Training completed ✅

I did it! I successfully completed my marathon training plan! My last run was today, a 2 mile run with an average pace of 8:24. My total mileage completed over the past 4 months was 373 miles. I only missed one run due to sickness. Only a few minor injuries and blisters, but nothing to hold me back.

I am so proud of my accomplishments on the plan particularly my commitment day by day to get my runs in and especially my long runs over 13 miles where I pushed my boundaries and realized new possibilities for myself. 

Pace can be challenging and though I still haven't quite got it down tight I believe I'll do just fine in the marathon on Sunday. I've learned to be present in the moment and accepting of what is. I can stay naturally busy and wanting to get things done quickly. There's nothing quick about a 22 mile run lol. So those long runs were an exercise in patience. 

Although I'm generally good with commitment my treadmill runs reinforced what commitment is all about, discipline too. A quote that sums this up perfectly is "Discipline is doing what you know needs to be done, even though you may not feel like it."

My final 26.2 miles will be a celebration of my body and spirit. Both were needed to complete training and both will be needed to complete the race.

See you out on the road!🏃🏻‍♀️💨💪🏼

1 more run to go!

Bye bye treadmill 👋🏻

I did it! I successfully completed my all my treadmill runs! Since this was my last one I wanted to make it a good one. I decided to challenge myself by completing the entire run with an incline, even if it was just a 1.0. No reason to go crazy lol. I also made a shift in my intervals. I started at a 7.8 and took it up to an 8.3. Even though my body was fresh and I was hydrated I still felt challenge. I wanted to finish strong! 

The treadmill training did help me with my mental toughness. All those times when I didn't want to run, when I didn't want to go fast or faster (which was pretty much most of the treadmill runs) I just remembered how great it feels to accomplish a goal, even a small one!

I won't miss the treadmill, but I'm thankful I was able to stay committed to my ultimate goal of a successful training plan. After all sometimes in life we do things we don't want to do because we know there is a reason behind the action. So I can say it was worth it! 

Tomorrow is my last training run before the race. Just 2 miles. I haven't decided how I'd like to run it yet, but it will be a great milestone!

2 more runs to go!

Pushing it...

Just 3 miles today! When I woke up it was 48° and there was no way I was going to run in that weather. The 50's is my limit lol. I decided to wait until it got into the 60's and ended up going on a run at lunch. The weather was much better! 

I started out on my merry way not realizing how fast I was going. It felt slower than the first split that told me my average pace was 8:15. I was thinking more like an 8:50. So I tried my best to keep it up, but it wasn't to be. I ended up with an overall average pace of 8:32 and all of my splits in the 8's!

Beside a muscle in my back annoying me I'm feeling pretty good. I had a massage yesterday which felt great and next Wednesday I have my post race massage to help my body recover from all the work it'll have put in for me. 

I was pleasantly surprised that I met my water goal today. I've been slacking lately and this was my best day in well over a week!

3 more runs to go!

Easy does it...

When I checked the temperature around 6am it was still in the 50's. I didn't want to run with layers or gloves so I waited and started my run after 8am with temps in the 60's. The weather was great and I kept the run at a comfortable pace. Overall pace was 10:49. Close to my goal of 11, though I did start out a bit quick with my second mile coming in at 10:20 which would be the fastest on my run.

The run today was 8 miles. As I was running along the river, appreciating nature as I always do, I saw a dolphin close to the shore. I saw another runner or jogger stop to admire the dolphin and snap some pictures. As I passed her she was crouching down, quietly taking her pictures with a smile on her face. I smiled and said good morning as I passed by. There was an exchange of appreciation between us for the beautiful day and the creature we both witnessed enjoying life in the moment. 

As I continued I saw several other runners, walkers and cyclists outside enjoying the perfect weather. As I approached my turnaround and made my way back into the village for my last 4 miles I imagined the spectators on race day cheering everyone along. I know I can use all the support I can get, especially in those last 4 miles, the same ones I was running today. 

There's a point on the road where you approach one of the many bands and you can see the village and the 520 bridge. This is probably about 2-3 miles before the finish line. The view is beautiful and for me it represents the completion of my goal. I'll see it in the distance,  anticipating crossing that finish line. I wonder how I'll feel at this point in the race. Sore and tired for sure, but I imagine I'll also feel immense pride😊

I have a pre-race massage scheduled for Monday and then just a few 3 mile runs before the marathon. Now is the time to eat, sleep and hydrate well. All the work is done!

4 more runs to go!

3 miles on the river

Another cold morning out on river road. Bundled up for my 3 mile run. Average pace today was 8:50. Next week this time I'll be done with my last run before the race! 

I did get more water in today, but still didn't meet my goal. Gotta keep trying my best!

My blister is still hanging out and I must have irritated it on my run today because I could see blood under the skin. Hope it heals up fast! Next up is my last long run on Saturday (only 8 miles). I think it'll be a bit warmer out so I can lose the layers and gloves! 

5 more runs to go!

Need more water please!

I knew I was dehydrated before I even began my run. The past couple days I've been slacking on water intake. It just doesn't come naturally to me to consume a lot of water. So when I feel the dehydration I know it's bad.

Anyway, ended up with a 3.5 mile run with intervals from 7.7-8.2. My base pace was 6.5 and I added an extra sprint at the end of 9.0! 

I only have 1 more treadmill training run next week and then I can say goodbye treadmill! Such a useful tool, but not my thing.

In other news, I'm on my third blister on my plan. I'm hoping it clears up by next Sunday!

6 more runs to go!

Week 15!

Today's run was 4 miles. My last 4 mile run. I was out early in the cold, dark morning. Had to use my layers and gloves today. I started out quickly and slowed a bit as I went along. My overall pace was 8:53.

I was the only runner or walker out on the road. In the dark this can be peaceful,  but also a bit eerie. I saw a group a 3 cyclists,  but besides that nothing. The sunrise was beautiful and I always want to stop just so I can enjoy taking pictures. I think I'll do that one morning when my plan is over. Just a nice morning stroll taking pictures of the beautiful sunrise over the water and the beauty of nature surrounding me.

7 more runs to go!