Wow! I’m not sure where I’ve been but I’ve definitely NOT been running. And, now everything is rough. And tough. I’m painfully slow. So slow, in fact, I ran a half marathon and cried at the end. Not because I was in pain. But because of my time. That’s when I realized I have no right to pity myself and cry about something that is MY FAULT. I haven’t been running. I haven’t been training.
I was convinced that it wouldn’t take long to get back to my happy pace. As it turns out, it takes time and I am low on patience. Very. Very low. Barely any patience left.
So, then I had to come to terms with this most unfortunate fact. I am starting over. Starting at the beginning. I am pleased when I run 3 miles without walking. That’s my celebration right now.
That’s where I am for another 3 more weeks. One little jaunt after another. Pride in any accomplishment no matter how small. Celebrating the journeys one at a time.
Then, the REAL running begins…I hope. That’s when I start to train like a champion. I will train for another marathon. Wineglass Marathon. To be a champion, you have to train like one, right?! In my case, I’ll be a champion when I actually to train.
I’ve been away from the gym, which includes my Yogilates class for a year. Ending this break, I went back yesterday. Nerves were coursing through me like it was new, unknown journey. However, it’s the same time, same place, same instructor–just a year+ later. I’m ridiculous. So, I had to force myself to get ready and out the door with NO extra minutes. Less thinking beats my nerves.
And today offers many lessons I had somewhat forgotten. I’m sore in unknown places and at the same time, I feel fierce. Here’s what I know:
Flexibility is something that changes with time.
The body is made up of many muscles that are rarely “challenged.”
No one looks good in the “dance hall” mirrors.
Gassy feelings come during quiet times with strangers.
Few people are graceful moving from one pose to the other.
Gooey flesh squishes into weird shapes in rebellion to the contortive positions.
One day these muscles will thank me.
We are all perfectly imperfect. It’s what makes us beautiful.
Sometimes you’re especially thankful you painted your toenails and put some lotion on those extremities.
I’m not a yogi…yet. But, one day, this gal will be strong on the outside to match the inner strength. I know this “because I’m smarter than the average bear.”
2014 Hope: More strength and less squish like a yogi!
Well, as you can see, I’ve decided to crawl out from the hole I’ve been living in. I go through these moments of living in MY LIFE, and not following the world on my computer, iPhone…just living, breathing world. Luckily, for you, I’ve decided to break the silence and say hello. And, you’re welcome!
This is going to sound selfish. I am sorry for that because I don’t want you to think that I am a rude jerk. This shutdown, which I seem to always type shitdown–a more appropriate term–is cramping not only the lives of some of my government friends, but it’s also stalling races in DC. (Wilson Bridge Half Marathon had to be postponed, Army Ten-Miler rerouted.) I hope all will be ironed out soon…but it won’t. And, I don’t talk politics or religion, in person, or “fake world,” as I like to call social media, but I just want to say, I don’t like this shutdown…not one bit.
And, now this is where I sound like, ME, ME, ME.
I was happily on my way to run club yesterday, when I made a horrible mistake…I checked Facebook. Horrible mistake. Horrible. This is what I read,
Dear Runners,
Since the government shutdown occurred, the Marine Corps Marathon continues its coordination with hopes of a conclusion in time to host the event without impact. Without a resolution to the government shutdown this week, the MCM as planned is in jeopardy of being cancelled.
While still considering and exploring all possible options, the MCM has targeted this Saturday, October 19 as the date to officially notify runners of the status of the event. It is sincerely the hope of everyone associated with the organization of this event that MCM participants can run as planned.
Then, I got in the car. There was only one thing to do to remain calm and “happy” for run club and that was to call my dad. One of the only people in my life who I can revert into an irrational 12-year-old without judgment. He assured me that things, as far as the race were concerned, would be okay. The Maniacal Marathon dream would come true, at this year’s MCM. He has faith. He is an optimist.
Me…not so much. I am not optimistic. Rumor has it there is a vote happening. Just a marathon’s distance down the “road.”
Even, at work, people are worried about my DREAM.
So, I am trying to be an optimist with my dad. But, right now, I would like to throw a tantrum that would impress a two-year-old. I would like to sulk like a teen filled with angst. I would like the lawmakers to make good decisions for our country. Not temporarily. For good. Or, at least, long-term. I would like the shitdown to end.
