Twenty Two Miles of Reflection

Alt Title 1: You've Run A Long Way Baby

Alt Title 2: You've Come A Long Way Baby

Let's get the digits over with first because this run today was a lot more than numbers (although I am extremely happy with them). I definitely felt like I pushed myself. HARD. At no point could I sing a song - I was working. I was sweating and crackin' out the miles.

Distance: 22 miles

Time: 3:09:48

Average Pace: 8:38 (6 seconds faster per mile than my 21 miler!)

Calories: 2419

Now don't think I'm a total wuss, but about an hour into my run, I got a little emotional and reflective. This is the last long run before my 2nd marathon and it made me think. A lot.

First, I feel so blessed as a runner. I get to run in the perfect environment - on a beach path, in perfect weather at sea level. I'm thankful and appreciative of this, especially after reading the weather drama that some of you have to go thru. So I'm not as bad ass as some of you, I know this.

Second, I am amazed at how far I've come in the last year. Looking back at my long training runs from my first marathon, I was really struggling. I remember after every long run (18+) I would get some stupid little cold. I would be wobbling around in pain. I would break out and be so flipping hungry or tired I could barely function. I think this year, I have found the right balance for me. I know everyone is different, but some of those training schedules online just had way too much running . Every other day is just fine, thank you. I'm faster and healthier!

Last, I feel so much more confident with my running. I can't help but notice how this has seeped over into other parts of my life. It has to. I mean, running is such a huge part of it that the hard work and commitment that it takes to get here is transferable to everything you do.

Last night I was having dinner with The Captain and I had a little glass of wine.

I said to him, "God, I want another glass of wine, but I guess this is the sacrifice I make to be an endurance athlete." Of course I was totally joking about the 'endurance athlete' part. So I stared at him with my eyebrow cocked, waiting for a laugh.

He just said, "yep."

I said, "Aren't you gonna raz me about calling myself an 'endurance athlete?"

He said, "No, 'cause you are one. "

(SWEETNESS)

For any of my newer readers, I want to let you know that I have only been running for about 2. 5 years. Three years ago, I was 40 lbs heavier. I had worked out my entire life, but wasn't committed to it. Nor was I committed to eating healthy. I will even embarrass myself by showing you these creepy pics from the bad ol' days.

They are both from 2006 when I was pushing 168! I am not happy with these, but everyone loves before and afters, so here ya go.

If you're wondering what I look like now, check out my race report from the 5K last weekend. You can definitely see the weight in my face, boobs and waistline.

I'm sharing this with you all (again) because I know that some of you are struggling with getting started - either with eating healthy or with getting moving. But you can do it. If I can, you can. Lots of small changes can change your life. I'm not perfect. But everyday I try to be healthy and fit. It's a decision that you make everyday. It's a lifestyle change - not a quick fix, but a different way of thinking.

So, back to the Portland marathon. It's taper time! Something I learned from my last marathon - taper time does not mean to carbo load yourself into oblivion and gain ell bees. No way jose. If you know me, then you know I have a PLAN for my taper.

Ze Taper Plan:

• Stick to original running plan- a 14 miler and a 10 miler for the next 2 weekends.
• Stretch and do lots of yoga to keep my hips from tightening up (they were on this run).
• Food: More carbs, but keep calories about the same. I really want to weigh 128 or so on marathon day. I'm much faster at this weight.

Thanks for reading this terribly long and probably boring post. But it's over now, so get out there and enjoy your weekend. You better believe I will enjoy that 2nd (or 3rd) glass of wine tonight. I think I've earned it.