healthy laps

I have spent the last 14.5 weeks of my life training for the Philadelphia Marathon!  I have been running more than I ever have before.  Over three years ago when I first laced up my running shoes, I never could have guessed that I would be running 40+ miles per week.  When I started the program on July 20th, I thought I was crazy!  But, looking back it has been great!  I have incorporated speedwork and recovery runs and pace runs and tempo runs and long runs all into this 18 week program.  I have had my good days and bad days, as everyone does, but overall it has been a very positive experience.

I am virtually training with some friends on dailymile.com since we are in different places and run at different speeds.  We all follow the same plan and each day we log in our runs.  It is so motivating to complete your workout well when you know that you friends are out there doing the same thing!

Today was the day that I realized all of my hard work was paying off!  I ran a 6 mile run at a pace that I thought I never could have acheived!  6 miles in 49 minutes, which makes that about an 8 minute/mile pace.  When I finished my run, I couldn’t believe it – all of my hard work has been worth it!

I am usually tied to my Garmin.  I can’t even imagine doing a run without it!  But, today Mr. Garmin was all screwy with my pace, which made me run by feel, instead of by what my watch said.  This, apparently, was a very good thing!  It feels so nice to just run!

The marathon is less than 4 weeks away, and I couldn’t be more excited!  I finally feel confident that I am going to be able to reach my goal!

Filed under: Running Laps | Tagged: marathon, Running Laps |