Thank God For Friends

One of many training runs

It's obviously not "news" that I'm running my first half-marathon, but it's definitely on the top of my brain right now. Seriously, from someone who was NEVER a runner and never going to be a runner, this is HUGE! I can't believe I'm doing it and it's less than 11 days away! So, why am I thanking God for friends? I would not be anywhere near ready for this if it weren't for friends, I never would've signed up if it weren't for friends telling me to, and I never would've considered the idea of running 13.1 miles if it weren't for watching friends do it (and then inspiring me!).

My always dependable running buddy, Bailey

I am now running distances that I never would have believed to be possible. I realize that many people in this world are runners and run A LOT, but I just ran my first 10 miler the other day and it felt awesome! Yes, I realize I'm behind my training schedule and I should be running longer distances, but I'm psyched enough with 10. No, I didn't run the whole thing "non-stop" and I'm okay with that. The point is, I set a new PR (runner's code for "personal record") for distance and I'm very pleased with that. I expected to be extremely sore afterwards but, to my own surprise, I wasn't. I was definitely tired though. I spent most of that day resting. I was so happy when Matt decided to postpone our trip to Mankato so I could spend the day on the couch, in my element, watching football. It's just too bad it was the Vikings' bye week.

October is breast cancer awareness month
get out and run for a loved one.

In addition to training "physically" for my race, I'm also training mentally and nutritionally. Running is absolutely a head game. No matter how hard you've trained or how far you've gone, your body can always go farther, it's your head that makes you stop. In my last few runs, I haven't given up "mentally" at all. I've set goals for my runs and achieved each of them, even surpassed some. In terms of nutrition, a friend mentioned doing the 24 Day Challenge again and both Matt and I jumped on board. Not only did we both need to cleanse again, but I figured it would be the perfect time to avoid unhealthy foods and focus on clean eating leading up to the race.

There have been a couple runs where I felt like I was running low on fuel but fortunately, I'd packed some healthy snacks to take with me. It was the best thing I've ever done. I've become a fan of my fuel belt, only for the long runs, but it sure has come in handy. Not only do I have water or another electrolyte enhanced drink, like Rehydrate  accessible, but I also pack fruit that is easy to pop in my mouth like grapes or a peeled Clementine. I've also read that peanut m&m's, granola or gummy bears are convenient foods to keep on hand. Many experienced runners use gels or specialty granola bars. Unfortunately I have not trained with these so I'm not going to switch anything up before my race as it can cause serious digestive/bowel issues while running. I'm not willing to try anything new right now so I'll just stick with my fruit.

One reason I run

So as I enter into my last full week of training, I will train smart, start to lay off the higher miles (after one more long run), and I will supply myself with the right fuel. As I run, I will remember the victims of the Boston Marathon bombings, I will run in honor of those who can't-due to breast cancer (or any other cancers, diseases, ailments, etc.), I will remind myself that I can do all things through Christ, who strengthens me and I will thank God for the friends and family who got me through this.

I have one last request to those friends, family and acquaintances- find a race and volunteer to help. There are so many great organizations out there that need helpers, and trust me, the runners wouldn't be able to do what they do without the hundreds of volunteers. Thank you in advance! And by the way, I'm sure the Mankato Marathon still needs help. Having volunteered last year, it gave me the bug to actually take part this year. ;)