26 days and counting

Eeeekkkk!!! Where has the last three months gone? How can it be only 26 days until I have to run/walk 13 miles? I'm already feeling butterflies in my stomach just thinking about it. I had hoped to be a running machine by now (cue Rocky Balboa running up the steps music), able to run 10 miles without any walk breaks and breathing easy, instead it is truly a struggle every time I go out for my runs. I haven't fallen in love with running, I haven't lost twenty pounds, and I'm definitely not a mean green running machine. But I wouldn't trade this experience for anything. I have met some great people through Team in Training, I've learned tons about fundraising, realized the generosity of people I barely know and am much more fit than I was three months ago. I must like something because I've already committed to running a full marathon next year and possibly another 1/2. It's amazing to be a part of something that is much bigger than me, to be a part of such an amazing organization that has raised thousands and thousands of dollars to help find a cure for blood cancers. I am truly feeling blessed for this experience.

So last I left off my long run was 8 miles and I was up to a 4:1 pace. May 1st was another 8 miler but on hills (South Mountain) which was a killer. I did well the last time on South Mountain but this time, South Mountain got the best of me but I can still proudly say that I walked/ran 8 miles on hills!

This past Saturday, May 8th I was in Flagstaff for my cousin Kate's graduation from NAU. I was really sad about missing my first team training but I wasn't going to miss my cousin's graduation. Not only was I on my own for my long run, I had to increase it to 9 miles in high elevation none the less. I wasn't sure how I was going to fit it in, the ceremony was at 10 am with an 8 am reception, lunch immediately following with another ceremony for a family friend at 2pm and then dinner reservations at 7pm. Sunday was Mother's Day with a brunch at 10, a drive back to Phoenix to the Grandparent's house who were having a graduation ceremony for Kate. I decided to skip the 2nd ceremony and do my run before dinner. It was beautiful weather in Flagstaff and I really wanted to run outside but I don't know my way around and I don't have a fancy watch that tells me the distance that I ran and I was afraid of getting lost so I ran on the treadmill at the gym at my cousins' apartment complex instead. By the time lunch was over and the last straggler left our lunch party I didn't have much time for my nine miles. I had also made the mistake of wearing high heels earlier for the ceremony not realizing all the walking we would be doing around campus. So I started off my run with very tired, sore feet...not a great way to start a run. By the time I got to the gym I knew I wasn't going to have time to get all nine miles in but I was determined to get as much in as possible, Also justifying that I had already walked at least a mile all over NAU campus and in heels and that I needed to take it a bit easier do to the change in elevation. So I managed to squeak in 4 miles before I had to meet back up with my family to get ready for dinner. Boy were my feet killing me by the time I finished my four miles. When I got back to the hotel I did my first ice bath ever. It really helped with the swelling in my feet and legs.

I also felt ok about not running my full nine because according to my last training schedule I would have another chance to run 9 miles this coming Saturday. However on Monday I received an updated schedule that this Saturday would by my longest run to date at 12 miles!!!! And then we start to taper. 12 miles! That's almost the entire half marathon. Well I guess this will be the true test to whether or not I can do this. Pray for me!