Technology Sucks

No I did not fall off the running wagon! Our computer is in the shop and this is my first opportunity to post this week. Hopefully we will get our computer back this next week. :(
Week four was great. I ran 19 miles this week, including a long run of 8 miles yesterday. Joan was my running buddy and it was really great to spend time with her. I think I am one of the fortunate few who have a great friendship with their mother in law. I am so blessed, she is a great encourager. When we got 6+ miles in, she reminded me that she is 20 years older than me. I ran the last mile without her. I still had a lot of "gas" so we decided to meet at the end and I ran hard. I still am in shock that I can do this. I really do have it in me! My race is in one month and I know that I can do it!
The other day Adrianne followed me out the door as I headed out to run and she called out to me:
"Be a good runner, Mommy!"
I am excited to see that my girls can get this, even a little bit. This week talks about changing your "what if" with the action of "as if" until it becomes your "it is" reality. It is funny what a big role your mind plays in training, but this is so true of many things in life. We used to say "fake it, 'til you make it". Action really does precede belief sometimes. Well, I am living this one out.
Miles this week: 19

Week 3 Over, best run to date!

Seventeen Miles this week! Wow!
I got up this morning reluctantly. I probably would have stayed in bed if all 3 girls hadn't decided that 6:45 sounded like a good time to be up. It is long run day and Tinsa and I agreed that I would pick her up and bring her to my house and then we would run to her house. It was misty at my house but by the time I drove to her house it was raining. This is my first experience with running in actual rain. I have to say this was an awesome run day. We both were healthy and cheerful. I am learning to appreciate being cool. The rain felt great! I dressed just right, shorts, tank and very light running coat. We chatted the whole way which always makes the miles fly by. Before I knew it we were rounding the corner near her house. My muscles felt worked, knees a little sore, but all in all I feel really good.
I do love technology. Google has been a real help with all the funny running things that come up. I have been looking over blogs reading about hydration belts, rashes and upset stomachs. I'm going to start trying energy gels next week on the long run and hopefully I'll get my hydration belt soon so I can start training with that.
The book this week starts in on maintaining a low level of "arousal" about running. This may be my biggest challenge, not getting worked up about it. The idea is that too much arousal means too much adrenaline which is not your friend when you are a distance runner. The first bits have been about positive attitude. I know focus and relaxation are coming. I'm going to need it!
I can't believe that next week starts week 4. Halfway to race day.

3 miles to start week 3

It wasn't until after dinner that I finally made it out for my first run of week 3. 3 miles no problem.
I was thinking when I was running how unfortunate it is that I can't do anything else while I am running. Multitasking is my middle name. I can fold laundry, feed the baby, manage the girls, talk on the phone and make dinner all at the same time.
Then it occurred to me: the best part about running is the fact that I can't do anything else at the same time. There is very few moments in my life right now that I get to have a single focus. It was a Holy Spirit moment for me...all the implications of doing so many things gets me wondering if I am doing the important things well? What if I could have more of a single focus about certain things I do. How would that change me as a mom? A wife?
I wish my days could be like my runs. I always have a feeling in me of excitement for my run. The first mile I get my grove on. I listen to the quiet. I look at the scenery. I notice all the things around me, the sun, the wind...all the little things that I enjoy. I have a set goal and I get a feeling of power and accomplishment as I work to meet it. I call on my body and it works to do what I ask. The last mile I always feel a sense of gratefulness to God for what he is working in me. I round the last corner and spy my marker tape. I focus on my goal, end strong, arms raised each time in victory.
There's lessons for me here. Yes Lord, I am listening.

Week 2, Check!

Today my long run was 6 miles. It has been a good week of running. A hectic week otherwise. I am realizing how much I really have come to enjoy this outlet. It may be the only thing keeping me sane. Tinsa came to run with me today although she had been sick all week and missed a few runs. We ran to the crazy blue mobile home 3 miles from my house and on the way back she began to feel weak. She made it more then 4 miles before she said she needed to walk. I jogged and skipped and tried to keep pace with her for a mile before she said to go ahead and she would just keep walking. I know the feeling of running out of gas after being sick, so I said I would run back to the house and get my car and pick her up. And run I did. I ran well faster than my normal pace and it felt great. I realized that I am becoming used to the mileage and so to push myself gave me that great feeling of my body hearing my demand and responding to it. Tinsa was able to start jogging again and did finish, which is just what the book says is the most important. I think overall the run was good for both of us.
Miles today: 6
Miles for the week: 16

Into two

Week two is under way. I ran 3 miles on Monday. It feels boring, almost like it's a waste of time it's so short. Who knew 3 miles would feel so short? Yesterday evening I did my 4 miles with Joan and having her really helped me get through it. I need to learn some concentration for the short runs. I think I don't make myself focus enough and that's why I'm having a hard time with them. Probably doesn't help that I'm on my period (TMI, I know!) and this week is school kick off for both the older ones. I learned last week that your brain actually shrinks by 8% during pregnancy and the volume doesn't return until 6 months postpartum. Great, just when the race is over my brain will be returning to me!
Tomorrow will be my test run in town. It's only 3 miles but I have to run and be back in time to pick up Stella from school. We'll see how it works out! 6 more weeks of keeping this crazy pace!

Week One, Check!

It's over and I made it. Week one has officially come to a close. My 5 mile run today felt good. Tinsa and I met up, she over dressed since it was raining, but ended up wishing she was in shorts like me. I always second guess myself too, what if I'm too hot, what if I'm too cold? I can't wait until I am a little more skilled at this.
We are alternating who is in charge of the long runs. Tinsa went first and guided me on a 5 mile run near her house. It was along the river, very pretty. I know why she likes to run there, no hills! I am realizing how much I am going to enjoy running this fall. The drizzle was great, cloudy skies, the trees starting to turn. I am also looking forward to getting a handle on my schedule. I already figured out that I under budgeted time to run while both girls are in school. I had to cut one short run short because I had to pick up Stella. Rebecca will be glad since that just means I'll need her more!
I have to add that I haven't been the most enthusiastic runner this week, but peace and quiet have drawn me. That is a plus of having 3 kids...I'll always have that need.
Miles today: 5
Total for the week: 14+

It Begins

First official week of Training! The runs so far have been 3 miles, 4 miles, 3 miles and then 5 miles on Saturday. I am sore today, but I think it was the painting for 3 hours yesterday after the 4 mile run that did me in. It's nice to feel sore. Well at least this kind of sore...I don't have the "can't get out of bed sore". My muscles just feel worked out and strong. I am already looking ahead to the next weeks when the miles increase. I'm excited about the challenge. It will be interesting, juggling running, school for both little girls and a baby. I wish Stella's preschool was longer or at least ended the same time as Adrianne's kindergarten. I will be doing a lot of driving until I can find a carpool buddy. I am going to be a schedule queen~ not that I wasn't already!
I counted in July I ran 35 miles. August's total was 44 miles. I am scheduled to run 88 miles this month! 7 weeks until my race!