Seems I may have spoken to soon.....

So what do you want and why do you want it? The why question is very important because what you think you want could just be the things someone else wanted for you. This is also important because if you don’t understand why you want something then you will not be willing to pay the prices to get it. Winners are successful and fulfilled because they not only know what they want, they are clear on why they want it. - Keith Cameron Smith

I've talked about the highs and lows of life and how they pertain to training for this marathon.  Just last week I was almost on cloud nine in regards to how things were progressing.  Knowing that it was temporary, this this was only the 3rd week, I still wanted to take it all in....I guess I spoke too soon.

Friday - Rest day
Definitely has been a longgggg week, but it has been a good one.  Stuck with the plan and decided to not even try and wake up early.  Had appointment with the chiropractor after work and we were discussing how training has been going.  I showed him my chart and I seriously had to tell him I was a bit nervous because it's been close to perfect.  Of course I followed it up with me telling him that while I'm nervous, I don't expect it to continue and I'm letting myself be proud of what I have accomplished so far.  On my chart it has 6-7 highlighted weeks.  Those are weeks that I was "nervous" about, for various reasons.  My first "nervous" week is week 5, due to the fact I will be coming off a 9 miles run and in the past when I run that much, it takes a week or so to recover.
In my last post, I noted how I wanted to "step it up a notch" in my runs for the week.  That was accomplished, of course as I was logging my runs onto my calendar for the month, I notice that those runs were actually SLOWER than most of my previous runs.  Not a bad thing, especially since I think for my short runs, those are a good pace.  I got my compression sleeves for when my shin splints act up and he gave me more homework, which basically involve my eating habits. 

Saturday - 5 Miles  (44:05)
Woke up and headed to the gym for my "long run" of the week.  Weird saying "only" 5 miles, but it's true.  Seems everyone and their mother decided it would be a good time to go work out, but I found a treadmill, popped in my ipod and did my thing.  Discussions with the doc and friends, I've decided to keep my longer runs at around 9 minutes per mile, at least until the half marathon in the end of February in order to achieve my goal.  Everything felt great, as it seems par for the course and kept a smooth pace.....Until about a 1/2 mile to go.  Just didn't feel right.  But I shrugged it off and kept going and with one lap to go it got worse.  Felt like I got hit with a lead pipe in my knee, but unfortunately, no one around the gym was holding any pipes (my bad attempt humor, I know...lol)
Things really are going through my head right now.  How great I've been feeling, how it shouldn't be like this "yet", what ifs, doubt, etc, etc.  As I mentioned before, I didn't expect concerns until week 5, so issues after a shorter run is kind of a blow.  After finishing I tried walking a lap of a cool down but I just couldn't take it.  I needed to go stretch and that seemed to help a little.  Went home to shower and ice my knee.  Not much I could do but rest, so I took a nap and felt useless.  Walking down the stairs was painful, which was ironic because just the day before I was "running" down the stairs at work and thinking how good my legs felt.
Spent Saturday night watching the Buckeyes hoops game with a buddy of mine.  Needed to get out of the house for a bit.  Catching up and just shootin the breeze.  Thanks Huey...

Sunday - Cross Train
Well, today was a big bust in terms of working out.  Planned on going to the gym after church, but my knee, as well as my mind, were just not feeling it.  Trying to be "smart" and not push it too much.  I was able to get some errands done, catch up on some cleaning, some laundry and some reading, so the day didn't feel like a total loss.  Trying to let the curve ball thrown at me not affect me.

As I sat down to chart some things the doc asked, the one thing I am learning is that I suck at the whole preparing meals thing.  I love to cook, love to eat.  But my habits most of my life have been so off the wall.  Being a single guy, I just cook for myself, so no matter how good or how bad it tastes, its still awesome.  Downside of that is when I don't feel like cooking, if I don't have things prepared, I don't eat properly.  And until recently, I'm trying to take accountability for myself.  It's one thing when you have a family.  Because if you don't feeling like eating, it doesn't matter, since you still have other people to feed.  So starting this week I'm going to "try" and actually prepare meals and get used to eating as well as track so I can see....lol

Well, tomorrow is another day.  Schedule says rest day, but I may just go for a swim, partly because I missed the workout today.  Last day of the month, so at least I'll be busy, then Doctors after work, hopefully I get good news and if not, well....Hopefully I listen to him  :-)

Until next time...

