37 Degrees and raining

Not only did I run 15 miles today but I also got ready to run! 
long underwear
running pants
compression socks
running shoes
new running bra
water wicking shirt
long sleeve t-shirt
rain jacket
gloves
head band
knit cap
cell phone/ipod
ear phones
water bottle to carry
belt with extra water bottles
HR monitor
GPS watch
energy bar
gel pack
sun glasses (I was being optimistic, they stayed in the car)

The first mile, I decided that the marathon was a bad idea.  I was cold, my HR monitor was not working and it was under all my clothes.  I was depressed and just wanted to go home.  But that little voice was there saying, "your brother will see you giving up."  I kept going.  By mile 3 I was in a better mood and by mile 7 I knew I could do anything.  Then by mile 14, I decided that I was insane.  Mile 15 was a total surprise because I never thought I would see that kind of mileage again in my life.  I finished with a sore knee and wondering how I am going do 16 miles next week.  (Coach says next week is an easy week yet there is a 16 mile run in it.  How is that?)  Anyway the saga continues...

forgot?!

Today, for the first time, I ran 9 miles on the Fish Lake Trail.  Didn't see any lake or fish but lots of trail.  Beautiful!  It was sunny but windy and cold.  I ran about a half mile before I noticed I didn't start my watch.  You might wonder how I could forget to do that.  I am still wondering.  Until mile 7 I just thought I would stop at 8 1/2 miles on the watch and explain to coach what I did.  Then, as it oftens happens after 7 miles, doubt crept in.  What if he doesn't believe that I forgot to start the time, what if he thinks I'm trying to cheat.  So I ran an extra .5 mile so my watch would show I ran all 9.  Oh my...

14!

I made it, 14 miles! 2 hours 37 minutes. My first thoughts after I finished the last mile?  How will I make it the 1/2 mile to my car and I can't possibly run 26 miles! 

It hadn't crossed my mind that the water fountain on the trail would be shut off already!  It was, so I had to leave the trail at mile 9 to search for water.  I ran through a residential neighborhood hoping to find anyone outside.  I meandered through the deserted area, asked a woman walking if there was a park nearby.  She said sure but it didn't have a water fountain.  Finally came across a kind, slow, elderly man who insisted he get his wife to fill my water bottle instead of me using the hose.  Then he gave me directions (yes, I am directionally challenged) on how to get back to the trail because by then I was totally lost.  That adventure put me a half mile off my course and that's why I had to walk back to my car after I finished.  I try to end right next to the driver's door so I can fall in and get home ASAP.   Still wondering where my support team is, at least a cheering section...

Further Proof of Insanity

After 3 consecutive days of a 7 mile run, a hard core workout and an 8 mile run, coach Jeff says to have a fun run: run for one hour without HR monitor on and remember how enjoyable running can be.  I could have chosen any path so I decided to run through the woods to the top of Hatch hill!  It's a very hard run and I only did 4 1/2 miles in an hour.  I did notice the trees, the sun, the clouds, the path, the people and their dogs.  It was a refreshing change not to look at my watch every 10 seconds to see if my heart rate was in the right zone.  Now I'm hoping for a day off!

Feelin Good!

After our Mediterranean cruise, it is good to be back on land.  It was an amazing experience but what I learned most is that I do not belong on a ship.  My equilibrium was off the entire time (yes, I still danced).  I felt dizzy and sick much of the time even after trying the patch (that was awful) then resorting to whatever drugs the ship had on board.  They worked but made me tired.  The first day at sea I ran 2 hours 20 minutes on the treadmill and it was downhill from there.

I am grateful to be home and running again.  Coach gave me a few days off.  Today I ran 7 miles trying to keep my HR under 140.  It was slow and easy but it's getting cold!  I can feel the shadow of the marathon looming...