16!

So, today was a scheduled 16 miler... And for the first time (in this training) I need to slow down;) I seem to stick around 9:30 or less. Problem being I'm kinda dieing around 12 miles:( Last week it was a nutrition issue, but this week- I dunno?? And- I've felt I've needed a nap all day!
Perhaps the workweek got to me, or the lack of Xtraining.... Legs were dieing before the lungs, and back was sore. Gotta get used to the job and get back on track!

Official re-start

This week marks the pick-back-up of marathon training. I found (quickly) that running in the deep south through summer was pretty depressing! Therefore I focused of tri training and let the long runs go...and speed runs for that matter! It's showing now, but it will get better!
I don't have a mantra for this training yet/ haven't had enough time to think of anything but "you need to go!"
10 miles this Saturday, fought for neg splits but was off by 2 sec per mile;( like I said- lots of work to do!

Recognize

So, Spring marathon training has commenced:) 10 miles last week, 12 this week. Nothing too hard yet, as long as the weather cooperates!
Today's run coincided with Run for Sherry. I would be lying if I said she, and her family, weren't heavy on my mind for many of the mikes I ran today. Perhaps, thar is where today's mantra stemmed from: Recognize.
One word, three little syllables- yet it means so much. Recognize. How often do we stop to recognize what we have; what we can do; who is in our lives; how we affect people; our surroundings, and how easily and instantly all things we "know" can change. Recognize.
Here are just a few things I recognized today in the 2:07 it took me to run 12.3 miles:
1. The sun, you don't see it much this time of year. There wasn't a cloud in the sky and it was beautiful and warm on my back.
2. Clear roads and almost clear sidewalks- something else you don't see much in Minnesota winters.
3. Progress- this is my second time training for Fargo. The difference between this year and last is amazing, simply amazing!
4. Effort- (linked to #3) I had to recognize, many times, how easy it was to maintain a 9:40 pace, even when dbl digits came around and I was tired.
5. Luck- for lack of a better word- how lucky I am to be able to do this. To run, to maintain, to race... To return home time after time to a loving and supportive family.
6. Sherry. Recognize that we aren't all lucky. Bad things do happen and lives/families/dreams are shattered every day.
7. My home. Albeit not always my favorite place, the air is clean, roads are safe and it's beautiful to look at.
8. Haha- recognize that I Got This:) I have rocked another training run, despite below freezing temps and tired legs. I.have.got.this.
Recognize something in your life today.
For me- now- even though I am tired and pretty much done for tonight, I can't wait for Saturdays 14 miler to see what I can recognize again:)


My thoughts and prayers go out to Sherry's family, as well as one simple yet impossible wish: peace. I pray you all find peace in the tragic untimely death of a wonderful wife/mom/friend and runner.