The hardest is yet to come....

You cannot control what happens to you, but you can control your attitude toward what happens to you, and in that, you will be mastering change rather than allowing it to master you. - Brian Tracy 

 

This seems to be a good quote for me this week.  Not that it's been bad, because it hasn't.  But I've been tested mentally, at least a little.

 

The following is partial article from Active.com I read today (Actually it's more of a recap - cliffnote version)

The article talked about the six key phases of the marathon lifecycle.

Phase One:  Commit

Actually signing on the dotted line and paying the entry fee

Phase Two:  Connect

Find a support group of friends/running store for correct shoes

Phase Three:  Conspire

YOUR marathon training schedule.  You need to find one to fit YOUR schedule and have confidence.

Phase Four:  Consistency

Follow your plan, stay consistant with your schedule.

Phase Five:  Doubt

The little voice in our head....Dealing with him is critical in the preparation.

Phase Six:  Conserve

It's a marathon, not a sprint...

 

Ok, the article itself is pretty good (I think)....After reading it today, it definately got me thinking.  During my training, I obviously will be getting some pretty high mileage in.  One of my goals is to break 2 hours in a half marathon and there will be 3-4 that I will do during training.  The little voice in my head has been trying to be an overachiever and wants to go faster, wants to break 1:50:00 (This is also due to the fact that Jodi's goal is also that and I would like to help her get that goal)  Well, Phase Six of the article may trump my voice.  I don't want to overdo it less than halfway through training, since my ultimate goal is the marathon itself....Prepare and adjust....

---------------------

Monday - Rest Day

Week did not start off with a bang, although being a rest day, I suppose it's ok.  Did not sleep well, nor did I get to sleep before midnight (which I'm trying to do).  I believe I may just be coming down off of my high from the great weekend.  Tomorrow is another day...Right?

The day ended with me agreeing to swim in an alumni swim meet at Ashland.  Not sure how that happened, but I'll blame it on a lack of sleep.  I tried the "marathon training" excuse, but Gershe didn't buy it.

 

Tuesday - 3 Miles ( 25:12 )

Definately a slow day getting out of bed.  I supposed I could just wait until after work to run, but from the first two weeks, I've felt really good during the day, more energy and awake.  Had conversations about a certain time/pace over the weekend and decided to kick it up a notch and see how it goes.  Set the treadmill at 8:24 pace and didn't look back.  My legs still felt great after Saturdays 7 miler, so I was pretty excited to keep this pace and have no issues.

 

Wednesday - 4 Miles  ( 33:18 )

Woke up late again, but luckily was ready to go out the door.  I fell asleep at some point last night and woke up around 3AM with a stiff neck, lights and TV on and people talking spanish...LOL.  Not a good feeling to have. (since I was partially laying down/partially sitting up)  But I shook the kinks out and headed off to the gym.

Wanted to continue to test myself.  Set the treadmill at 8:20 pace, hoping to finish without stopping.  Today was the first time over 3 miles on the schedule during the week.  At no point did I ever feel the need to stop.  The only 'bump' was looking down and noticing only 1 lap left and I guess my head took that as being "done"....LOL  Nevertheless, I pushed through it and it ended up being a great run.

I decided to 'skip' the circuit training class after work in hopes to get some cleaning done, laundry, organizing, etc.  Instead, I ate dinner, sat in the big comfy chair and fell asleep around 7pm.  Ughhhhh

 

Thursday - 3 Miles  (24:58)

In accordance to my rough sleeping week, I woke up later that I planned...again  Might have had something to do mith my "nap" last night.  This time, realizing that I did not have my bag packed, along with not wanting to rush around, I decided to rest (or be lazy) in bed for a bit longer and just hit the gym after work.  The day could not have gone by any slower, then again, this whole week couldn't.

The community center was packed, but luckily it was due to two basketball games and various classes.  Upstairs was sort of empty.  I threw on my headphones and hopped on the treadmill for my 3 mile run.  My mind was actually blank, not sure if it was focus or just an empty room up there.  Didn't have a single problem and felt I could have kept that speed for a bit.  We shall see.....My goal for the marathon is no where near that pace, so I don't want to ruin my long term goal (just to finish the marathon) by getting greedy during training.  After stretching, decided to do some core work and some weights.

