Here are a few updates for you since it has been a while since my last post.  Also, since I like lists, here are they are in list format J

THE GOAL

                I don’t think I have ever stated specifically what my goal is.  So, for the record, here you go:

To run/walk a full marathon (26.2 miles)

To finish without being too sore, to go about my normal life for several days afterward

To get into shape again

Strengthen my mind

To enrich my life with a new experience by achieving an athletic goal

COMMITTED

                I registered!  I don’t know if anyone reading this has been wondering if I was really committed to this marathon goal or not, but paying $78.00 is a big deal for me.  Besides time, money is a precious commodity to me.  I don’t let $5.00 leave my bank account very easily – trust me, I’m committed. 

MILEAGE

                Two Sunday’s ago I did 12 miles.  I was sore afterward, but hopefully by the time I get further along in my training, I will have found a good pace and be able to complete the full marathon without any problems the days following the race.  I did 10 miles three Sunday’s ago and felt pretty good afterward.  I feel that I am getting back into shape, but I am pushing myself by doing runs that make it necessary for me to carry a water bottle with me (inconvenient).

CHALLENGES ALONG THE WAY

                I know that athletics are not solely about the physical part of our beings.  However, I was amazed to find how much our minds are challenged when we exert our energy and strength toward something.  So true with this goal to complete a marathon.

                I read on the internet someone’s recount of what went through their mind as they went through the race to complete their first marathon.  I have to admit, it was pretty easy sitting in my padded chair reading about how they started hurting at mile 14, how they “hit a wall” at mile 18 but kept going, and how they were so happy to see the finish line.  Nevertheless, it got me thinking about how training my mind is something I have to be aware of just as much as the physical training program I am following.

                So the next thing I google is how to train my mind to do a marathon - but I couldn’t find anything.  As fate would have it right after reading this article and considering “workouts” I could create to make sure my mind was being challenged while I was working out my body, the opportunities became available without me provoking them...

                First, it was the bugs.  I have no idea what happened at the beginning of August but I cannot go for a jog at night any longer without at least one nat going up my nose and two getting in my mouth.  It wasn’t fun the evening I did my 10 mile jog when a bug got stuck in the corner of my eye at mile 4 and I couldn’t get it out until around the 7.5 mile marker.  I was relieved to find that there were no remaining body parts left on my contact. 

                Second, my husband and my relationship is being challenged; and my daughter has begun to wine almost the entire time she is awake and not eating/drinking/talking English.  My husband and I will be okay, we’ll get through this small misunderstanding.  And eventually I will find out what is going on with my daughter, but this extra stress can weigh you down when you go out for your workout.  Positive thoughts are powerful I have found!

                Third, I had technical difficulties with my sensor the time I did my 12 mile workout and it really pissed me off.  I went into this session so upset that I was sincerely going to quit my workout about 3 times that evening!!  Although physically I completed the 12 miles, mentally I don’t think I did so well. 

                These last three weeks have been pretty challenging to say the least.  But somehow, I got through them.  And I am hoping that everything I learned during August will help me get through the biggest physical challenge coming up this weekend – 14 miles. 

To wherever the journey leads! - Patricia

 

p.s. Last week I worked out in the mornings, so I found a good way to elude the bugs.