And, I would like to run Marine Corps Marathon. In the meantime, a colleague has offered to do research so that I have a backup marathon…just in case. I don’t want a backup plan. I want this plan. But, for now, I’ll remember that I’m a runner. I’m a marathoner. If I’m not a Marathon Maniac this time. I will one day.
I’m a not always a pessimist. Sometimes, I am a dreamer. And this Maniacal idea was just a little “dream” in March. Truth is, after this dream is fulfilled, I’ll have to start dreaming of another fun, new running goal.
I have to keep my colleagues amused.
look how happy i am when i run…
It’s off to Chattanooga this weekend. Luckily things seem a bit better there. No canceling races…that I know of…. I am happy to run out of this town. Taking this happy girl on the road.
Don’t worry. You didn’t miss a holiday or anniversary. I mean it’s somebody’s birthday and it’s somebody’s anniversary. It is, also, National Milk Chocolate Day…so, go eat a Hershey bar!
In a “ohmygosh…how did I not see this before” moment, I realized Nike+ adds my miles up for me each month. I don’t know how I’ve missed this information before. I will say, it takes all the fun out of using the calculator. Seriously, computers are taking all the fun out of everything. They do so many things we were taught to do in school. Do you even buy your child a calculator for school anymore? Don’t you just buy them a cellphone so they have a calculator and cheat-tool in one?! There I go again. Seriously, thank you Nike+, I’m not sure what I’ll do with all this free time? And, now I’m going to obsessively check my mileage online. So much for that free time….
With this discovery came this great knowledge that I’m sitting here having run 99.91 this month after this morning’s run (It’s July 28th…see why I wished you a happy day?!). These are, solely, training miles. (Yes, I count race miles when I run races. Do you?! A race counts, right?! You’re running after all!) Back to my incredible point. THERE ARE THREE DAYS LEFT IN THIS MONTH. I’m hitting that century mark and I’ll keep on going! Feeling strong! And, while the excitement fills my veins, I would like to make it my goal to continue with the century streak for the remaining 2013 months…shouldn’t be too hard with marathon training. A little challenge come November…unless…I have a something on the horizon to keep my feet happy! (And this is especially exciting for me because I had a lot of trouble finding the joy in running at the start of this year. I barely ran at all. It feels good to have my heart back in it!)
And more happy news…
I signed up to run with a pacer…AND I received a little “thank you” box with goodies!
I’ve never run with a pacer. Never thought about it. Until recently. Still thinking about it. Have you run with a pacer? What did you think?
AND my socks came in the mail last week! YAY!
HAPPY RUNNING! And, what are you waiting for…go get that Hershey bar! Like I said, Happy 28th of July!
This post could, also, be accurately titled, “Obsess Much?!” but I feel I’ve used that title…maybe not…whatever. I’m too lazy to check. So, this week, it was back to work. Ahh.
Last week, on the many adventures, I had the most brilliant of ideas…because all of my ideas are BRILLIANT until they are not. Since I’ve realized my strength…I’m sticking with brilliant. (Or, some synonym of the like but again, I’m lazy…)
My idea was to wake up before I needed to get up for work, run a little, clean up, go to work, have a great afternoon and then run my training runs in the evening. And, I did. Turns out, by Friday, I had added an extra mile to the morning run AND I ran in the RAIN! (My shoes even made a horrible squish sound for the last mile! I just kept wishing my wish, Please no blisters!) I’m over all this whining about the heat. It’s summer, folks, it’s suppose to be hot. Run or don’t. Kind of like running up hills, I like a challenge, even if it doesn’t quite sound like a quality challenge. Hey, you, I ran in the heat and humidity. Works for me. Sounds like a great accomplishment!
i’m not sweaty…just rain-y!my poor shoes…luckily they dried!
These last few months, I haven’t had the opportunity to run many races. Whatever. BUT. Things are looking up for the fall. I didn’t run and didn’t have anyone to run with but that’s okay. Maybe, in this time, I was suppose to learn multiple lessons…that of strength, of true friends, of courage, of my own self-worth, and how to mend a broken heart. Oh, there I go again…off-topic…. I registered for a trail half marathon. There’s this long blah-blah-blah explanation of the process but I didn’t read the whole thing. A friend from run club who’s an ultra runner and genuinely encouraged my initial trail racing (and tolerates my silly questions), told me about this race last year but it was already too late in the multiple steps of registration. (See above…lots of directions for this one.) I hope that I have one of the lucky numbers in this lottery!