 

I have a feeling I may just rest tomorrow rather than swim.  Then again, I'll just go with the flow, never know how I'll feel.  So I guess I will just pack my bag for the gym...Just in case

Like a boy scout, always be prepared  :-)

 

Until next time...

Should I be worried.....?

There is real power in being thankful and appreciative. When you express appreciation, not only does it empower the people who hear your words, but it also releases joy inside of you. You'll find whatever you will praise, you will raise! Who will you empower & raise today with your words? - Rex Crain

 

The one thing about deciding to train for the marathon, besides getting in better shape, is that it adds structure to my life.  I have learned that while at times it is frustrating to "follow" a plan or a routine, it helps me be better organized and keep focused...focused on life in general.  Whenever you set a goal to do something, whether it be in your job, in your personal life, etc, you are going to make sacrifices.  Some may be small, some may be life altering.  That depends on you.  It is these sacrifices that make you focus.  How bad do you want the goal you set?  How important is it that you accomplish the goal?  For me, I don't feel (or look at it) as me giving up anything.  Sure there are things I'd love to do, but then again, how important were THOSE things.  There are times and tribulations in everything we go through in life.  But in the end we need to sit back and let things sink in.  I'm doing this for me, but in a small way doing it for anyone that I can "help"....So I can't let myself down as well as letting my friends down...

 

Friday - Rest Day

Learning to follow directions.  Legs felt good from the week as did my mind and body.  The day could not go by quick enough as I was looking forward to the weekend.  After work I went home to relax, clean and do some laundry.....I know, I know, ya'll are jealous, admit it....LOL  Trying to be sensible, since I had my longest run to date bright and early....Gym opens at 9am

 

Saturday - 7 Miles  (1 hr, 1 min, 24 sec)

Woke up early, knowing I had a long run and plan was to go to the gym at 9.  With my long runs, I also need to make sure I'm set for my "post race", which means lots of stretching and an ice bath, as well as lots of rehydration.

Knowing there are only 3 treadmills at the condo gym, I wanted to get there early.  I was trying to 'look forward' to 7 miles on the treadmill.  I realize I have to venture outside for long runs sooner rather than later, but the snow throws a wrench in things.  Of course I laugh as I write this because Jodi and Jenn (who are allowing/making me run the marathon w/them) run bright in early in Cleveland for their long runs and this weekend it was snowing and -3 degrees outside.  Either they are nuts or I'm just a wimp.....I'm going to lean towards a little bit of both.  heehee

I set my goal to run under a 9 minute mile pace.  I was trying to ignore the other people in the gym.  Bad thing about running on a treadmill are the signs that say "please limit to 20 minutes if people are waiting".  I of course didn't want to upset anyone, but I also didn't want to interupt my run.  Guess I would worry about that when the time came.  Run was going very smoothly and the first 3 miles flew by.  Someone hopped onto the treadmill next to me, which most times is a good thing.  You get the feeling of "racing" someone and it is just another thing to help the time pass.  But unfortunately he walked most of the time, so it was a bit of a bummer.  5 miles into the run and was feeling really good, so I decided to speed it up a bit and finish the last 2 miles strong.  As I was hitting the buttons, I hit one that showed the treadmill only goes for 60 minutes.  Of course I could do 2 things.  Start sprinting and speed it up to finish before the hour was up, (which I knew was not smart) or just let it end, restart and finish.  I kept motoring along and took it in stride.  In the back of my mind I have the time limit on the treadmill, wondering if the others wanted on, along with trying to stay positive and finish strong.  For some odd reason my mind focused on the fact that I had not gotten a side stitch the whole time (seriously?? I mean, why was I thinking that...lol)  Granted, I'm thankful for that, but was hoping not to jinx it.  Treadmill hit the 60 minute mark and went into cooldown mode.  I quickly tried and was successful at speeding it back up to my original speed.  Knowing I only had a short time left, finished strong and still had a few minutes to cooldown.

Spent the next 15-20 minutes stretching and reviewing my run in my head as I normally do.  Headed off to Tim Hortons for an XL hot chocolate and back home to "enjoy" my ice bath.

Decided on pizza for dinner....yummmy yes...healthy not so much.  And for 'dessert' I had a taco.  May have been the BEST tasting taco I've everrrrrrr had (Hey, it's been awhile since I've been able to enjoy one, so give me a break...heehee)

Spent the night hanging out and relaxing with friends, catching up with long overdue time...Looking forward to more.  Sometimes the best nights are ones just chillin, no worries, no distractions other than friends.

