22 miles

Yesterday I set out to run 14 miles.
I only ran 12.
I have done two 18 mile runs,
but was beyond freaked out for the marathon in two weeks.

I had it stuck in my mind I really wanted to do 22 miles before the race.

It is advised to not do super long runs close to the race,

but I didn't listen.

I woke up early and ran 22 miles.

I started at 5:15am and

it was awesome to see the world wake up and get moving.

Some highlights from the run:

- Waking up at 2:00am and eating a bagel {I have to eat 3 hrs before or bad things happen}

- Running the roads I've always ran but seeing them in a different light, literally

- Stopping at a park to use the restroom and walking in on an old asian lady going to the bathroom. There are locks on doors for a reason.

- Getting to 18 miles and debating of stopping but remembering James advice the night before, 'Pick a goal you want to run and do it no matter what'

- Breaking past my physical and mental wall in running

- Running like Pheobe from Friends for a bit {it was exhilarating. please try it soon!}

- Hurting so bad I wish I had no legs

- But having the most incredible feeling in the world when I finished

Bring it on St. George Marathon!!

Just plain working out

I love Sundays cause you can rest.

I love being lazy, and taking a snooze.

But come Monday morning I can't wait to workout.

I don't feel good and ready for the week until I do.

I wanted to do 22 miles on Saturday,

but I just plain couldn't do it.

But I've set a goal to do at least 22 miles before the race,

and I intend on meeting that goal.

And I feel much better about running 26.2

if I have hit the 22 mark on my own.

So this week I will watch what I eat,

except for GNO dessert night Tuesday night,

and mentally prepare so I can have a good run.

It's exciting to have such big goals to accomplish each week.

Marathon or not,

it just feels good to push your body and work it!

It's a science

The running is a science.

Listening to your body.

Pushing your physical, mental, and emotional self.

Eating GU at just the right time.

Making sure I eat a banana and bagel at least 3 hours before,

or body will not be happy.

Drinking plenty of water and gatorade,

but only at certain times to not get over hydrated and cramp,

or get dehydrated and cramp.

It's been a fun and interesting science experiment.

I'm just glad I've finally nailed down my specifics and can just run!

You know what's awesome...

is getting stronger.

Is falling in love with running.

To feel better about myself,

and proud of achieving something on my own.

I was scared out of my mind to train for the marathon.

Most everyone said I would need running partners,

but I did this completely solo.

And it feels pretty freaking awesome.

I ran a tough 3.5 mile hill course today.

It was my fastest time yet of doing the course.

And nothing can take away the high I got from doing so well!

Running definitely has improved my life.

2nd 18 miles

It felt good.

I felt strong.

I managed the Gu's, water, and gatorade to a T.

I most likely will drink more during the marathon,

but during these practice runs it feels good to be able

to manage what I am intaking and

to be able to push my body past it's limits.

It's pushing your physical well being,

your mental well being,

and your inner spirit.

Sounds corny?

It totally is.

But that's what I go through to help myself with these ubber long runs.

I am doing this training without any running partner.

Does it suck at times?

Totally.

But it makes me proud of myself that I can accomplish

this big feat by myself.

With supporters of course, but when it comes down to you

and finishing those 26.2 miles... it's all me!

This second 18 mile run felt good.

I am going to shoot for 20 - 22 this coming Saturday,

then taper down until the big race!

WOO-HOO!!

Even for 4 miles

Today I set out to do 6 miles.

I only made it 4.

It was hard.

It made me realize that whether you are pushing your body

to do 18 miles or 4 miles there are times where you

still have to push yourself.

And that's ok.

Another revelation I had was I HAVE TO stop eating junk.

I had a bowl of ice cream last night

that I am sure led to the wanting to throw up feeling.

So I am going to try to only have a treat on Saturday nights after long runs.

It's only a month, I can do it.

I have to do it for the sake of running

and wanting to do good for the marathon.