Then, last Sunday, during “Sunday Call-In” with my family…oh, wait. I digress…a-gain. I just want to point out that my family is really cool. While leaving on Saturday, my dad said, “We’ll talk tomorrow…. It’s Sunday!” Because after six days and 979 miles of adventures, we were going to have something new to talk about 36 hours later. And we did.
Sunday Call-In looks like this. FaceTime. I’m always at my desk. My parents are always sitting next to each other on their couch. They look like they are being filmed for a documentary about cute couples…sometimes my dad will say something and my mom just looks at him and laughs. Then he shrugs. They’re cute. Oh, where was I?!
So, again, a Brilliant idea. I really need to bottle up this brain power. It can’t last forever. I found a “local” race to run the week I visit my family. No big deal, right?! Except, nothing is really “local.” The way I figure it, and as I explained to my family, I get up at 4am, drive to the race, run, and return. I mean what else is there to do in the country on a Sunday at 4am. Aside from sleeping, checking on the neighbors chickens… Whatever. My dad questioned it a little and said the whole, “well, if that’s what you want to do….” My mom was just smiling. Subjects changed. And then later, my dad said, he thought he go with me to the race, sleep in my car for 1 1/2 hours, and then walk to the finish to take some pictures of me…you, know, if I decide to run the race! Pretty cool!
I’m lucky to have a supportive family.
And, I continue on the with the obsessive lists of races to run….
ALERT: I am changing the subject a-gain…
So, this whole, “two-a-days” has depleted my summer running clothes. I had to do laundry before the weekend! HAHA! On any given day, if you asked what is the most essential running item, I’d give a different answer. Ask enough and I think “Balega socks” would come up more often. I LOVE THEM! I’ve tried Feetures, SmartWool…others. Balega, though, is my one true love! I’m a fan of the female specific socks but after talking the ear off the Balega rep at an Expo, I’m a little “okay” with the unisex socks. At some random-ish, Pacific-coast, running website, I found my favorite No-Show, Ultra Light Balegas in gray and lime. I am currently stalking the UPS website for their arrival. And, then, oh, then, I looked for more. I mean they are my FAVORITE SOCKS and while I currently have six pairs, they can’t last forever and they can’t get me through these next few weeks of “two-a-days” and, then, oh, then, I FOUND SOCK GEEK! You probably already know all about “him” but I just found him. And, now, I have more socks to stalk for delivery. I will now stop buying socks. Even though I do love them and they are necessary…. They keep my little feet blister free! And that matters. A lot. (Sorry, I realize, I sound like a commercial!)
disgusting! i need more socks…clearly…
I mean I do have races to train for…not just the marathons! (I like to say that, “marathons!” Who would have thought multiple marathons for this gal?!) Like I said, I am waiting for word about the VHTRC (Virginia Happy Trails Running Club) Women’s Half Marathon (trail). I already registered for the Charles 12-Miler and maybe my friend I invited will run, too. It’s nice to have a friend at the end. I registered for the Annapolis Half Marathon. I’m thinking about the Scioto Mile(s) Ten-Miler. And, as I sit here at my desk, I can see the envelope I scribbled all my race ideas on. 1 rule: 1 race per pay period. Because I have a “race allowance” to keep myself in check. Between obsessive searches of socks and races, I’m one tired gal and my wallet would be empty if I didn’t keep myself in check!
I have hit a rough patch and I’m sorry I’ve been dragging you through it with my boring posts. I wish I had races to write about. So, I hope to change that soon. For nearly six months, I have been left to myself. Solitary confinement. I haven’t had the opportunity to run races. The one thing I can do is run in my neighborhood. So, I learned to hate it. With a passion. But finally, there is a light at the end of the tunnel. I seem to have neared the crest on this slippery molehill that is mountainous!
In reflection: last year, at the Historic Half race, I qualified for Half Fanatic status becoming HF #2431! That was one of my 2012 goals! Achieved by running three half marathons in 90 days! That was a year ago today…by date. To celebrate, I registered for the Fire Company Challenge at the Bird-in-Hand Half Marathon! So, I am running the 5k and Half Marathon! I am so excited. Another weekend adventure with running shoes. There seems to be a theme with how my fall is shaping up. I am happy to create fun experiences to look forward to…it’s what I’ve needed these last six months!
Historic Half 2012…my Half Fanatic qualifying race last year! (And, I was SO sick!)