 

Sunday - Cross Train

Spent Sunday in Cleveland, catching up with friends.  Tough part about not living there is when I do go up to visit, there is only so much time in the day.  I try and make my rounds and this time was to distribute/collect money from pools I'm a part of and other things.  I of course have been getting the "you should move back" and "so when are you moving up here" comments.

Didn't sleep well the night before but was up bright and early for 7am workout.  Maybe it was great night I had, maybe it was just too many things on my mind.  Got in 30 minutes on the elliptical and another 30 minutes on the bike.  Feeling great from my long run the day before so I'm still a bit amazed.  I realize I have run 7 miles before, but I have never felt this good afterwards.  Maybe in my head, it's sort of a weekend high....

Headed up to Westlake for Church and then spent the day trying to relax with friends which was good because it seems that as long as it took for the weekend to come, it left even quicker.

As I lay in bed last night, I took some time to review some things.  I allowed myself to be thankful for the things I have and for the people in my life.  I wanted to rewind back to Saturday (but maybe at least to AFTER the run...lol)

 

Week 2 completed, week 2 successful.  Definitely need to work on the water consumption on weekends as I neglected that....Baby steps...

Life is good, yet in regards to the training, I still have to wonder, should I be worried....?

 

Until next time.....

One Step at a Time....

"Words are like a thermostat; while a thermometer reveals the temperature of a room, a thermostat sets the atmosphere to a comfortable temperature. Negative words pollute the atmosphere of our lives and the lives of others, while words that thank God bring miracles." - Rex Crain

What an amazing quote...Positive thinking.  Imagine what your life would be like if you eliminated negative words.  I realize it wouldn't be perfect.  Life is not perfect, but take a day and just wipe them out of your vocabulary.  Too hard, I can't, I don't know, never.....You will be amazed at what you accomplish.

Monday - Rest Day

Part of the reason for me completely resting was that I knew going in that it would be a long day at work.  I also had an appointment with the Chiropractor after work.  He pretty much tore up my shins and muscles below my knee.  In a good way, he basically uses these metal tools and rubs the muscles to break up scar tissue.  Doesn't feel good, but the outcome works.  With the whole marathon training, he actually gave me a website to look at, dealing with food intake and calories burned, along with giving me homework.  Seriously?  LOL....I need to find all sources of "good" fats to incorporate into my diet. 

Tuesday - 3 Mile Run (23:38)

Woke up to find a great text from a friend that started my day off right.  Legs felt rested and was thankful that they survived my first long run Saturday.  Since I was feeling a bit frisky, I decided to step it up this week.  Maybe I was still on a high from a great first week of training.  Normally I have been trying to do 8:30 mile pace for my short runs, but instead shot it up to just under 8:00 mile and see how it would go in the hopes to break 24 minutes.  First 2 miles were a breeze, until a side stitch came (which is starting to be a trend and one I don't care for....lol)  But I was not going to let it get me down and pushed through it, helping me finish with my fastest short training run to date.

I definately needed that, because I knew the rest of the day would be long.  End of month and End of year....Meaning the salespeople would ALL need and want things....and need and want them immediately.

Wednesday - 3 Mile Run (25:20), Circuit Training Class

Weigh-In day...Been 10 weeks and still waiting for Allison Sweeney to help me weigh in, but oh well....Scale shows 197lbs for a total of 35lbs since November 10th.  I was happy with that and my progress as a whole.  Training and losing weight at the same time is new to me.  But in life, they say if you're not learning, you're not living.  I'm at a point where I have about 20lbs left to lose, but also not going to nitpick.  The weight will come off.  I am starting to see toning though that I have not seen in awhile, so that's pretty cool....Still a ways off to my six-pack goal by Marathon.

Morning started off at the gym.  Somewhat felt the side effects of 2 long work days, but was going forward.  Only problem was after about 1/2 mile into the run, my mind shut down, finished, wanted off.  Reasons to stop were flowing in my head.  Those 3 miles seemed like a marathon since I was trying to stop the negativity.  Nevertheless, I was able to finish, without stopping.

