Getting closer!

The race is now 13 days, 11 hours, and 40 minutes away! I've added the link to the Marine Corps Marathon website, which shows the countdown. It also has a sign-up page for Remote Runner Tracking (under Spotlight), through which you can sign up to get periodic text or email alerts regarding a runner's progress during the race. There is also a 3-D Video Course Map, for anyone who is interested in seeing the course and the elevation, etc. I am getting so excited!

During the last week of September, I ran my second 20-miler, which is the last one I will do before the race. The first half of the run was wonderful! D was here, so he road his bike along with me and carried the drinks and Clif Shot Blocks as always. I was running very well, and having a great morning. Then not long before I turned around, the wind picked up! Later, on the news it said the winds were 25 mph sustained, with up to 45 mph gusts! There were a couple of times I thought the wind was going to blow me off my feet, and that is not an easy task! This was by far the hardest physical thing I have ever done. Up until somewhere around mile 12 or 13, I was still able to maintain my target pace of 11:07. After that, I just had to quit paying attention to my pace because it was impossible for me to maintain. I was just thankful I finished. There were a couple of extra walking breaks again because it was so hard, but I guess that was to be expected. Had it not been for the wind, I really believe I would have had an excellent run. I was feeling very good and running very well. I'm really hoping all of these challenges help me be well-prepared for the race. :-)

When I was struggling so hard with the wind, especially on the hills, I just kept telling myself, "This is nothing compared to losing a baby; you can do this." It is really important to keep it in perspective. While this does test not only my physical, but mental endurance, it truly does not compare to what our family, and especially my sister and her husband at the time went through when we lost our little one.

Last Friday when I did my speedwork, I was also feeling great. The total distance was 8 miles; with a one-mile warm up and a one-mile cool down. The speed intervals were four 1-mile intervals at an 8:50 pace and 1/2 mile jogs in-between. I ran those on the treadmill and while it was challenging, I was able to maintain. It is always very encouraging to have a good workout like that.

I also had a dream that I finished the marathon in 3:05 (what a dream!); which is most definitely not going to happen. My goal is 4:30, but with the hills the first 8 miles, I will be very surprised if I am able to do that. Truly, I will be happy just to finish.

Today was supposed to be my 12 mile long run, but I was not feeling well at all, so did not get it done. Now I just have to decide if I will try to make it up, or will just continue with the training schedule. Of course, D's advice was to just continue with the scheduled runs. I know I've read that you should not try to make it up if you miss a run, but it feels like cheating.

Tomorrow morning is my interview on KSNT! Better get to bed and get plenty of rest. I'm so excited about this opportunity to share what we are doing. A special "thank you" to Cherie Sage, with Safe Kids Kansas, for arranging the interview. She and Daina have been so supportive and helpful!