Between running with my husband and my friend, Holly, it's been a while since I've done a long run by myself. This morning, there was a thin layer of fresh, light snow on the ground, but since it wasn't too cold, I decided to go ahead and go for it. After I took all of the kids to school, I ventured out and did a 12.5 mile loop from the house. It was actually quite peaceful and therapeutic for me to be out there on my own. I felt pretty good, for the most part. I've been fighting a mild head cold for the past couple of days, and my legs did start to get a little tired and "twitchy" after about 10 miles, but I'm just really happy with how strong I've been feeling lately. My pace wasn't quite as fast as it is when I run with Holly, but it was decent for me and I finished the 12.5 miles in about 2 hours and 20 minutes.
When I got home, the house was so quiet and empty. I put last night's episode of The Bachelor on Hulu, and got on the recumbent bike, working my legs for another 90 minutes.
Yesterday I had the chance to speak on the phone with my friend and running mentor, who will be running the Ogden Marathon with Chris and myself, along with a couple of other people. After talking with him, I felt a resurgence of excitement about the marathon, and the fact that we're just planning a fun time takes the pressure off. There will be at least two in our group for whom this will be their first marathon (including my very own husband), so we all agreed that we will try to stay together and not worry about our individual times. This concept is fine with me. As much as I love to improve and reach my own personal goals, I really just want to enjoy each marathon experience. Last week I signed up for the Pocatello Marathon ~ my second time running this one ~ and I plan to focus on that one to work towards my own PR. It's in September, so I can use the Ogden Marathon in May as an opportunity to gain more marathon experience, without too much stress, then work hard through the summer, and run Pocatello and see how much I've improved.
A mother's journey from non-runner to marathoner. If I can do it, anyone can...so get out there and run!
I love it that you are going to run with your hubby! That's awesome! I find those types (focused on fun and not time) are the best! Although, who doesn't like a new PR! ;o)
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