Week 3

Not so motivated today. I didn't get enough sleep last night and I worked my ass off today at work. Uuhg! I am tired and hungry and I have to work again at 4am. Ick. I did make it running today though and for that I am grateful. I do feel better now that I've run but I'm not super stoked about having to run again tomorrow. And longer. I hope this is just one of those days. Time to eat. And sleep.

Training: 3.5 mile run
Mind: yaaarrrrr

DAY 12

Just got back from a wonderful weekend of camping. I love the outdoors. I had a long run on Saturday and it went well. I was out in the woods so I got to run on trail. Definitely much easier on the knees. I love the Mckenzie River! It was so nice to be surrounded by such beautiful scenery. The trees smelled delicious and the water was so crisp and clean. I think I am going to make it a point to run all my long runs on trail. I definitely need to switch it up so that I'm not always running on cement. My knees are already a bit cranky and I need to be nice to them. Injury prevention is the key to running a marathon!!! This also gives me a great opportunity to discover more of Oregon's amazing trials. It's like I'll be going on a mini vacay every weekend. SWEET! Overall, I'm still feeling good and positive. I did miss a cross-training day last Thursday but I'm not going to beat myself up over it. Life happens and if you want to avoid Portland traffic, you gotta get out of town early. I think my main focus this week will be on my diet. It's super important to feed the body appropriately while training. I need to eat more of the right kinds of carbs and protein and less simple sugars and tater tots. That being said, I'm pretty sure I want someone to meet me at the finish line with a large cheese pizza. Rad.

Training: 4 mile run (Saturday)
Days til race: A lot
Mind: curious

Day 7

No worries, despite my lack of blogging I have still been training. My goal was to write everyday but it seems that might not happen. I will do my best to keep up though and hopefully I can figure out a daily routine that always includes blog time. Regardless, training has been going well. I stretched and strength trained for about 45 minutes on Sunday and it was nice. I ran 3 miles yesterday and I felt good. I've discovered a website (with help from my good friend Phaedra) that allows you to track your mileage and even find new routes to run. Pretty neat. Now, I don't have to go spend $200 on some fancy tracking device that the running store offers. Awesome. I picked up the book "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer," and have started digging in to all that it has to share about running one's first marathon. A lot of the words are CAPITALIZED and sometimes it feels like I'm listening to a motivational speaker. Funny stuff. One of the first things the book says is not to establish a finish time for your first marathon. I think this is the best idea ever. It gives me the opportunity to focus on my main goal which is to finish the race. I've got 4 hours to go 13.1 miles and I know that's possible. So far so good and I hope to keep up the positive attitude. I've been warned that you can't finish a marathon without continually believing in yourself and maintaining positive thoughts. Here here. I feel this philosophy may find it's way in to all parts of my life and make living that much sweeter. Sweet!!

Training: 4 mile run
Days til race: 102
Weather: It rained today but was nice when I ran
Mind: persistent

Day 4

I woke up early today and all I could think about was running. I ate a Luna bar and hit the road. It was my first long run today and I wasn't quite sure what to expect. I can't remember the last time I ran more than 3 miles at once. Perhaps back in high school when I ran JV cross country but I doubt it. Now, it's not that my run today was much longer than I'm used to but it's still a distance I don't know well. I'm sure I will cherish 4 mile runs soon enough. Anyway, the run started out great and was going well until about the 3 mile mark when I had to go to the bathroom. Big bathroom not hold it bathroom. I tried to use a Honey-Bucket I passed but it was locked, I thought about just going along side the road somewhere but thought better, and then, a lovely little coffee shop appeared. Thank god. After continuing my run, I found myself randomly amid a leukemia and lymphoma run/walk benefit. I tried to keep pace with some of the runners but after about a block I had to slow down. It was kinda neat to have the feeling I was actually running in a race, if only for a block. I ended my 4 miles with a sprint and it felt awesome. The only pain I had was in my back lower right leg and I believe proper stretching could have prevented this from happening. I am a bit worried about shin splints and I hope to figure out how to work through any and all further running induced issues. I may need new shoes. Overall a great day and it's only noon. Sweet.

Training: 4 mile run
Days til race: 105
Weather: sunny and cool
Mind: content

Day 3

Today I rest. I've been advised to let my muscles rest if I want them to build strength. Apparently, muscles need time to utilize the proteins and amino acids from our diets to repair themselves and get bigger. I don't really feel like I need a rest but I do want stronger muscles. Ahhhh, a day of relaxation. I woke up at 10am and it was awesome. I love that I don't have to work today either. It's nice to wake up late, walk the dog, eat a bagel, do a crossword, and still have the afternoon open to get stuff done. I think I'm going to figure out my 4 mile run route. I actually tried to do this earlier but I got stuck behind a train and eventually had to turn around, thus adding mileage to my odometer. I should probably just go pick up some sort of mileage counter somewhere. Maybe I'll check out the running shop up the street. Wow, I don't think I've ever uttered those words before in my life. I guess that's what change is all about.

Day two-woo hoo

It's crazy how many people will give you tips, pointer, and help if you ask. I've been given some great advice at the anfang of this feat and I want to thank you all. The best advice so far has been to listen to my body, be patient, stretch, and enjoy the occasional imbiber. Occasional. It is true that I have decided to cut most meat out of my diet, drink a shit ton more of water, and rarely drink alcohol. I know this might seem impossible if you know me but I am determined to change my life. I want to live a longer healthier life and getting wasted on a regular basis doesn't fit into that plan. I have relied on spirits and booze for too long and now it's time to rely on myself. My body is a temple and I must respect and nurture her. Anyway, I'm feeling good and focusing on getting informed. A friend recommended that I get the book "The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer." I ordered it on-line from Powell's and it should be ready for pick-up in 1-4 days. It's been a great day.

Training: 3.2 mile run, 45 min of stretching and weight lifting
Days til race: 107
Weather: Another beautiful day in P-town
Mood: Optimistic

Day 1

Today was the first day of my training and it went well. I feel good. I'm not quite sure what I'm doing yet, but, I'm hoping to figure it out. I'm guessing if I just run A LOT I will get better at running right? I know there are certain strategies and training programs for this type of thing and I will definitely be looking into those over the next 3 1/2 months. I will also be talking to people who have ran marathons before and asking for their advice and help. Anyone have any advice? I also need to register for the race because once I do that, there's no turning back. I like the idea of going to Vegas and doing more than drinking too much and spending too much money. Sin City here I come. It might be a sin to run a half marathon. Good god am I crazy?

Training: ran 3.2 miles
Weather: Hot 90 degrees
Days Til Race: 108
Weight: 134
Mind: Feeling Motivated