After work, I headed to the Ultimate U for Sam's Circuit training class.  Started strong, but my focus shifted midway through....each station I battled with myself to make it through.  So the workout ended the way the morning one did.  Finishing, yet disappointed.

The one positive out of the day was, despite mentally checking out, I still was able to finish.  I guess it's those little things that help, both in my training and in life....

Thursday - 3 Mile Run (22:44)

Today was definately a lesson in what NOT to do.  I went to the gym and felt great.  Part of it was my mind maybe playing tricks on me.  I was determined to have a better day than the one before.  Granted I didn't have a "bad" day, I was just disappointed in myself for "checking out" during both workouts, despite finishing.  Even though it's Thursday, I'm still thinking of the weekend, not exactly sure why.  I had a little bounce in my step, so I decided I would leave it all on the treadmill.  I set it at a 7:35 mile pace, something I never thought I would come close to doing.  I focused on everything positive and refused to stop.  There was no pain, felt absolutely awesome.  Once I finished, I went for a long stretch, still a bit in awe of what I just did.

I can think back to September setting it to 10:00 mile pace and wishing I could go more and sort of being jealous of the person next to me as I was huffing and puffing at that pace.

The lesson however....hit me about 9 or 10am.  My body was telling me it didn't appreciate how fast I went and my back locked up.  It wasn't because of a lack of stretching.  As long as I didn't move, I was good...It wasn't until the afternoon where the pain subsided and the spasms stopped, but I definately overdid myself, but still excited.

Tomorrow will be a well deserved rest day.  Mentally and physically.  Looking forward to what I hope will be an absolutely great weekend.....Yes, I gotta a feelin by Black Eyed Peas is in my head.

Until next time....

One Week Down...17 to Go....

"Every life is a story...Make yours a best seller." - Unknown

Alright, so maybe I should not have started the title that way.  Maybe a "Successful First Week" or "One Week Closer" would have been better.

With the Patriots losing today, it puts a damper on what has been a great weekend as I finish off the first week of  training for the Cleveland Marathon.  And for the first time in along time I actually did NOT travel outside of Columbus.  Shocking I know.....

Friday was a scheduled rest day...And shocking to myself, I did indeed REST the whole day.  I got the itch to go to the gym after work, but held strong.  Partly because I did promise someone I would behave and rest the whole day.  A promise is a promise. (and they don't need to know that me resting may or may not have had anything to do with great weekend workouts....teehee)  Plus it helped as I stayed in for the night and got some time to organize and read.

Saturday was the day my legs were anticipating all week.  No, unfortunately for me, I was not getting a massage.  It was my scheduled long run for the week.  6 miles....longest run since the half marathon in October.  My first hope was for the condo gym to be empty, which it was.  Doing 6 miles on a treadmill, along with being boring, is also tough with people watching or being busy and people waiting.  With signs stating "please limit to 30 minutes" is tough justify.  And I of course was not finishing my run in 30 minutes, as I'm not from Kenya...LOL
One of my goals during training is to break 2 hours in a Half Marathon.  In order to do that I need to average 9:09 minute miles.  So after a few positive words/texts from a friend, all morning I decided my first long run would mimic the Half.  I set the treadmill at 9:05 and off I went....My adrenaline was kicking in and the next thing I knew, I was halfway through workout.  Positive thoughts filled my head, IPod blaring....then as I close in on mile 5, my good friend the side stitch came...Oh, how I despise thee...Focused on breathing and it stayed with me for about a 1/2 mile until I kicked it to the curb.  I the looked down and realized I only had 1 mile to go.  So I decided to finish with a bang.  I set the treadmill at 8:41 and finished strong (54:06)  Followed doctors orders and stretched, which surprisingly felt good...
After leaving the gym, I stopped at Tim Hortons and got 2 XL hot chocolates, went home and took a nice relaxing bath (granted, this bath had 22 lbs of ice in it, but it felt good...heehee)
Headed out to pick up some chinese food and went over to a buddy's to watch the game and just chill....Another successful day.
I was encouraged with the run because I really did feel I could keep that pace for a bit....Now of course is the test...How would the legs feel tomorrow.

