Training

So, I have had a lot of you ask for updates on my training for my half marathon. I have learned a lot during this process. Yes, it has been a process. Therefore, this post will be rather long and wordy. It was about the beginning of October when I suggested this crazy idea to my friends Wendy and Sherri. I looked online and found a training program ( www.marathonrookie.com ) but first we had to get a foundation before we could even begin the training program. We began running together on Saturday mornings and by ourselves during the week. Just getting to the point of 3 miles, 3 x week was an accomplishment that we were proud of. But that was just the beginning. Now the real training could begin. Because we are all wives and mothers we decided that we would only run 3 times a week instead of 4, but because of that we would have to make sure it happened and even a little extra mileage than was required. I have learned many things on this journey. I have listed just a few of them here.

Respect-- I have always had a respectful awe of people who can run long distances (Camille and Vikki you are in that group). But, now that I know what it takes my level of respect is much greater. I know what it takes to run those distances and it is not easy. It is a lot of long and lonely (well, sometimes peaceful!!) miles in all kinds of weather. I used to drive by someone running in the rain and think, "Wow! There is a die hard." But, now that I am one of those people I understand how deep you have to dig to go out in the rain and cold.
Friendship--I have strengthened friendships and learned how to be a better friend. Friends sometimes have to bug each other and coax each other along. An outing with friends can be fun even if all it involves is a water bottle, a trail, and sweat.
Supportive husband--I have always known I was married to a wonderful man but I have been so grateful to Scott these last 18 weeks or so. He has been abandoned every Saturday morning for an average of 2 hours to get children fed and dressed and the day begun. Often he had 3 extras to take care of as well (So that would be 7 children age 8 and under). He always did so cheerfully and without complaint. Thanks sweet hubsand.
How to spit--Sorry Mom. But, sometimes you just have to get it out. At least now I can do it without getting it all over me or having to stop.
Ice an injury--I never really got injured growing up when I played sports so I never learned the value of it. But, I have been dealing with some runner's knee during my training. It really does make a difference when I ice my knees after my long runs.
Cross Training--In January I started doing some more intense cross training on my non running days. Wow! It has really made a difference. And, I have a new love--spin cycling. If you have never tried it, I highly recommend it.
Good Shoes--Again, sorry Mom. I have learned I can't shop the clearance racks on this one. I went to a specialty running store and was fitted for good shoes that are made for how I run and my feet. Oh they feel sooooooooo much better than my old shoes. And as a side note of learning I learned my feet are two different sizes!!! And I learned I have a wide toe box. I never knew that. But, now it makes some things make sense.
Mind over body--There is a quote at the bottom of my training schedule that hangs on my fridge, it says:

"Now if you are going to win any battle you have to do one thing. You have to make the mind run the body. Never let the body tell the mind what to do. The body will always give up. It is always tired in the morning, noon, and night. But the body is never tired if the mind is not tired."

- George S. Patton, U.S. Army General, 1912 Olympian

I have found this to be so true. On days when I was tired or plain just didn't want to run I would tell myself I had to. I had made a goal and I need to complete it. And then I would just get out there and do it. After I would feel so good and realize that I wasn't as tired as I thought.

Dedication--Don't give up. If you have a goal that seems impossible don't quit. Just keep believing that you can do it and it will eventually happen. I had a little help on this one. While running one day; I think on my first 6 mile run Celine Dion came onto the MP3 player right when I was really having to dig deep and finish that last 3/4 mile. The song is something like "Love comes to those who believe". She talks about don't lose your faith if you believe. Anyway, it is my theme song for this race. And I change the words to "Half marathons come to those who believe, and work, and train, and sweat, and make it happen. " But, again it goes back to mind over body. Do you believe enough to make your body do the work?
Law of entropy--I think I have this one right. When you take a few days off it is amazing how much you lose. I had stayed ahead of schedule for most of my training "just in case" of illness or injury. But, I didn't actually think I would need it. But, I have had some really busy weeks combined with a few of us-including me- having a bad 24 hour stomach bug. Of course we all had it on different days. So, I had 2 weeks in a row where I didn't get my cross training in and only ran one day other than my long Saturday run and I ate terrible those weeks. Let me tell you those were some of my hardest runs yet. Your body forgets and begins losing it strength and stamina so quickly. We aren't talking a ton here, but I could definitely tell what I hadn't been doing those weeks.

Well, this has been a long and wordy post. Anyone who read the entire thing should receive a finishers medal. But, remember that you asked for it!