Time is just flying by so quickly! It is hard to believe that I am already nearing the end of my 4th week of "official" training. Almost 1/4 of the way there, it doesn't really seem possible.

This week has been an "easy" or recovery week; just three easy 5-mile runs. I can remember when 5 miles was a long run for me. The first time I ran 5 was just over two years ago, at a Dog Days Saturday morning run. I remember how excited I was. Funny thing is that now I don't really feel like I've done a whole lot if I run less than five. I guess it is all relative, huh?

For those of you asking, "what in the world is Dog Days?", check out the link to the website on the right. Basically it is a community workout group, with hundreds of participants on a daily basis, and over 2800 on a recent Wednesday! Don "Red Dog" Gardner has been leading this group, with help from his wife and a number of volunteers for more than 25 years. They do an incredible job and getting a "Dog Days" t-shirt is quite an accomplishment; one I have not yet attained, although several of my friends have.

The training plan I am using (I'm sure it has a name, but I haven't a clue) includes just three runs a week, each with a very specific purpose: an easy run, either speed work or a tempo run, and a long run. In two weeks, my long run will be the farthest I've ever gone - 14 miles. The long run will increase by 2 miles each week for three weeks and then I'll have an easy week like this one. Most often the long run is on Saturday, but occasionally it has to be on Sunday (or Monday).

A year ago in September, I ran my first half-marathon, followed in October by my second. Then in April was number three, which was here in Lawrence and the first time any of my family had been able to come watch. I was so excited to have them there, but I wish the weather had been better for them. I enjoyed the temperature while I was running, but was not so crazy about the wind. That last mile just about kicked my butt; uphill from 23rd St. to the Lied Center and directly into the wind, which was gusting pretty hard. I don't know for certain, but it seemed like at least 20-30 mph gusts. When I got to the finish line, my beautiful grandaughter Sierra asked me through her little chattering teeth, "What took you so long Grandma? Bless her heart; honey your grandma runs SLOW!!! One of the coolest things was my middle sister taping the race at several different spots along the way and then later presenting me with a DVD she'd made for me. Another was the support of some friends who drove over from Shawnee and from a special person who drove ahead to a number of different spots and would then run beside me for a while and tell me how great I was doing, and then jump in the car and drive to the next spot. I am so thankful for all of my family and friends; I hope all of them know how much they mean to me.

Some days are easier than others when it comes to getting my run in. This evening was great, since it was only 73 degrees when I ran, but the humidity was like 70-some % and I really struggle with breathing when the humidity is that high. Good thing I was supposed to be running slow. Sometimes if it is too hot or humid, I run inside on the treadmill; 8 miles the other day. Thank heavens (and a special person) for my iPod. Without the music, I am not sure I could run that far on a treadmill. Much prefer the outdoors. Looking forward to running on the trail tomorrow night - that's gonna be my "cross-training" since it uses differnt muscles. I really enjoy running the trails with the girls.

Some of you may have noticed the dedication in the upper right corner, and realized that last week my nephew would have been 11. Those days when it is hard to get out there, I remember that little guy we barely got to know and why this race is important to me and usually that is all I need to get me moving. Sometimes life (or migraines) get in the way; but thankfully I have someone who helps remind me that missing a day or delaying a run by a day (or two) does not mean I am a failure. Junk happens.

And sometimes what happens is good stuff. My sister gave me permission to share some special news: after 11 years of waiting, she is going to have another baby boy in December! He will be a very welcome Christmas gift for our family and we are all looking forward to his arrival. Life is full of blessings.