We now return to our regularly scheduled blog:
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Friday, October 8, 2010
Traci - Week of THE MARATHON!
I've been having some serious anxiety all week. However, it really got to me this morning when I checked in on Southwest.com. That was scary. That means we are really leaving in the morning and really have to do this. Even though I'm really nervous and have no idea what to expect, I'm looking forward to this. It is a great opportunity and a huge accomplishment. Push, pull or drag, I will cross that finish line.
This week has been another one to go down in the books at work. But today, as I was leaving, I was thankful for my crappy week. It actually made running a marathon seem like fun and something I couldn't wait to do. And this is how I should feel. I've also been seeing all these people post on Facebook how they can't wait for the weekend, yada yada. Me? I'm scared to death of this weekend and just wanted it to never come. But it's here, and I'm going to embrace it and make the best of it.
See you in the morning Chi-town!
This week has been another one to go down in the books at work. But today, as I was leaving, I was thankful for my crappy week. It actually made running a marathon seem like fun and something I couldn't wait to do. And this is how I should feel. I've also been seeing all these people post on Facebook how they can't wait for the weekend, yada yada. Me? I'm scared to death of this weekend and just wanted it to never come. But it's here, and I'm going to embrace it and make the best of it.
See you in the morning Chi-town!
Cori --- Marathon Weekend Eve
I feel like this post should start, "Twas the night before Christmas..."
Do I have time to post? No. Are my to-do lists all checked? No. But I'm getting over the stomach flu, and I have to take frequent rest periods, so multi-tasking here I come!
I have posted 6 pages of instructions for how to care for my children. Even the Gremlins only had two rules, and ironically, they're on my list, too.
Don't get them wet!
Don't feed after midnight!
I don't think I have ever been so nervous in my life. I was nervous before my wedding, but I knew at day's end, I'd be married and it would all be good.
I was nervous before I gave birth, but I knew what to expect.
But this, this is unchartered territory.....
All I focus on now are things that may make a 26.2 mile run slightly uncomfortable. Like my cramping stomach, and my throbbing left toenail. I want to feel perfect, damn it! Because even under the best of circumstances, this is going to be brutal.
Here's the motto that I'm repeating to myself today.
Have fun. This is exciting! A lot of people will never experience this. Just get through it, and pray. Pray that I don't bleed through my shoes. Pray that my stomach returns to normal. Pray that my legs feel good. Live in the moment. This is going to be a mile marker in my life, and I don't want to cast a shadow over it by clouding it with worry.
Thank you, God, for getting me to Friday, October 8th.
Ingram---out.
(Like that? I think I'm Ryan Seacrest.)
Do I have time to post? No. Are my to-do lists all checked? No. But I'm getting over the stomach flu, and I have to take frequent rest periods, so multi-tasking here I come!
I have posted 6 pages of instructions for how to care for my children. Even the Gremlins only had two rules, and ironically, they're on my list, too.
Don't get them wet!
Don't feed after midnight!
I don't think I have ever been so nervous in my life. I was nervous before my wedding, but I knew at day's end, I'd be married and it would all be good.
I was nervous before I gave birth, but I knew what to expect.
But this, this is unchartered territory.....
All I focus on now are things that may make a 26.2 mile run slightly uncomfortable. Like my cramping stomach, and my throbbing left toenail. I want to feel perfect, damn it! Because even under the best of circumstances, this is going to be brutal.
Here's the motto that I'm repeating to myself today.
Have fun. This is exciting! A lot of people will never experience this. Just get through it, and pray. Pray that I don't bleed through my shoes. Pray that my stomach returns to normal. Pray that my legs feel good. Live in the moment. This is going to be a mile marker in my life, and I don't want to cast a shadow over it by clouding it with worry.
Thank you, God, for getting me to Friday, October 8th.
Ingram---out.
(Like that? I think I'm Ryan Seacrest.)
Thursday, October 7, 2010
Friendships
Friendships born on the field of athletic strife are the real gold of competition. Awards become corroded, friends gather no dust. -Jesse Owens-
Tuesday, October 5, 2010
Journey
The depth of a soul is not measured by what appears on the surface but what lies in the heart.
