In one word: HARD!!! I knew what I was getting into, well not totally. I knew I'd have to run 13 miles, I just didn't realize or put a lot of thought into how often and for how long I will have to train. I'm used to working out 4 days a week for 45-60 minutes. Now I'm having to train 5-6 days and about 1.5 - 2 hours a day. That is what is killing me. After working all day, then have the energy to work out for THAT long is really hard and leaves me little time for Jonah. So I have compromised leaving my 1.5- 2 hour workouts for Friday - Sunday since I have more time during the day to spend with Jonah. I mean really, what else would I do on a weekend??? Don't get me started.....
I'm doing the cross training thing- running, walking, tredmill, outside, stairmaster (stairkiller), elipicitcal and bike. I sweat like a dog, look horrible after training, and come home to 2 handsome boys who greet me with a smile and kiss! I still get discouraged- I can't run for long periods of time. I run best for some minutes, then walk 1 minute, then run 10 more minutes and walk a minute and so on. I wish I could do longer, but it's just not in my lungs. I feel like I should be "faster" than I am since I've been training for awhile. Rick says I am doing good and to be proud. My friend Sarah, who is doing it with me keeps reminding me 'we're doing it to finish, not set records.' So I know these things, but the inner part of me wants to see and feel a difference- maybe on Race Day.
My left calf has been giving me so trouble, so I'm doing lots more stretches to 'work it out' - that's what the professionals say to do. I'm realizing that I really don't like running- I like working out and enjoy it, just not running. My compliments to my friends who have ran marathons- you guys are good!
Rick & I are running a 10K next weekend in Ft Worth, so that will give me a good idea of where I am for timing. I do great on the tredmill- it's just being outside that is hard running. Now why don't they have marathons on tredmills? I would totally rock on that!
So got less than a month to go before I cross that finish line and I will cross it, let's just hope I cross with tears of joy & not tears of pain (emotional or physical).
P.S. I am trying to raise money for Big Brother Big Sisters through my 1/2 marathon. Please check out my webpage - I really appreciate everyone's support in trying to achieve this 'far out, hard, physically draining' goal of mine! And next time, I say I'm going to set new goals- hit me over the head or something. : >
HeelsandHillsRunThompson