AND, some fun this weekend! I am volunteering for TAPS (Tragedy Assistance Program for Survivors), which provides support to those who are grieving the loss of a loved one in military service to the US. My wonderful friend Bill is a mentor with this amazing group and the reason I know about their great work. This weekend, I will help at the National Seminar in Washington DC. I am so happy to volunteer with a group that helps our military families.
My great friend Bill!
Also, this past week, I had a great news for the Hatfield-McCoy race…
I’ve been upgraded…full marathon #2, I’m running your way! Thank you, Mr. Hatfield! I cannot wait to run your race!
Since, my race status changed from half to FULL marathon for the Hatfield-McCoy race, I really took my long run seriously this weekend. 20.66 miles! Oh, yeah. My legs feel it a little today. But, not bad at all! YAY!
And, I have found some fun races that I have added to Race Wish List! The 2014 idea calendar is filling up quickly! :)
AND THE POOL OPENS THIS WEEKEND!
Finally, some traction to get up this molehill! YAY!
Prologue: In March, I flew from DC, where-ish I live, to Cincinnati, my hometown. This is a 501 mile journey in the roundabout fashion needed to take a car around the mountains. But by plane, these miles shrink and the time in flight is a mere 56 minutes. I like window seats even when there is nothing to see. On this particular flight, I sat next to a kind man, who made this same journey, current city to hometown frequently. We spoke the entire flight and, interestingly, I could see the land below the entire time–the square green quilted earth, the mountains, and my city, beautiful Cincinnati. Because, as we discussed, the same journey–home to home–taken two different ways offers entirely different experiences. You see things differently. And so begins yesterday’s journey….
It had been a mostly good week. The training runs seemed to be going off in fairly good fashion. There was good news about an upcoming race. Things were on the up and up. But, then one and a half miles in, her legs slowed to bouncing walk. Why was she walking? She had miles left. Oh, no, she was going to do it–pass the school and back home. She was quitting. No! She crossed the street. The journey continued but she was walking. This didn’t count as a training run, did it?! Stop! Not everything is one way or the other. She needed to find some middle ground, and why not the ground she had planned to take…running or walking, she was on the journey.
Ideas floated. Snippets of the week danced through her head. Class. That man. Work. Coffee. New running clothes. Meetings. The nightmare that awaken her. And, then, she started to notice things. This same route she ran many times. Countless times over the last two years. Today she noticed things that walking offered and running never had… The yellow house didn’t face the road. Odd. The new vegetable garden. Her first cicada sighting of the year. All the houses have “bridge” driveways. All of them. Hmm. Her second cicada. The music blaring from the house. She stopped to hear the song. Birthday balloons. The store went out of business. Civil engineers sign. Teal shutters. A quiet house hugged by trees.
She didn’t notice these things when she ran. It was flying. You cannot see the details. But today she did.
Five miles of walking before running again. But before she ran. Her mind drifted again. Characters playing in her mind. Again. She cannot see them as easy when she ran but here on her jaunt, they played out in her mind.
Her mind drifted to later. Weeks ago, she dreaded Thursdays. She had a new class where she didn’t know anyone. Her hermit self providing armor. But then there was that man. The equally quiet man in his pressed monogrammed shirt and expensive watch. She wondered what he did. Why was he sitting there? Would he rather be at home with his family? He didn’t smile. Was he mad? Or, maybe he didn’t find comfort in smiling. She smiled and he was forced to partially push the corners of his mouth up but it didn’t look natural. He wasn’t a smiler. She was. He returned the silent salutation. And, this seemed to satisfy her. She giggled slightly. Thinking how she had mentally called him her Thursday best friend. Why? Who knows. She was quirky and weird. At least that’s what he thought. He looked at her in her old jeans and sweatshirt that blanketed her small frame. She needed to shop. Why did she always smile? What was wrong with her? In an earlier time, she was probably a cheerleader…no yearbook editor. Who knows. Who cares?! What was he doing? She had pleasant eyes. He thought she was probably older than she seemed. Oh, why?! Why was he even thinking this over? He looked over to see her scribbling notes.
Pure humor. Her thoughts never stopped. A constant flow of random nuggets of dissonance. And then the purest moments. These characters playing like a show in her mind. Her ex would ask her often what she was thinking about. What’s on your mind? Nothing. Liar.