Saturday, October 2, 2010
Traci - Week #15
I think I've been off a few weeks this entire time because SOMEHOW it's already week 15 of 16. I guess week 15 has been my week of reflection. First and foremost, the girls I run with. Do you know how many hours the three of us have logged? How many miles we have logged? You would think we would run out of things to say. We actually thought we needed to make lists of things to talk about while we ran so we didn't run dry. Totally not the case. Actually, most mornings on the car ride home AFTER running for hours together talking each others ears off, we'd be like, "oh, I know what I was going to tell you guys...." That's a lot of chit-chatting people. But that's what I love. We never run out of things to say. We have talked about everything in these 15 weeks from kids, husbands, health, finances, careers, faith, you name it. Good or bad, these poor girls know everything about me. Running truly is therapy.
Secondly, I have been reflecting on how far we truly have come. A year and a half ago, we were building up to a 3 mile run. 3 miles. And I mean to tell you, we struggled. It was no easy feat, but we did it and were so proud. I never pictured myself doing any more than that. Then came 13.1. Never thought I'd see the day, but it too has passed (now several times, thanks to our lovely training schedule). But in one short week, we are going to be able to say we did 26.2 miles. The unthinkable in my mind.
And last, but not least... back on to the weight thing. I'm pretty sure I'm the only person on this earth saying, "When I'm done with all this marathon training, I'm going on a diet." Pretty sure marathon training helps most people lose weight, but not this girl. I am actually the exact same weight I was day 1 of training, but I feel even less tone. Pity party on me, but it sucks. But oh well, because I'm pretty sure that on 10/10/10 when I cross that finish line, I won't care one bit what the number on my scale at home is. I will be on cloud nine!
Secondly, I have been reflecting on how far we truly have come. A year and a half ago, we were building up to a 3 mile run. 3 miles. And I mean to tell you, we struggled. It was no easy feat, but we did it and were so proud. I never pictured myself doing any more than that. Then came 13.1. Never thought I'd see the day, but it too has passed (now several times, thanks to our lovely training schedule). But in one short week, we are going to be able to say we did 26.2 miles. The unthinkable in my mind.
And last, but not least... back on to the weight thing. I'm pretty sure I'm the only person on this earth saying, "When I'm done with all this marathon training, I'm going on a diet." Pretty sure marathon training helps most people lose weight, but not this girl. I am actually the exact same weight I was day 1 of training, but I feel even less tone. Pity party on me, but it sucks. But oh well, because I'm pretty sure that on 10/10/10 when I cross that finish line, I won't care one bit what the number on my scale at home is. I will be on cloud nine!
Jen Week 15 What What!
Mon--R5
Tues--Off
Wed--R5
Thur--Off
Fri--Off
Sat--SL8
We are on the home stretch and it feels so good! I am 100% excited for Sunday, nerves have gone away with the training runs and this is where we can sit back and enjoy the next 26.2 miles. I mentioned to Traci on our last long run that I was kind of emotional that this was our last long run together but in my heart I know its not...right Traci :) I have learned so much about my runner partners and am so blessed to call them a few of my best friends, opened my eyes to new directions/beliefs and pushed myself when I thought my body was going to give in. I have proved to myself that I am can do anything!
I can remember last fall when I was biking with Cori and Traci as they where training for the gobbler grind and thinking how I would love to be doing this with them and sharing in the training process but baby Mia was not allowing me to run period. Fast forward 11 months and only one of us finish that 1/2 marathon and I am grateful..sorry Cori. Had they both completed that I have no doubt in my mind they would have set their goals for a full in the spring because that's how they roll and I would have missed out on this wonderful experience with them. God's plan works every time!! So this is "our" time and we are making the most of it! Excited beyond words and so so blessed to be here in this moment.
Tues--Off
Wed--R5
Thur--Off
Fri--Off
Sat--SL8
We are on the home stretch and it feels so good! I am 100% excited for Sunday, nerves have gone away with the training runs and this is where we can sit back and enjoy the next 26.2 miles. I mentioned to Traci on our last long run that I was kind of emotional that this was our last long run together but in my heart I know its not...right Traci :) I have learned so much about my runner partners and am so blessed to call them a few of my best friends, opened my eyes to new directions/beliefs and pushed myself when I thought my body was going to give in. I have proved to myself that I am can do anything!
