Well, the goal throughout the marathon training process was to blog about it once a week. Clearly, that lasted about a week! So I'll just make it my goal to update as often as possible. Training is going very well. I can tell that I'm getting into better shape (slowly, but surely!) because the short runs of the week are getting easier and easier. The really challenging part for me is the long runs on Saturday mornings. Not only is it not extremely exciting to get up and run 8 or 9 miles at 7 am on Saturday, but working nights forces me to try to find someone to trade days with me so I will be able to sleep on Friday night before running. So far, I haven't had any problems, but this next schedule seems to be giving me a bit of trouble. Hopefully I'll get it all worked out!
This past Saturday was the Fort Worth Cowtown 10K race. Here are just a few things I learned about running in a race:
- ALWAYS check the weather! Seeing as it had been almost 90 degrees the week before, I did not check the weather, and was NOT prepared for the 30 degree race day!
- Do not check any of your belongings in at the runner's check in tent. It will take far too long to get them back after the race.
- If it is allowed for your race, try not to forget your iPod. Running 6 miles would have been much more enjoyable if I had been jammin'!
- Do not be surprised when that 85 year old man passes you. And then when another senior citizen passes you. It's going to happen. Just run your race.
- When you get tired or hit a wall, think of something very inspiring. For me, it was my brother. Kyle deployed this morning. He didn't get a choice as to go or not go. Therefore, in my running, I often think of him and my motivation returns. I love you, Kyle! Know that we miss you and are praying for you!
And just for fun, here is the link to the pictures they took at the race. I refuse to spend the outrageous amount of money to have them saved on my computer, so I'll just provide the link for you to visit. And as always, below is the link to my fundraising page! Please help out by donating! Every amount helps! Just as my brother didn't get a choice, those diagnosed with leukemia and lymphoma don't get a choice!
http://www.brightroom.com/go.asp?49581092
http://pages.teamintraining.org/ntx/rnr09/mflenniken
Stay tuned!!!
