring-fitness-tips/

I run because I enjoy it. It keeps me healthy. There are days when I have to push myself out the door. I have to remind myself that I am lucky to run.

So lucky!

Have a great day.

Image source:
http://run3play.com/run-1-2.html

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. 

On Sunday nights, I am so excited because I have the opportunity to coach hockey and play in the FOSSIL league. We have fun.

Oh yeah, this is the time of year that can be difficult. Sub 0 temperatures, snow, ice, fog and other wild things. This year, I had to get creative with running during the travel season. I worked out a little indoors and spent most of my time outdoors. I prefer the outdoors, but it can be difficult to keep it going during bad weather.

Spring will be here. I still haven't signed up for a big race yet, other than the market-to-market relay in May.

This is a picture of my new running shoes. I LOVE them!


Image source:
http://www.asicsamerica.com/Shop/Footwear/Running/Mens/GEL-Kayano-21-Lite-Show/p/0010228582.0491

First, I am sorry that I haven't posted in a little while. I have been asked a few times about my running calendar this year. I have a fun relay this Spring, it's 75 miles with five of my close personal friends. I am excited about that. I will start training on February 15th, at least formally.