Last Mid-Week 8 Miler

So today I have my last 8 mile weekday run on the schedule! Granted next week it only drops to 7miles, but it still feels nice to be headed in the other direction. I thought that the long weekend runs would be the worst part of the marathon training because the runs take 2-3 hours, but in reality I have plenty of time on the weekends to schedule it in. Turns out these longer weekday runs are more of a nuisance since they have to be done on a workday so I'll be glad to be done with them!

Speaking of long runs, I have my longest training run scheduled for this weekend - 20 miles! I may even try to do 22 miles if I'm not dying by the end. I can't believe I'm even talking about running that long, but I've done 19 miles already, so I guess 20 won't be too much farther. That's one thing that I didn't really appreciate about training for the marathon - not only does each run make me physically stronger and more prepared for the race, but it prepares me mentally too! I never would have thought I could run a marathon, but each week when I run just a bit farther it builds my confidence. Everyone says that in a marathon, the first 20 miles are all about your fitness and the last 6 are all about your mind, so hopefully all of this training will pay off and I can stay positive throughout the whole race!

It was the same when I first started running - every milestone is important and builds more confidence! I used to run ~1/10 of a mile before I had to stop to walk and I remember even getting to 1/4 of a mile was a huge accomplishment, then a mile, then several. You have to celebrate every bit of progress along the way because it is significant and it keeps you motivated to do more.

After this weekend, I start to taper for the marathon, which basically means my mileage will be cut back for the next 4 weeks to make sure I'm not totally worn out before the race. Typically a 3 week taper is recommended, but we are actually going skiing in Utah next weekend, so I decided to move my 20 miler up to this weekend since I likely won't be able to fit it in next weekend. Hopefully I don't break a leg skiing or anything! I haven't been in 5 years and I was never very good to begin with, but it is always fun anyway :)

I can't believe the marathon is almost here! I've really enjoyed training for it and seeing my progress over the last few months, but I will also be glad when it is over. Right now my activities every day revolve around how it will impact my running days. I'll be glad when I have a little more freedom in terms of planning my exercise. I'd like to get some more strength training in (nothing hardcore, just a Jillian Michaels' workout video or two) and get back to biking some when the weather warms up. I'm toying with the idea of training for a triathlon in August or September, but I'm undecided because there are so few pools to train in here and the memberships are expensive! So we'll see. But overall, I'm excited for the marathon and excited for it to be done too!!

Sorry for the long ramblings and no pictures today! Here's a funny picture of Ruby sitting like a human to satisfy you picture loving folks. She loves having her belly scratched and apparently this is how she thinks she can make it happen....

What a stinker. Happy Wednesday everyone!