My Story of a Marathon and How I Survived it All : Day 8

I know it's been a few days, but I'm not exactly sure what to write everyday, when all I'm doing is running or walking. But, I'm back to give a little update and more.

Today was a good day in my book. I was able to complete just over 8 miles on the treadmill in 95 minutes. That did include a walking warm up and walking cool down.

But, just this last Tuesday was my big test. Well, sort of, it was more of a personal big test. I haven't been running outside in almost 3 months, and I was anxious to see where I was after trying to pick up my pace on the treadmill. So, I decided to do my 3 mile loop around the neighborhood, which includes an intimidating straight up hill in the last mile.

3 months ago I had an average 11 minute mile, outside, on level(no major hills) ground. Now, complete with Wiltsey Hill, I'm down to an average 10 minute mile. The best part was that I totally made it up the hill with little difficulty. I mean, it was definitely difficult, but not as bad as I remember it being. I was so excited, that we went out to dinner to celebrate!

Ok, we were going out to dinner anyway, but I was cELebRatInG! :D

I still have a little over 2 months before I start my Official Marathon Training, so I'm taking this time to put my body through some paces to see if I'm going to need any help to finish. I'm getting a little worried, because I've started to notice my ankle having issues again. I really hope it's just a matter of doing more stretching, but I might be making an appointment with the doctor soon, if it doesn't settle down.

Although, I've already decided that, even if I have to hObbLe my way across the finish line, I'm going to finish. I really don't want to give up on a goal that I've been wanting for so long.

Well, here's to making history...My History!!

My Story of a Marathon and How I Survived it All : Day 1

Today was my first day of "training".

The reason I say that is I have a 18 week schedule that I will be starting in June, to prepare me for the distance portion. Right now, I'm working on bettering my pace, so that I can meet my goal of finishing under 5 hours. I did a half marathon, a little over a year ago, and my average mile took about 11 minutes to complete. I'm hoping to at least get that down to 10 minutes.

I'm also trying to get my feet prepped for all the extra trauma and aggravation. Whenever I do a long run, I try to put Mole Skin on my hot spots before hand, to prevent excessive blistering. I'm keeping track of where blisters or sore spots show up on my feet, so that come race day, I will have extra padding where I need it.

During this time, I'm also taking note of sensitive spots, such as my ankles, knees, hips, back and so on. I'm extremely worried about my joints. I've always had weak joints, and then they took it hard when I had the girls. When I was training for the half marathon, my ankle became aggravated from the extensive running, to the point that I could barely walk on it, let alone fun 13.1 miles. This time around, I've taken a lot of preventative action. Such as buying very supportive shoes and stretching much more.

It was funny when I went to buy my shoes, the sales man suggested a lighter shoe for me, because it would allow me to run faster. But, I told him, I really don't care how fast I go, if I my joints give out on me during the training, there's no way I can finish the marathon.

And that's the ultimate goal, to FINISH!

In researching training schedules and plans, one of the most common advice is to increase your carb intake as you increase the length of your runs. Although, part of this training is to help me to say goodbye to those last lingering pounds from the pregnancies, I have to admit, I love that advice! I'm so excited about being able to eat pasta, waffles, toast, and any other bread without feeling guilty about the extra calories.

In conjunction with that, I'm going to have my BMI done now and then just before Race Day. I want to see how my body is doing after all this extra work. So, I'll be posting that as soon I get it done. :D

Here's to making history...MY HISTORY!!!

My Story of a Marathon and How I Survived it All

This is going to be an on going segment about my adventure in fulfilling a
goal and dream of mine, to run a full marathon.

Yup, I'm crazy!

But thanks to the suggestion of one of my best friends, you'll be able to read about all the craziness as it happens.

The Beginning

It all began around about June, 8 years ago. I was finishing up my first
year of college, when I first heard about the Salt Lake City Marathon. I felt a
tingle of excitement build up in me and I wanted to know if I had what it took
to make it through. I immediately looked into registering. But, of course it
was too late to register, let alone train. So, I resigned myself to making it
next year.

Well, I began running and training, but every year it didn't work out. Either
I had to work or I had an injury or I was too busy planning a wedding or I was
pregnant or I just had a baby. Something always seemed to be standing between me and my goal.

This last year, Gayle finished her first marathon. And, I have to admit, I was quite jealous that my younger sister beat me to it.

But, now it's my turn. I have registered for the Portland Marathon. I have
my training schedule. I'm doing all I can to prevent injury. I've already lined
up a babysitter. I'm not pregnant, nor planning on getting pregnant anytime
soon, seeing as my husband is on the other side of the world.

This time, nothing is standing in my way!