14 miles

I was ready.

I made sure I ate the right foods the night before

and all morning long.

I didn't eat 3 hours before and stopped drinking water 2 hours before.

Mentally I was a bit nervous,

14 miles is the longest distance I have ever ran. EVER.

I set out on my course I mapped out feeling pretty good.

I had to stop at a couple different stop lights

that I think threw off my groove.

Because before I knew it I was focusing on pain

in my foot and discomfort in my knees.

It was as though my body was telling my mind to stop,

then in turn my mind was telling my body to give up.

And that's what happened.

I only ran 8 of my 14 miles I intended to do.

I had a feeling this may happen.

I couldn't believe how good I was feeling and

how lucky I have been to get my runs in.

Bad days happen.

I felt defeated.

But I know I can do this.

I know that running the long distance runs

and pushing myself physically and mentally

I will have to go past barriers in my way.

Sometimes they will beat me,

but in the end I will overpower them and do this marathon!

Power

It's amazing the power you feel from running.

From continually doing it and pushing yourself

further than you ever thought than you could go.

It is empowering.

It makes you feel strong.

It helps you with feeling so wonderful!

Who knew running could be so awesome!!

I am so glad I am now another member in this sport.

The itch

I finally have the running itch!

I was about to have one of those awesome lazy nights,

but I felt like I wanted to go running.

How awesome is that?!

Hopefully I can start calling myself an official runner,

but just lightly of course.

12 miles

Pretty much a half marathon.

It was the first time running with Gu's and shotblocks

since my last half marathon I ran.

I can't decide if it was the energy supplements

or what I ate last night but I do know I have

to go to the library and rent some books and go

on some sort of marathon diet.

My digestive track hates me when I do long runs.

It's not a huge deal,

just frustrating when you get into a good rhythm

and then you have to stop because of nature.

I had a family friend recommend

Marathoning.

Hopefully it give me some good advice!

Funniest thing ever

I found this half marathon blog post the other day.

It is hilarious.

You must read it!

A week off

I recently had a week off.

6 days of no running, but lots of walking.

Even though I was getting stressed over not doing my runs,

it was nice to just enjoy the walking and relaxing.

The run today felt good.

My joints were a bit sore, but they always are

after they have rested for awhile.

The people I nanny for are really intelligent chemists.

They invent medical equipment for a living.

I asked them about what vitamins or supplements to take

during this marathon training and

they said that Omega 3 is proven to help your heart and brain.

The oils will help your overall body to stay strong.

Glucosamine has not been proven,

but they said taking it wont hurt anything so I may as well.

So that is the vitamin system I am currently on.

Omega 3 and Glucosamine every morning.

Even though you can't always tell the effects straight off,

it feels good to be continually taking vitamins.

Doing the body good.

10 mile

Yesterday I did my 10 mile run.

It was intense.

I haven't ran that long since my last half marathon.

I do know that I no longer can eat turkey sandwiches before long runs.

I did have to walk some of the run,

but I figure that is fine.

I even read on halhigdon.com

that while training, especially on the long runs,

it's ok to walk for 1 min every mile you hit.

Needless to say I want to run the full marathon,

and I know by sticking to the training and continuing to push myself,

I will get there.

Making Time

Yesterday I didn't make the time early enough

to be able to do my 10 mile run.

So I did 6 instead.

I plan to run the 10 miles on Monday,

and I am hoping I still get some good running in

even though we have visitors coming to town.

Total mileage this week: 14 miles

Food and running

I am not always great at eating the good food.

I love junk food.

Pizza. Candy. Especially frozen yogurt.

But I have now realized I totally have to restrict if I want to run well.

Running is easier and I feel better when I eat better.

I wish it wasn't the case,

because eating a slice of pizza everyday would be stellar.

I guess I could eat a piece everyday,

then end up on Biggest Loser.

But no, my goal is to be healthy and fit.

I hope that I don't get burnt out of running training for this marathon.

Because so far I am just falling more and more in love with it.

And I really hope I can maintain my longer runs,

to hopefully be an example and help teach my future chickens.

Hard

Sometimes it's hard to get out the door and run.

Like today...

I ate like I was going to run the 6 miles.

I drank water in correlation to running the 6 miles.

I was dressed like I was going to run the 6 miles.

But I never made it out the door.

It happens.

And I am ok with it.