Epilogue: And this is the randomness that makes up me. I’m always thinking about something. I forget what people say to me not because I lack consideration, but, rather, the thought didn’t wash into the thoughts already coursing through my mind. I’m a liar when I say I am not thinking about something. Real. Creative nonsense. I assumed that all people were like me until that ex. He really had moments of non-thought. He never created characters to soar through his thoughts helping sail through the day on happy threads.
I am really tough on myself for walking. Training for a race shouldn’t include walking, right?! But then again, it’s a whole new view.
Ahh, yes, I gave up FaceBook this week! And what a great week it was. Are they related?! I’m not sure. Not that I didn’t log into FB, I did. I checked on the date of a friend’s birthday. Posted on my friend Amanda’s wall. Made a post myself. And checked my “close friends” feed. I think in all I was on there 5 minutes last week. Considering I normally check it at least twice daily, I think this was great. And with that, my iPhone and I have a less serious relationship. Actually last night, I wasn’t sure where it was! (And I have no other phone to call it. Eventually, it showed up.)
I have been scouring the Internet (in all my free time!) to find some more fall races. After this morning, I am all squared away for my trip to the Seven Bridges Marathon in Chattanooga, TN! I am so excited about this race because it is step one of a two-step process in becoming a Marathon Maniac!
I think I may take another “running trip” in early fall…but I cannot yet confirm that!
And, I am already thinking about next year. I would like a spring and fall marathon. (Fall marathon, I hope will be MCM.) I may go home for the Flying Pig Marathon. It is the first race I ever “watched.” In college, while watching the children of an avid runner, I took the youngest down the street to watch the race, while the older two children were cheering with their dad. This, of course, was a time when I had NO interest in running. I couldn’t understand her running for 4-5 hours while we stayed home having fun. But it was fun for her. And now, I can understand this…. So red wagon in tow we watched runners push up a small incline (which, again, I now, know…there are no “small inclines” in racing!) through Mt. Lookout. Cincinnati is NOT flat…it’s a City of Seven Hills, after all…
I would like to earn one of these medals one day! (www.flyingpigmarathon.com)
In my quest to run smaller races, I have started a list of interesting “smaller” under the radar races for this year, next year…whenever…and I will gladly take any and all suggestions! I like to take little mini adventures for races!
Yesterday, I ran when I first woke up…7am. Great weather. I had planned at least 16 miles but ended up with 13.5 when my knee started to feel a little achy. I think it best to tape it before my next long run. Remembering last year’s discovery, I downloaded a new audiobook to keep me going on the journey. And, I’m really only good at listening to nonfiction…I downloaded a book about the Hatfield-McCoy Feud. That is my next race…I would like to race it as a full marathon. I know I keep saying that but I do waver back and forth in my mind. Pros and Cons. But I keep coming back to the Full Marathon and the many reasons why…
Should I ever decide to Race the 50 States, I’ll have WV taken care of…because there are others in KY I would race.
There’s a swing bridge on the second half of the course!
More bang for your buck…same entry fee whether you choose full or half marathon.
In light of recent events, I would like to run my second full marathon sooner rather than later. No time like the present! (And I am putting in longer runs for full training.)
Why not?!
Now, I must get back to planning this week’s training runs…when it’s written on my work calendar, I am most likely to accomplish it…so planning it is!
Consider yourself saved. AND you’re welcome!
My original post was quite…depressing!
Let’s just say, the summer cannot get here fast enough. This has been one of the most difficult times in my not-so-very-long life! (That’s my way of saying, I’m still young.)
And without belaboring over a bunch of things I can, and some, I cannot change, I am just going to say…many people have disappointed me this year. While I am a good friend, if you treat me without care, I go. No need to stick around for fair-weather people. So, in my sorting out process of the original post, I decided to give up social media for…I don’t know…a while! Oh, wait, I’m not giving up my little blog just the other stuff!
I read a recent post about running–solo or with others? It such an interesting question to me. When I started, I’ll be quite honest, I ran because of this guy. I hadn’t run since high school gym class until one October when I ran with a local running club and by December, this guy in the club was talking to me, messaging me…and then I had the Cherry Blossom Ten-Miler to train for…he actually trained me. I would not have run if he didn’t have me out running the trails every weekend. I didn’t care too much for it. Complained and whined. I could have earned an Oscar for my performance. I even lied convincingly! He would ask how my weekdays training runs were going and I said great and even gave distances…for trainings I never completed! HAHA! So, I wouldn’t have trained or realized my potential without a partner.