Due to my "long run" yesterday, today was cross train day and felt great, got some encouraging words from a friend, could walk without pain....Ready to go.  Had my plan all laid out.  Elliptical, weights/core, then finish off with swim....Well, the gym would not cooperate...lol  Community Center was jam packed and I've never seen it like this.  Parking lot was full, which started to get me down....went upstairs and EVERYTHING was full...literally everything.  Elliptical machines, treadmills, bikes, stair climbers....Checked out the pool, all 8 lanes full with 2 people each....So I decided to adjust my plan and went for the weights first.  After finishing my routine, went back to cardio area and yes, still packed.  Just as I thought about leaving to go to other gym, a machine opened up...Since I felt surprisingly good with no ill effects from yesterdays run  (woohoo...knock on wood), I got in 45 minutes on elliptical.  Stretched, did some core work and headed down to the pool for a nice and easy 1 mile swim.  Great workout for me mentally as I've had a lot of things to think about.  :-)
Unfortunately as I mentioned, tonight ended on a down note as the Patriots lost.  Meaning football is over...The AFC representative will be either the rival Jets and the coach with some weird internet foot fetish scandal....or the Steelers and their lovely bandwagon fans that live here in Ohio....

For the week, I've gotten to think a lot about what will be....I'm able to look back on the week and realize that this is one of those "good weeks" during training....I need to be thankful for it.
While I realize I can't control every aspect in my life, I'm able to keep learning that when a curveball is thrown, rather than buckle at the knees and swing n miss....to just foul it off and go after the next pitch. 

Never give up, don't accept anything but the best for you, your friends and your family.  And most importantly......Experience Life....by living it...

Until next time.....

Almost seems like a Friday

"You can’t live a perfect day until you do something for someone who will never be able to repay you."
— John Wooden

I was absolutely blown away by all of the kind words over this blog.  I partially figured it would be seen by only a few people, and I could quietly hide.  Of course, what would the point of that be.  Need to learn somehow.  It's weird, because I'm totally not the type of person who accepts compliments and in fact, am a bit uncomfortable by it.
So the morning started great because of kind words from friends.  How cool is that?  Waking up to a text is great especially when you have to wake up alone.
Had an appointment w/the Chiropractor bright and early.  Nice to get an adjustment and some electric stim...spent a lot of time discussing my training and most importantly, my stretching.  I brought in the sheet of paper that he wrote up of various stretches, along with a printout of my training spreadsheet.  For some reason he knew I was actually doing more stretching.  Asking him how, he said that "you brought in the paper for questions."
I've actually decided to get sleeves for my calves to lessen the chance for shin splints.  I should be fine for my long run Saturday, but just want to be safe.

I was actually excited to go to the gym after work....Parking lot was packed, so my first thought was "oh, no treadmills available"....The negativity quickly left though, as it has no room in this head.  For some reason I had a lot of adrenaline and I don't now why....All afternoon I decided that I would do my run in under 24:00  Started out steady and went from there.  Made it just over 2 miles before I got a side stitch that hurt like H. E. double hockey sticks....but I was not letting it knock me down.  I realize I need to be smart, but also need to learn which is pain I could go through and which I should stop and be safe....Finished my 3 miles in 23:42
And best of all, I kept my breathing steady so I didn't draw attention to myself...LOL

What a way to finish a great day.....As I've said before, I know in this journey there will be good days and bad.  I need to accept the good ones and learn from the bad ones.....Fortunately today was a great one.

Tomorrow is another "rest day" on the schedule, so it will either be relax or a relaxing swim  :-)

until next time.....

So far so good....

First, I'm still trying to get used of this whole blog thing.  So the "site" is under construction, but I figured I would attempt my first "blog", so bear with me while I get the design to my liking, may take a few days/weeks.  I don't know if I will have a schedule of when I post, maybe weekly or if I feel frisky, maybe daily  :-)

I'm doing this as a way to help hold me accountable during my training as well as to try something new.  This is definately out of my "comfort zone" as I usually keep things to myself.  It won't just be about running, because while life itself is a marathon, it's more about the journey and my journey includes other things....Once the 18 weeks are up, the actual marathon is done, but life will continue...I hope to grow and be bold enough to share about other things as well as motivate and inspire.  I'm not a teacher or a coach, but if I can inspire 1 person by doing this, then it will be worth it.

