Almost there!

It's hard to believe that I am entering into my 12th week of training for my first 1/2 marathon!  As I look back at the beginning of this journey, there was a piece of me that thought I would never be able to finish this.  How nuts do you have to be to run 13 miles?  Who does that just for fun? 

I think one of the best things I have learned through this process is that many people run - people I know, people I spend time with, people I would have never suspected run a mile in their lives.  Runners come in all shapes, sizes and ages.  All it takes is a will - a desire to start something and then finish it.  You don't have to run a race to be a runner.  And no - "jogging" is not the same thing as RUNNING.  A Sunday fast stroll once a year does not constitute a runner.  A runner has determination.  When the weather is cold, when you don't feel your best, when your joints and muscles ache... you still run your miles.

At the beginning of this journey, a friend recommended I log my miles from my training program.  I'm SO glad I did it - my reward chart on the refrigerator was a daily reminder of both my daily goals as well as the big picture.  To date, I have run 135.5 miles.  I will accomplish 145 by my run next Sunday - which will put me a grand total of 158.1 miles in 12 weeks.  My shoes are tired (as are my FEET).  Running mags say you should replace your shoes at every 400 miles.  I wonder if I can trade in my tired toes for new ones as well?

That is my biggest curse... I run on my toes.  Sure, my calves look great - but the "balls" of my feet hate it.  I have callouses on top of callouses.  I don't even think the pedicure place will see me at this point.  It's going to take some serious work this winter to help them recover.  I didn't even know you could get a blister on top of a callous - but I have accomplished that as well.  Sometimes my toes fall asleep while I'm sitting.  My calves pulse randomly.  My right hip flexor reminds me every day that I'm not 21 anymore.

But still - I am so thankful.  I literally thank god every single time I run.  I can't believe I have been blessed with a body that can run, let alone walk.  I spent the first 39 years of my life taking for granted what my body can do.

So next week is it - the big run.  My last year in my 30's.  A HUGE thanks goes out to all of my friends that spent tireless hours talking to me about running, my pains, my desire to quit, what clothes work best, what hydration system to buy... only runners can appreciate these topics but to all others who don't run and listened anyway, thanks for being there for ME.  I have the BEST of friends and family!

Off to log 5 miles in the 40 degree cold morning weather...

We're TRAINING!

The 12 week journey has begun!  I'm on the countdown to the Gobbler Grind 1/2 marathon in November and I'm totally pumped.  This week was easy - total of 11 miles.  Not to shabby for a grandma! 

On day three this week I was striding along on a nice 2 mile run and only about a half mile from home when I tried to run up a curb and totally slid on the side of my foot.  For a brief moment I had a glimpse of an injury that wouldn't allow me to run.  That would be absolutely devastating given the work I have put in this last year!

At Eli's baptism this weekend I had an opportunity to talk to my prior sister-in-law (sounds SO much better than saying "ex".  She had just completed a triathalon and had a blast.  She encouraged me to go to the site and check it out - the next one is a women's only event and would be perfect for a first timer.  Really?  I have never run that far - I think it's a tad bit out of my league.  But who knows - maybe instead of the full marathon for my big 4-0 next year I'll just do the triathalon instead?  Can you say midlife crisis?  At least it's a healthy one!  Until next weekend.... 

Ready to Run

I have gained a true understanding of exactly what running has meant to me this past year.  That, along with my turbo kick, has created this awesome outlet mentally for me.  Sure, my physical being has changed considerably.. but I had no idea how much my mental and emotional state had been affected by exercising.

In January I had a minor procedure conducted that has caused me to have restrictions for the past month.  Technically, people heal within 1 month; however, I can't see my physician until March 3rd for release.  That will mark 6 WEEKS of no exercise.  It has been unbelievable how it has affected me.  Not only have I become totally depressed, my clothes fit different, my attitude is crappy and I generally feel ill.  Sure, I'm certain most of it is "in my head".  My biggest pet peeve in life is being told I CAN'T do something.  Everyone knows I can do anything I want (spoken like the true baby of the family)!  But I honest have learned that I have grown to love exercise... that rush of adrenaline and pushing your body to perform in a way you never thought it could.  Allowing yourself to indulge in a piece of cake because you know you will work twice as hard tomorrow to work it off.  Knowing that my body was changing in a way that I didn't think possible at my age and seeing the direct results of my efforts. 

So I have waited all this time.  Not so patiently either, I might add.  I've complained alot - not of the pain, of the endurance of waiting.  I know I am the most inpatient person but now so does everyone else!

So thank you to all my friends, neighbors and family who have given me words of encouragement.  Thank you for listening me drone on and on and on about having to wait to exercise.  Really, if that is the worst thing that ever happens to me I am a VERY, VERY blessed woman!

So tomorrow, the shoes are going on.  The laces are being tied.  I'm not waiting anymore.  I feel great - I'm taking it slow and I will enjoy every single step of my run.  I will look forward to the one after that, and the one after that.  And  I promise to never take for granted again my ability to lace my shoes and hit the ground running!