But, once that race was completed and I registered for my first half marathon, I realized I COULDN’T RUN with HIM! I think he thought he was being nice but I never wanted to be fast…just a finisher. That my goal…finish the race. I think (but I don’t know for a fact) he wanted to train me for speed. It was the beginning of the end. THANK HEAVENS!
Then, what?! To run, or not to run, that was the question. I was still running with the running club but did I need to race more distances? More races? YES! I had more in me, but would I run on my own? History pointed to a big flashing neon sign that said NO! But, you know what, I did run! It was the whining and complaining that was history! I trained myself for five half marathons and a full marathon in 2012.
And, now I am back in training mode! I’ve put in some longer distances. I didn’t meet my goal of 18 miles today…but close. Phewy! But, it’s no longer a fear that I cannot do it. I can. I’ve proved that time and time again. And, for me, there’s something completely satisfying about running over my own finish line (front door) ON MY OWN. Personal victory!
Now, if I could just find that fast forward button!
I don’t know where I found this photo but I LOVE IT!
I have loads of chips on my shoulder, and I particularly enjoy munching through them while I am working out. I got the idea from an interview with Michael Phelps. He enlivens his grueling training schedule by mulling over previous slights and grievances. Get mad, and the time just flies by.
-Simon Doonan, “The Healing Power of Grudges“
Random: I cannot believe that I haven’t written in a while…a couple of weeks, maybe… But the truth is, I have written. I have written six posts since my “angry runner” but I haven’t published them. It’s been writing therapy. I’ve said my piece where it mattered and in other situations, I have ignored. Let’s say, this has been one tough year. And I’m tired. I don’t need to defend myself against lies anymore because I am stronger than that. So, you should be happy, thanking me even, that you haven’t seen a series of incoherent mental dialogue coming your way. AND, you’re welcome!
Training: I want you to know that I ran this weekend. 24.2 miles was my total fancy foot work. And apparently, I’m slow, or rather, I’m a jogger and not so much a runner. But a compliment is a compliment, so I accept. Thank you nice gas station attendant. Thanks for having cheap water. My body thanks you.
Here’s the thing. I don’t like to run with water. I don’t where this comes from…but I seem incapable of getting over it. So, today when I ran 14 miles, I didn’t run with water (for long). Luckily it was cool. Depending on my route, I’ll pass one of three gas stations. When I trained for my first half marathon, my training partner trained harder than the race…so no water. I can easily run 10 miles, 12 miles, no water… Go ahead, yell at me. Tell me this is bad for my body, bad for my health.
I’ve tried the handheld Amphipod. On Saturday, when the goal was 14 miles, I gave up on my Nathan fuel belt 0.08 miles into the run. Yeah, eight hundredths of a mile! I had to act quick…run and deal with jiggle, jiggle, and likely make it a short run or lock it in my mailbox and hope for 14 miles. I went with the latter. My mailman should really consider early delivery on Saturdays, he would have had water and Gatorade, an iPhone, and cash, quite a bonus. I made it just over 10 miles…thought it was 12 but apparently I cannot add in my head. So, I thought I would try again this morning–14 miles. I carried one dollar and one nickel in my pocket. After 8.5 miles, I visited the gas station and purchased a water. And then it happened, I HAD WATER TO CARRY! This wasn’t going to work for long. I took many little sips until I had about half the bottle–8 oz. (See, I can do some mental math!) and then I ditched the water after one mile. That was it. Not bad. Last year, on a training run with my friend, Non-Planner, I thought I would rely on the water fountains throughout the trails…one worked…a little. That was it for 21 miles! I wish the body could survive on no water. It nearly does…
Well, I’ll have to keep working on it. Last summer, I used my mailbox as my water stop and may have to go back to that. Seems less wasteful than throwing away a half full bottle.
Racing: But, in good news, I am training up to see if I can/should/have the option to run the Hatfield McCoy as a full marathon. I’m registered as a half marathon. After an email, I was told that I can let them know if I want to up to a full…no big deal! So, I have several more weekends and I’ll know if I’ve got it in me…another marathon in my system!
AND, I signed up for a “little” race…in an effort to move away from “BIG” race circuit, I found a little point-to-point race! YAY! I love fall running!
guess, i’m not unlike the respondents of this May 2013 Runners World survey….but i don’t recommend taking a few months off…unless you cannot help it!
runnin' rollin' runnin' 