In Medias Race

Weeks 4-7 went by in a blur. Between a busy work schedule, travel, getting kids back to school, and trying to enjoy a little bit of normalcy before we begin avoiding gatherings again due to the recent COVID-19 resurgence, I have had very little time or energy to work on this blog. Other than the runs interrupted by thunderstorms, I have been mostly keeping up with my running schedule. My cross-training schedule has been a little dicier, but I am sincerely trying to work it into my schedule.

Weeks 4 and 5 included 14 mile and 16 mile long runs, respectively. Week 4 went well, until the last 3 miles. I was flying along, feeling great until mile 11. The heat started to get to me, and it went a little downhill (unfortunately not literally). I was still under-fueling and the heat and humidity were brutal. I finished the run, but I felt really dizzy for several minutes after stopping. I thought I had learned my lesson for Week 5, which was a 16 mile run. I enjoyed that run so much, until the last mile and half. I ran out of water. I did not think it would be a problem, but I was wrong. That last mile all I could focus on was getting back to my car where I knew I had ice-cold waters waiting for me. My long runs were canceled due to storms for both both weeks 6 and 7. I was able to get in some longer runs, but not the scheduled 18 and 16 miles. I think my feet and body appreciated the break, and the sleep.

I really believe that once it cools off a, I will be doing much better. Even the experienced runners I know are slowing way down and struggling through the heat. I have decided not to let it discourage me. Besides, I did this to prove something to myself, not others. I need to be reminded of that sometimes. In this training, my North Star is finishing my first marathon, not winning Olympic gold or trying to impress others. For weeks 6 and 7, long runs were canceled due to storms. I was able to get in some longer runs, but not the 18 and 16 miles dictated by the plan. My feet and body appreciated the break and sleep.

I will keep getting up at 4:00a.m. and putting in the work. I have some of the best muscle definition I have ever had. My resting heart rate is fantastic. My relationship with food has improved. Everyday I think of food more as fuel and less as a punishment or reward. I don’t intentionally skip meals, and I don’t stress eat nearly as much. My diet is not perfect, but I eat better with less thought and perceived effort. All of these lifelong health benefits out weight the momentary discomfort. I love the camaraderie and community I have found. My running journey has definitely reinforced the notion that it is not the destination but the journey. The journey has been better than I could have imagined. As each week passes, I care a less and less about the destination. I am not sure that completing one 26.2 mile race is the destination anymore. I already have three races lined up after the Memorial Marathon. Then, there is this little blog. I know it is self-indulgent, but I have been overwhelmed at the response. I don’t really like to share much about my life with anyone, let alone the Internet of strangers, but you have made it a really wonderful experience.

Sunday, I have my longest run to date. 18 miles. All of the knowledge, experience, and the good vibes I have felt so far will be my motivation.