And the miles add up

Well it has been awhile since I updated my blog, but yes I have been training and the miles are slowly but surely adding up. I am realizing that this marathon training thing is going to take a lot of discipline. As much as I am passionate about running, there are some days when I really have to push myself to get out for a run.

Last Saturday, I did a bit of shopping for some cute new running outfits, I now have some cute orange running shorts and a fun tie-dyed running shirt. Now I am not sure that what you wear when you run makes that much of a difference, but it certainly made a difference for me on Saturday. I did a long run about 11 miles and I felt great. The weather was perfect, not too hot, not too cold and no wind and of course I ran in my new outfit.

I ran up to the golf course and around past a lake. It is a good run because it has a bit of everything, uphill, downhill, trail running and lots of places to get water along the way, so there was no need to carry a water bottle. I did take some energy gel with me, it was a pure natural honey stringer, a nice chocolate flavor and it really seemed to help halfway through my run. I do know that I should be training with the energy gel that they use for the marathon which I think is GU. So I guess I should stock up on some.

So this week I haven't run as much as I would like, but I have done some cross training, 1 hour on the rowing machine and may I add I really don't enjoy the rowing machine, totally boring. I also did some swimming and that was fun. It was great to be out there swimming laps again and I felt tired but so good afterwards. This morning I did a run with my kids, the two older girls on their bikes and the little one in her stroller and we had a great run to the hat park again. (6 miles) This time it was not as eventful as our last week's run. No blocked trails, no bike problems and an empty park for the kids to play in before we headed home. The most enjoyable part of the run was listening to Amy chatting about her next story she wants to write. Listening to your kids chatter really seems to make the run shorter. And what I like is that I know they are getting some good exercise as well. 

Tomorrow I am hoping to get up early and do another 11 mile run and then next week when my dad and mom are staying with us I am hoping that I can get a few more long runs in.

So what are some of the lessons I am learning, well I guess the first one is just not to give up and just keep pushing on because the goal is worth it. Secondly, keep your family and friends involved, they really do help to motivate you and encourage you. Thirdly life is short and we need to take hold every moment and enjoy.