An Easy 12

Did I ever think I could look at 12 continuous miles and say I am going to run that? I don't think so. This is a mere drop in the bucket compared to a full marathon, but I can run these distances without becoming very winded at all. They are easy runs and anything up to 17 miles I feel very comfortable with running.

I don't think I've ever been in this kind of condition? Even when I was a spry high schooler could I even think of running anything longer than 2 miles. It is amazing what the body is capable of.

My concerns now is finishing in an acceptable time, according to my judgement of course. MY training partner has cut out running for the next few weeks to take care of a nagging runner's knee, and I continue on to build up those miles. I am very worried that he will slow the pace down to where it is difficult for me to run with him. I want to finish with him, but that seems like it really won't happen. This weekend is an 18-miler. I don't think it will be too awful.

Training Update

As both of you know I have been training for a marathon. It has been easy going. I know it is hard to believe, but I have been keeping up with the plan as expected. However, I don't feel I have had my diet in complete check. I try to eat meals that give me more energy and replaces all the good stuff I loose during my long runs, but I still think I could perform better if I ate smarter. Heck if I knew more I'd be one step closer.

Last weekend I ran 16.5 miles in one go round. This is significant because it was the point where during a marathon I get to start counting in the single digits. WOW! Mentally, I've been doing much better. I think alot of it has to do with a bunch of prayer.

My wife will be publishing her book. She received the news last week and I couldn't be more proud of her. This is a lifelong dream of hers and it is coming true. She is truly an inspiration to me and she is a shining example that if you put your mind to a dream don't give up because God never forgets a dream.

It is funny because she never thought it would happen, but I think God had some faith in her as well.

Get up!

I workout best in the morning. That is it in a nutshell. I, however, love my sleep and it really does suck having to wake up early to go running.

This morning was pretty funny because I sat there telling myself and pumping myself up to get out of bed and just go do it. I really had to motivate myself to pull my butt out of bed. You know it is bad when you sit there on the edge of the bed and look over your shoulder and see your wife sleeping there sound asleep. That really makes it hard.

Training on the Road for the First time, GASP.

I will be on the road this weekend and I am required by law of training to do 10 miles of running. I can do it with no problem. I am also supposed to do some cross training on Sunday. Ha, that is no problem at all. I also need to eat good while I'm on the road - Crap never does work out for me.

I imagine I will get heckled for eating light or skimping on my portions, but facts are facts. I am training for a long run that towers above any athletic event that I have ever done.

I hope this hotel has a hot tub.

UggggH!

No wonder they call it the dreadmill. I ran 13 miles on it Saturday and really didn't like it. Seriously, it was a terrible experience. This week I have to run 3, 7, 4 and 10 miles. I will also tack on some weight training with that.

Training for anything, especially a marathon, takes time out of my day that I honestly don't want to give up. The end result is worth it though.

Saturday, made me start doubting my ability to finish the race. I know I can do it as long as I push through for all the right reasons, but the human body isn't designed to go 26.2 miles. ALmost as shocking as that is that I hear about people running ultra-marathons. These people are ridiculous.

My Valentines day was great. The house got cleaned up and Julie made me brownies. I am eating healthy, but with the way I am logging the miles, whose to say I can't have a few treats now and again?

Marthoner in Training

The training is going great. It is funny about what gets me motivated to get through my training. The other day it was a guy's 2009 OKC Memorial Marathon shirt, the other day it was a OKC Memorial Marathon commercial and today was pushing through the pain in my shin. I am sure it came from my new shoes that I wore during my 3-mile run yesterday.

Most of what gets me through is why I am running it - for all those I lost in 2009. Both Grandfathers and my Uncle passed away last year and it still hangs heavy on my heart. They push me on and I recently found out where I get my drive to run.

Apparently my dad's father was quite the runner. He would run from his house to town and back each day for work. I would guess it was probably a 9 mile run one way. I am also going after the fact that I will be the only one in my family or extended to family, of my knowledge, to run a full marathon. I think that is pretty cool. It has a cool factor for my kids and the rest of my family legacy.

New Findings

So I have been by myself with Jett for the past week and I have come upon some very interesting facts of my life.

1) One of these days he will appreciate me.
2) Dinner is more exciting with a 1.5 year old!
3) How on God's Green Earth do single or stay-at-home moms do it?
4) No matter how hard I try I am not mom.
5) The house...in shambles.
6) The house...will stay in shambles until mom is back.
7) My eating, not so great when Julie is gone. Neither is Jetts.
8) Number one goal when feeding Jett, find anything, anything at all that he will eat.
9) I've got the best mother-in-law.
10) Jett thinks I'm a loon.
11) In a war against macaroni n' cheese and cookies, cookies always wins.
12) Sleep is underrated.
13) Bath time is more fun when it is in the big bath tub.
14) Bedtime can't come soon enough.
15) If there was a world without mom's it would be called damnation.