Marathon

    The marathon was not a success in the strickest sense of the word. I was fighting the start of a cold the previous week, so I did not run much. Then as I got out of the RV to get my race packet, I hit my knee on the door. The first 13 miles felt great. My knee started hurting at mile 16. I ran 1 more mile then made the agonizing decision to start walking. After walking the next 2 miles to the middle where my family was waiting to see me pass, I knew that I could not walk 8 more miles. I also did not want to permanently injure myself. I am glad that I tried it though. The road to the marathon was exciting and challenging, and I look at that big picture when I say "Running Towards a Marathon".

Blisters with 6 days until the marathon :(

    Well I ran a great 6 miles on Monday 9/5 then started to feel like I am getting a cold. I took off the rest of the week. Feeling a little better, I decided to do 90 minutes of walk/ running on Sunday. A little over an hour in, I began to feel like I was getting blisters on the back of both feet. Same socks, same sneakers that I always wear so I don't know why. Maybe because I was walking part of the way. Of course, I forgot my cell phone, so I took my shoes off and walked the 2 miles home. It was horrible. Now the bottom of my feet hurt as well. Not sure what I will run this week. Marathon in 6 days!!

The end is in sight!

   After my long run last weekend, I started off with 4 miles on Monday. Then I ran 2 on Tuesday, but I was so busy that I did not run again until Sunday. I ran only 2 miles for a total of 8 all week. That is probably too big of a taper! With 2 weeks to go, I will try to stay on schedule and stay healthy :)

Ready for my taper :)

   I do not have that much to say this week other than that I ran 19 miles on Saturday and walked 2 miles. I ran on the dirt path by my house, and it got to 80 degrees out by time I was done. My toes hurt, and it was hard, but I did have enough water and gel. I have 1 blister, but I am ready to run the marathon in 3 weeks. Bring it on :)

Easy Run

    My week was very easy. I intended to run more during the week, but I only ran 1 time. I ran 2 miles on Monday which was 2 days after my long run. I could feel it in my knees, but I felt strong. Then I walked 3 miles on Wednesday too. My easy run on Saturday went well. It felt like heaven to only run 7 miles. Walk 3; ran 9 total.

20 mile run

   I went into my 20 mile run as if it was the marathon. I will admit that it was very hard. At first I was disappointed because I had to walk/run the last 2 miles, but now 2 days later, I have decided it was a learning experience. I did many things well, but there are other areas I need to work on. I need more water for one thing, but on race day that won't be a problem with the drink stations. In addition, I hated running with cars which also won't be a problem race day. I also need to work on my pace during the next 5 weeks. If I had kept on pace, I would have been almost done with all 26 miles instead of just 20 after 4 hours and 45 minutes of running. I am beginning to believe that I can do this :)

I am NEVER doing a marathon again!

   After my 18 mile run last Sunday, I did not run again until Saturday. I only ran 7 miles, but I felt great and ran back at my 12 minute pace. I felt good when I woke up Monday, but after working all day, I was sore by Monday night. I felt pretty good by Thursday, but since I had plans Thursday and Friday, I could not run until Saturday. This is too much work; It is too hot out, and I am not having fun. I will follow this through, but I will not train for a marathon again. ..maybe a 1/2 marathon only :)