Part of me still is wondering what the heck I am thinking...haha  Then again, if you knew my plans on what I will accomplish next, then yes, I'm nuts...I've done 2 half marathons and I actually had fun, running both with one of my best friends.  Of course Marla is now disappointed, since I will not be able to run with her, since the Cap City half is the week before the Cleveland Marathon.  I'm bummed as well, but I can't run more than 6 miles that weekend.....After my first half, I literally could not move the next day and I didn't run for weeks/months.  October's half was much better and other than my IT band acting up, only took abt 2 weeks off.  Thats when my friend Jodi "told me" I was running the marathon with her....I told her that I would, as long as I dropped some lbs and my body handled the training.  I'm sure I will talk more of her running story later as she is one of the people who inspired me to start this blog (and forcing me to run...heehee...ok, encouraging me to run)
My biggest concern, quite honestly will be after the first long run.  Doing a half marathon and taking time off is one thing, but the training schedule has at least 12 days of over 10 miles...with the longest being 20.  No time to take a few weeks off....Intimidating to say the least.

Speaking of dropping lbs....Wednesday is my official "weigh-in" day, I am now under the 200lb barrier.  I let myself go and started getting healthy probably around July/August, since that's about when I decided to do my second half marathon....started working out, sort of eating healthy.....Ran that at 225lbs.  In the month following, gained some back.  I have been on Monavie's RVL Weight Management program and have lost 32.5 lbs since November 10th....pretty excited, but with the Marathon training, I've been told I need to eat MORE so my body does not start taking muscle away.  I do understand, considering in college I would probably eat at least 5-6,000 calories easily a day during swim season.  I still have probably 20 or so more lbs to go....but not counting so much now, as I'm gaining lean muscle too.  I am however now on a mission to have a six pack by the marathon at the latest....

Monday was the first "official day" of marathon training...Of course it was a rest day.  I spent my "rest day" in the pool that morning with a nice and easy 2 mile swim.  Nothing better than starting out your day with a swim.  I'm really not sure why, but I had a bit of excitement.  May have been the morning workout, maybe the anticipation of the next 18 weeks, maybe it was my good weekend that just ended.  But the day FLEW by....Got alot accomplished at work....I really wanted to hit the gym Monday night, but held back.  Need to realize that this is a marathon, not a sprint (pun intended)
Most people spent their night watching the BCS Championship game.  For some reason I just could not get into it.  Wanted Oregon to win since they were the underdogs, but also wanted Auburn to win, that way the NCAA would have egg on their face and two years from now will take the title away, tarnishing yet another event.  I did however turn it on with about 5 minutes to go and got to watch the exciting finish.

I got up early Tuesday to head to the gym.  Luckily there were open treadmills.  Got in my 3 miles (26:25) and felt really good.  I need to have more of a plan as far as paces and times for my shorter training runs.  But for this week my plan is to go fast enough to get a good cardio burn, but not fast enough to where I keel over.  When the guy next to you has to ask if you're ok after a run, (which has happened..haha) it may be a bit much.
I'm finding out I have more energy when I workout in the morning.  I was especially glad, due to the area getting a bunch of snow.  It still amazes me, for as long as I have lived in Ohio, how people freak out when the fluffy white stuff falls from the sky.  We live in Ohio people, not Florida!!  LOL
I'm not a big TV fan, got a few shows, but Tuesday is Biggest Loser night.  Something about it is inspiring, I love watching the transformation of "regular" people taking control of their lives.  I could do without the drama and screaming...lol

Today, instead of the snooze button, I just turned off the alarm....Oooops  Not enough time to go to the gym to get in my run before work.  So after work I went and hit the treadmill.  3 miles (25:17)  Felt great and decided to take it up a notch.  After the run and some light stretching, went to the Ultimate U in New Albany, where my buddy Sam is a trainer.  He runs some group classes and Wednesday nights are his cardio circuit training.  Its an hour long butt kicking, but fun workout.  It's a pretty cool way to mix things up.  Going to get those workouts in now, since once the runs get up there in mileage, won't be able to do those.

Tomorrows run will have to be an after work run, due to chiropractor appointment early in the morning....3 more miles....

I really need to work on getting to bed at a decent time....My body does not seem to mind going to bed around 1 or 2 and getting up around 5-6.  Of course in this whole "smarter/better lifestyle" thing I've got going on, I've been told I need more sleep.  Sooooo, I'll give it a try....Not saying I'm jumping right to 8 hrs...but I'll try more than 4-5   heehee

Still a lot to work on, but then again, no one is perfect.  So just when you think your work is done...you turn the page.....Until next time