It's getting closer....

Well, I sure have slacked when it comes to blogging about the training for my upcoming Marathon. Rob told me he was disappointed I haven't kept it up, so...I will try to do a little catch up.

After Week 7 of training and a 14 mile run, we flew to Florida for 10 days of Disney adventure. The running definitely took a back seat to Disney World and a Disney cruise, but I was able to get a couple runs in during those 2 weeks. One was a 5K race on Disney's private island Castaway Cay with Millie and Jacob.

We flew to Utah for Thanksgiving and I got a 7 mile run in before Thanksgiving dinner, and squeezed in 16 miles somehow between family photo's and an 11 hour drive home on Saturday.

We returned home to Arizona and back into training full force. We were in the stretch of the long runs. Who would have thought 4 months ago I would run 5 miles, 8 miles, 5 miles, and then 16 miles in a week. Then turn around and do the same thing the next week, and then increase the 16 miles to 18 for two more weeks? Well, I never would have....but I did it!

The second 16 miler I had a really upset stomach the second half of the run. I kept going but I was really cramping and in a lot of pain toward the end. I had to stop and walk for a couple minutes at mile 15, but I pushed through the pain and finished it...not like I had a lot of choice, I had to get home and running is faster than walking :).

The first 18 mile run was an emotional experience for me. I was feeling a lot of pain, and fatigue at the end of the run. I hit mile 17 and didn't think I could go any further. Just then the song, "Something That I Want" from Tangled started playing. It is an upbeat song about a girl going after something that she wants and needs... I started thinking about how hard I have worked and prioritized to run this Marathon, about all the hours and effort I have put in, and how this is something that I really want, and maybe even need. I pulled some new found energy from somewhere I didn't know I had and just started running.... I felt so much emotion, I felt like anything is possible when you believe, that it may not be easy, but we can do what we set our minds to do. I cried, and ran, and finished 18 miles feeling strong and like I could do anything.

Last week was a repeat training schedule from the week before, I ran 5, 8, 5, and then 18 miles again. The 18 miler fell on Christmas Eve, and I really didn't want to do it. But Rob and I put on our running clothes anyway, and went out and ran 18 miles. This 18 miles was a lot easier than the first 18. I don't know if it's because I had already done it once, or if it was because Rob ran with me (for the first 15-16 at least) or if I was better fueled or hydrated, but I felt great and knew I could keep going. That's good, because in two weeks I will have to keep going....for 8 more miles. I know I can do it!

We are now officially on the taper. It feels so good to know there are no more long runs until race day January 15. This week's training is 5, 8, 5, and 9 miles for the long run. I have actually struggled a little this week so far. I have felt sluggish and heavy these last few runs. I have not been able to really feel effortless and fast like I have in the past. I'm not sure if this is a physical problem or a mental one, but I hope to get it corrected soon!