The Power of One

10 weeks and counting...

Training continues. I've been working to fit each run into a very hectic summer schedule, and so far, it's going well. I feel like I'm in better shape now than I ever have been. I look at the definition in my legs and the veins taking shape in my arms with awe. Whose body is this? What a journey! I believe that if I can continue along this path, staying healthy and injury-free, the marathon will be a success. As the days tick away, I get a little tug of anxiety when I think about how much closer each one brings me to Race Day. But when I'm running, the fears subside and I'm able to focus on the moment and be positive about the future.

I'm taking a recovery week this week, mostly because there is too much going on (Coast Guard Festival, Michael's craft fair, Emily's bachelorette, EMILY and JEFF's WEDDING!) to fit all my runs, and more specifically a 20 mile run, in. But last week, I completed my longest run yet: 18 miles! I can't say that it felt "great", but I was very pleased with the accomplishment and can hopefully build upon those miles from here on out. Here's the Nike+ widget:




I receive a few fundraising newsletters by e-mail every couple of weeks, and I was inspired by an article in one this week entitled "The Power of One". It suggested that many people hesitate to donate to charities or fundraisers because they are unable to make a large contribution. But every single dollar helps!




So, please... even if you are unable to give a large amount, keep in mind that every dollar will be put to good use, and every dollar is needed. A donation of $1 brings me that much closer to my goal! I am absolutely thrilled (and humbled) to see the donations that have already been made through my fundraising page. I am shocked each time another pledge comes in, and I appreciate your support for my training, but even more for this admirable cause. Thank you, thank you, thank you.

If you are able to give, even $1, please click here.

I'll be back with more training progress soon!

Training Schedules

I've been mulling over various training schedules today, looking for the one best suited to my abilities and my life. In reality, I'll probably end up using a combination of the 4 I liked the best. It's amazing the differences from one to the next... some include 4 days of running and 3 days of resting or cross-training, others will have me running at least 6 days a week. I could run anywhere from about 30 to more than 60 miles per week. Most of them include special workouts: hills, intervals, fartleks (I'm not kidding), tempo runs... my favorite: "easy" runs. Each of them culminates 14 weeks from now, on October 12. Race Day.

I was not able to finish any of the suggested runs for today, and I'm feeling a bit disheartened by the fact that my right calf and shin are bothering me. I ran 1 mile this morning before the thunderstorm rolled in, and I tried to salvage the day with 5 miles while the boys were at storytime tonight, but only managed about 3. I couldn't shake the nagging pain. I've worked hard to avoid injury, and have been successful this far. I hope it's nothing serious, but I'm taking the advice any long-time runner will give: rest. We'll see what tomorrow brings. Hopefully elevation, ibuprofen, and stretching will do the trick.

Here is a fascinating video I found. Gives me goosebumps.




Oh, I've added this month's goal progress... going for 150 miles again!