I can remember last fall when I was biking with Cori and Traci as they where training for the gobbler grind and thinking how I would love to be doing this with them and sharing in the training process but baby Mia was not allowing me to run period. Fast forward 11 months and only one of us finish that 1/2 marathon and I am grateful..sorry Cori. Had they both completed that I have no doubt in my mind they would have set their goals for a full in the spring because that's how they roll and I would have missed out on this wonderful experience with them. God's plan works every time!! So this is "our" time and we are making the most of it! Excited beyond words and so so blessed to be here in this moment.
Cori --- The Final Countdown
Week 15, I think.
Mon--R4
Tues--R4
Wed--Off
Thur--Off
Fri--Off
Sat--SL8
Tapering is good and bad. My body feels good, but my head feels bad. Traci said to me the other day, "I feel like I'm losing it." It meaning all of our hard won endurance and strength. I am more scared that I've never had enough of "it". We only did the 20 one time. Is that enough to carry us through 26.2 miles? Three weeks later? Really? I have woke up twice this last week and had trouble going back to sleep due to this haunting question.
But the experience is going to be fun, even if I vomit a few times due to extreme anxiety. (Wish I was kidding.) I am 75% excited, and 25% nervous. We have been insanely busy throughout this training, but it has been one of the best times of my life. Part of me doesn't want it to end. Everyone's training log may be a little different, due to time off/injuries, etc., but I have logged about 305 miles since the end of June. I can hardly believe that. I just never thought that was possible.
I can't speak for Traci yet, but Jen and I are planning to keep running an average of 12 - 15 miles a week after we get back. We don't want to stop. We have solved the problems of the world, many, many times over, in 300+ miles. And yes, I know it's going to get cold, but right now I'm imagining that I won't care, because the face time that I have gotten with my friends has been something that I will cherish forever.
Now, having said all of that, I want nothing but the best for these girls. If I am struggling in Chicago, they better keep moving without me, and bring in their best time. (Does everyone hear me?) I do not need to be coddled. I have too much respect for you, and myself, for anyone to do less than their best. Traci and Jen, I know you guys have felt badly on the runs when I have dropped back, but I appreciated you giving me the space to do what I had to do when I was injured, and I never resented it. To be honest, I felt like you respected me. You know I'm low maintenance, and you trusted that I was a big girl emotionally. That's why we're friends. (But Nickie, I really did appreciate you hanging with me on the dark trail, because I couldn't see a damn thing!)
So here's to whatever next weekend brings......praying for all of us!
Mon--R4
Tues--R4
Wed--Off
Thur--Off
Fri--Off
Sat--SL8
Tapering is good and bad. My body feels good, but my head feels bad. Traci said to me the other day, "I feel like I'm losing it." It meaning all of our hard won endurance and strength. I am more scared that I've never had enough of "it". We only did the 20 one time. Is that enough to carry us through 26.2 miles? Three weeks later? Really? I have woke up twice this last week and had trouble going back to sleep due to this haunting question.
But the experience is going to be fun, even if I vomit a few times due to extreme anxiety. (Wish I was kidding.) I am 75% excited, and 25% nervous. We have been insanely busy throughout this training, but it has been one of the best times of my life. Part of me doesn't want it to end. Everyone's training log may be a little different, due to time off/injuries, etc., but I have logged about 305 miles since the end of June. I can hardly believe that. I just never thought that was possible.
I can't speak for Traci yet, but Jen and I are planning to keep running an average of 12 - 15 miles a week after we get back. We don't want to stop. We have solved the problems of the world, many, many times over, in 300+ miles. And yes, I know it's going to get cold, but right now I'm imagining that I won't care, because the face time that I have gotten with my friends has been something that I will cherish forever.
Now, having said all of that, I want nothing but the best for these girls. If I am struggling in Chicago, they better keep moving without me, and bring in their best time. (Does everyone hear me?) I do not need to be coddled. I have too much respect for you, and myself, for anyone to do less than their best. Traci and Jen, I know you guys have felt badly on the runs when I have dropped back, but I appreciated you giving me the space to do what I had to do when I was injured, and I never resented it. To be honest, I felt like you respected me. You know I'm low maintenance, and you trusted that I was a big girl emotionally. That's why we're friends. (But Nickie, I really did appreciate you hanging with me on the dark trail, because I couldn't see a damn thing!)
So here's to whatever next weekend brings......praying for all of us!
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