Week 12 - Recap

Just when I am starting to doubt myself, the training plan, and my motivation...  God comes through and says, "Don't give up yet!"  And as if a switch was flipped, this past week of training was my best thus far.  Each run was effortless and breezy - and dare I say, somewhat enjoyable.  I did the Badgerland Striders Half Marathon as my long run and I set my personal record by running 13.1 miles in under 1 hour and 57 minutes.  It was the vindication I needed for last week's disappointing performance and the encouragement from God I was seeking.

Week 12:
Monday - 5 mile run
Tuesday - 8 mile pace run
Wednesday - 5 mile run
Saturday - Half Marathon
Sunday - Hiking at Lion's Den Gorge 

It is hard to believe I have been at this for 12 weeks and 2/3 of the training is over. In these past 4 weeks, I logged 118 miles and over 19 hours of running.  To date, I have ran 283 miles and have trained for over 46 hours.  To put the distance in perspective, it is about the equivalent of running from Sheboygan, WI, to St. Paul, Minnesota.  I still have six weeks to go before the big day, but with each passing week the anticipation, nervousness, and excitement builds.  I have never been so eager to cross that finish line.

At this time, I would like to say "Thank You" to those who recently donated to the Cancer Research Institute.  Debbie & David Lorenz, Dick Brantmeier Ford, Eugene Schnell, Vernetta Zutz, and Marjorie Steffes - your kind hearts and generous donations are very appreciated.  Thank you for joining in the fight against cancer!

Week 11 - Recap

Week 11:

Monday - 5 mile run

Thursday - 8 mile run

Friday - 18 mile long run

I am going to be with frank with you during this week's blog post.  I am starting to feel uninspired.  I am 11 weeks into training and still have 7 more to go.  The running distances are getting longer and more challenging with each step.  I've bored myself crazy with listening to audiobooks, radio, podcasts, music, and nature.  I keep getting the same blister on the ball of my left foot, despite new shoes and socks.  The right ear bud never seems to stay in my ear.  And I've lost my mojo.

On the fundraising front, I'm at 41% and afraid I'm running out of time.  I realize any money raised for cancer research is a victory, but I really want to reach the goal.  I'd hate to disappoint the 26 Striding For a Cure participants. 

I'd love to give up - but I'm way too stubborn.  

So instead, I'll keep running and praying. 

Week 10 - Recap

Week 10:
Monday - 4 mile run
Tuesday - 7 mile pace run 
Friday - 4 mile run
Saturday - 17 mile run

The 17 mile run took a little over 3 hours.  My good friend, Karen, accompanied me for a good chunk of the run, but then I was alone.  Left to my own devices for entertainment, my thoughts ran rampant. If there was a dialogue bubble above my head, this is what you would've read:

1. Oh my, what a beautiful day!
2. My legs are sore.  Maybe I shouldn't have danced so much last night.  Or maybe it's from the beer and cheese nuggets?...Nah.
3. Only 15 more miles to go!
4. I can't wait to take a nap. 
5. Are those cattle out of the fence? No, can't be. Wait... yea... those cattle are definitely loose. 
6. Move OVER car! I'm already running on the shoulder, the least you could do is give me some space.
7. I hate hills.  
8. I should've went to the bathroom before I left.
9. Skunk! - AAHH!  Oh wait, it's dead. I think. 
10. I'm so glad it's not hot out.
11. 10 more miles to go!
12. Is this where I'm supposed to turn?
13. I'll take country running over city running any day. 
14. ANOTHER hill?  Are you kidding me?!
15. My feet hurt. 
16. I should have worn my new shoes. 
17. I could really go for a donut. 
18. This Skratch is delicious. 
19. I wonder what they're doing at home.
20. 5 more miles to go? Really?! Ugh. 
21. Please don't let this car be anyone I know.
22. That's a pretty house. I wonder who lives there?
23. I need to get my license renewed. 
24. Screw it!  I'm walking up this hill and I don't even care.
25. Run with your heart. 
26. 3 more miles to go.  I can do this.
27. 2 more miles to go. I can't do this. 
28. 1 more mile! 
29. This seems like a really long mile. 
30. 17 Miles! Hallelujah! 
31. I'm tired. 

If you'd like to experience this random dialogue in person, you're always welcome to run with me :)

Week 9 - Recap

Week 9:

Monday - 4 mile

Wednesday - 7 mile pace run

Saturday - 13 mile long run

Halfway done with training! 9 more weeks until race day. 

When I was inspired to run this marathon and raise money for cancer research, I knew that I wanted to include a blog to journal my experience.  This social medium allows me to easily connect with the 26 people I'm running for, as well as their families, friends, and anyone else who is interested.  It's a way for me to vent, reflect, and share info. I expected the blog would get a few views, but the response has been outstanding.  As of today, the blog has been viewed 937 times.  Most of the reading audience comes from the United States, but the blog has also been viewed in Russia, Germany, Canada, Japan, Ukraine, Colombia, Spain, Indonesia, and Italy.  I am humbled by the interest in and support for Striding For a Cure. 

I hope you have enjoyed the journey thus far and will continue to follow me until I reach the finish line.