Steamtown Marathon Rocks!
October 17, 2008 at 4:40 pm | Posted in Steamtown Marathon | 1 CommentOkay, having only about 2 minutes to whip off a post about last Sunday’s Steamtown Marathon, I have to concisely articulate my thoughts about it. In a word, it ROCKS!!! The weather was perfect, the volunteers were plentiful, the course was gorgeous. The downhill, however, beat up my legs.
My time was 3:53:13. Initially, I was devasted as I needed a 3:50:59 to qualify for Boston 2009. I did qualify for 2010, so I’m happy about that. What really kills me is that at mile 18 my time was 2:34 and at mile 21 it was 2:59. I was running so well until my calf knotted up and forced me to stop and stretch. But I’ll save that story for another time.
Only 2 Days!
October 10, 2008 at 5:11 pm | Posted in Focus, Inspiration, Marathon, Steamtown Marathon | 3 CommentsIt’s hard to believe that I’m saying this, but only 2 days remain until I run the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, PA. Admittedly, I’m nervous. Have I run enough? Am I strong enough? Will I attain my goal?
At this point, there’s nothing left to do but rest and eat and exercise my mind. To me, mental focus is everything. Each of us sends vibrations and energy into the world. The types of vibration we give off create our reality. For example, if I focus my thoughts on negativity, I produce negativity. Of course, the opposite is also true.
Mantras are a great way to focus your mind on the positive. I invite you to develop a mantra that is personally meaningful that will carry you through the most challenging circumstances. My mantras are as follows.
Be present.
Shine on.
Believe.
Breathe in love, joy, peace, gratitude. Breathe out acceptance and hope.
If you are running a marathon this weekend, love every step of the journey. Keep your mind focused on being present and remember that in a few short hours it will be a memory. Make it a memory that you’ll cherish for a lifetime.
Namaste.
Last Long Run – DONE!
September 27, 2008 at 8:45 pm | Posted in Marathon training, Steamtown Marathon | 3 CommentsWoo hoo! I’m doing the happy dance! Just finished my last long run (well, it was only 13.1) and even though I was tired, I ran pretty well.
The first 8 miles I ran at a nice, easy pace and the last 5 miles I picked it up and ran between an 8:35 to 8:45 pace. My total time for the 13.1 was 1:58:03 – not fast but, then again, that wasn’t my goal.
For the next two weeks I’ll take it nice and easy with my longest run being 10 miles. What a switch that will be for me, especially after loggin 4-20+ mile long runs and several 17 or longer mile runs.
Let the taper begin!
Tapering
September 24, 2008 at 8:45 pm | Posted in Marathon training, Steamtown Marathon | 2 CommentsWell, I can’t believe it but I’m already in taper mode. Where did the weeks go?
For me, tapering is a challenge. I never feel like I’m doing enough running and I always feel like I’m eating too much food! However, I understand the wisdom behind the taper…let your body rest for the work it’s about to do.
My question is: How long should the taper be? Some argue two weeks, others three. What do you think?
Steamtown, Here We Come!
August 8, 2008 at 5:17 pm | Posted in friends, Marathon training, Steamtown Marathon | 1 CommentOne of my goals for this year is to travel with friends to marathons. For too many years I’ve gone alone to wonderful races in wonderful places, and while I loved the marathon itself, I longed for the companionship of friends and fellow runners.
My wish is being granted! On October 12, 2008 my girlfriends, Karin, Amy, Carolyn, and I are running the Steamtown Marathon in Scranton, PA. I’m so excited! We’re heading to Scranton on Saturday and returning Monday morning. This is just exactly what I’ve dreamed of for so, so long!
With our spirits high in anticipation of the marathon, we set out for our 18 mile run last Saturday with 4 other women. What a wonderful run we enjoyed! I typically run with men and, I must admit, it was great to go with all women. We ran the first 13 miles at an easy pace and laughed and talked and I even sang them a few tunes.
For the final 5 miles, Kathy and I picked up the pace to an 8:35 and finished our final mile at an 8:04 pace. While this wasn’t easy and not much chatting was occurring, it was a great workout.
This Saturday calls for 19 miles. Really, 19 doesn’t sound all that bad to me. When I’m with friends, the time just seems to fly by. For years I ran every run alone and I missed so much. I’m so thrilled to have friends who share my passion for running and actually don’t mind spending 2 or 3 hours on Saturday morning sweating with me!
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