18 and counting!

18 and counting!

I have never run more than a 10k before this training schedule but last week I ran 18 miles! No one is more surprised than I am. Running a marathon has long been on my bucket list, not only for the physical challenge but for the mental challenge. “Marathon” is used metaphorically for so many things in our language, but to really do this has been huge for me. Again, going with the metaphors, when running those 18 miles, you’ve got to take care of yourself, making sure to drink enough water, replenish the electrolytes; you listen to yourself say, it would be easier to just stop and walk a bit, but I CAN keep running; if I follow the training schedule set up by those experienced, it really is achievable; we are all more powerful than we think. Distance running is most similar to childbirth than anything else I’ve experienced. Although with running you physically could stop, labor not so much.

On my long run days, I wake up at about 5:30 so I can finish before the heat begins. It is such a quiet and peaceful place out at the Reservoir. I think I’m pretty hard core out there until a Japanese running team flies by me with each runner in perfect harmony, or a coach calling out commands to a pro runner from their mountain bike. Once even there was a photo or video crew driving ahead of a very fit looking guy to film him in action. This is the place where so many elite athletes train – it can be humbling and inspiring.

Next Thursday I do my last very long run – 20 miles before the 26.2. As I’ve slowly worked up to these distances, I have experienced “the wall” several times now - when the body runs out of calories and glycogen and starts drawing from the body itself. It doesn’t feel good - cold and clammy and dizzy. But with the slow build, it hits at about the last 2 or 3 miles, so with each successive run it hits later and later. Pushing ourselves to the edge makes the edge move out further and further – something that is easily translated to every aspect of my life.

The race is September 25 in Half Moon Bay. I’m leaving the family behind and will stay with dad and Val. It was tempting to bring the crew but I knew that I wouldn’t get much sleep nor would they let me rest too much afterwards. This is my journey to see what I’m capable of and to come home and be the best mom I can be to them.