Go The Distance

Yesterday, I ran further than I ever have before. It was Chris' birthday and he set out to run 37 miles for his 37th birthday- sounds a little crazy doesn't it? My long run for the week was scheduled to be 15 miles, so I decided I would meet up with him and get it out of the way. Well, I met him at mile 16 and finished it up with him, which means I did 21 miles!

It was hard!!!! Wow- I mean hard!!! My breathing was great and I had pretty good energy, but my legs were wiped. Here is the crappy thing- I was running with a man doing 37 miles, so how could I possibly complain??? I couldn't. I did my best to ignore the chaffing between my legs and the blisters ALL over my feet. Fortunately, we ran by our house, which we called our "first aid station." I was able to vaseline my legs like crazy, change my socks and cover my feet in band-aids before completing the last 11 miles.

The marathon is going to be a challenge. I know that I will get it done, but not without a little pain and suffering. At the running club meeting I attended Tuesday evening a gentleman said something that clicked in my brain. He said, "Your body will adapt to whatever you train it to do" That makes so much sense. If you sit on the couch and do nothing than your body adapts to nothing. If you put on some running shoes and head out the door it will get easier and easier. Eventually, it will get easy and you can go a little bit further. You don't even have to go a great distance- you just have to go!

I will add that setting the goal to run an official race truly changed my running. Training for the half marathon really gave me some excitement! It took me to a new level and I love it!