4:42 marathoner

Words can't even describe how I feel right now. After 18 weeks of training, I have achieved what I once thought was impossible. When I first started running years ago in Montreal I never thought I could run a marathon- if someone had said to me after running that 10 km race that one day I would run a marathon I seriously would have thought they were insane. But strangely enough how I felt yesterday was similar to how I felt when I crossed that 10km finish line years ago. The sense of accomplishment and achievement is still the same- no matter what the distance.

I think one of the main reasons that I achieved what I did yesterday has a lot to do with the people that are in my running life. Some may think that running is a pretty solitary sport and maybe for some that is the case, but one of the main joys of running for me have been the people that I have met along the way. All of the people I have run with have helped me become the runner that I am.

I can't believe that I have run a marathon- is a really surreal experience. Crossing that finish line has made me realize that I can achieve the things I set my mind too. Impossible really is nothing.

Longest run yet

This Sunday I managed to run the longest distance I have ever run- 35 km and then some (I say then some because I think I may have added some distance by messing up the route). The route took us all over the place and I also experienced another "First"- seeing what Scarborough look like!

The run was a really good one for me physically and mentally. If I could run a race like that I would be extremely happy. I also was really proud of myself for finishing this distance. It made me realize that I should have confidence in myself and that I can accomplish anything I set my mind to. I think when I cross the finish line at the Scotiabank Waterfront Marathon at the end of this month it will mark a new chapter in my life.

A painful run yesterday and after running 23km in hot and humid weather I started to really think can I possibly add 20km to this?

So...

I know that this blog was supposed to be about my road to the marathon, but today's entry is not really about running--more like my lack of running these days.  At the moment I just feel so overwhelmed, useless, and all round tired (emotionally and mentally more than physically).  I haven't slept more than two nights in my own bed since July 29th and won't sleep in my own bed again until August 25th.  My diet is thrown off and I can't eat where or when I want.  Am just worried about if I will actually fulfil my goal and my dream at this point.  Agh am way too emotional.

completed 29 km today along the Lakeshore...feeling slightly out of it right now and currently lying in bed watching the first season of Ugly Betty..also wondering how on earth am I going to manage to run 13 km more than that....feeling also apprehensive about the up-coming travel plans. Hoping it won't affect the running that much and at the moment am just grateful for the fact that I leave on Tuesday morning and not tomorrow morning. Could not possibly pack right now.

Why am I doing this?

The title of this entry isn't referring to why am I trying to attempt to run a full marathon, but really is more trying to answer the question of why I am keeping this blog. I just finished watching a video of Mena Trott explaining why she and others blog. Why do we really blog when we know that no one is even reading this?

The most simple answer is that I am a bit of a narcissist, but the more complex answer is that I personally really want to document this experience- the highs and lows of training for a marathon. I want to be able to look back on this time of a my life and see how I was feeling at any given point. To be able to document this experience is a powerful and intimate thing. In years to come when I have a family of my own or my children's children have a family of their own I want them to be able to see what I did...ok, wait- maybe I am a narcissist?

Running in Zilker Park, Austin

If you ever find yourself in Austin, Texas definitely check out Zilker Park for its great running trails. Beautiful routes, great water fountains, and even a couple of showers to wet your head if you are too hot! Fantastic! Did my 10km tempo run there (although not too sure if it was really tempo...)

Even a statue of Stevie Ray Vaughn to check out along the way...

Hotel Running

Training for this marathon will not only involve me doing a lot of running distance-wise, but will also involve me doing a lot of running in hotel gyms. Had my first hotel treadmill experience--considered running outside, but is super humid here in San Antonio and have no clue where to run, so just decided to bite the bullet and run in the hotel gym (Holiday Inn Riverwalk in San Antonio= not the best gym)....But I managed to do the 6m I was supposed to do tonight and also managed to calculate what 6kms is in miles...well, had some help with that...otherwise known as conversion calculator.

From TO to QC

Apparently by the time this marathon training is over I will have run from Toronto to Quebec City which according to Google Maps is 796 kilometers. Kind of nuts.

Tired Feet

I never gave much thought to feet before I ran- just liked them to squeeze into pretty shoes. Now, have a lot of respect for my feet and what they are going through. They are now tired feet.

13 km through the beltline

Sunday morning run through one of Toronto's trail systems. Felt a bit fast at first, but got into the pace more midway through. It is also nice to get on the trails as it is cooler and better for the joints.

Then when the run was over grabbed a bite to eat at Cfood which is awesome- great place to grab a brunch that lets you have the best of both worlds- you get to choose three items on their menu!

Doing the best that you can do

So, I'm only going to complain once as I figure why would I complain about summer and heat when I long for this season all year. Anyways, ran 10km tempo in the heat and it was hot. The group this year seems to be characterized by those who want to qualify for the Boston Marathon and those of who just want to cross the finish line. So, there seems to be a bit of a difference in paces!

Is actually kind of a good learning experience being towards the back of the pack! I spend so much of my time being concerned with being the best and in running I'm not the best runner- I just attempt to do my best which I have come to realize is also a great achievement. So, each time I'm on a run I really do admire those people that make running look so easy (you know those types that just fly by you looking like they could do this all day long and hardly breaking a sweat), but I'm also proud of me as I know that I am running the best that I can for my ability.

First training run and stretching...

First 6km run tonight with the group- feel excited and also happy that I stretched with the group. Am going to try and keep this stretching thing up although all I want to do is bolt after there after the run. Is so weird but I can run for ages but not be bothered to stretch for 10 minutes- mmm, think it is something to do with my impatient personality or just the fact that I have horrible flexibility.

apprehensive. nervous. excited. all of the above apply right now.

Salt and Vinegar Chips

You read it here first- tomorrow is the day I'm giving the up. Figure I need to start cutting out things that are not good for me. So, if anyone who knows me sees me with a bag or even a mere chip in my hand take it away from me. I may be mad, but I'll thank you later.

Thoughts from Friends.

Some inspirational thoughts from fellow runner friends.

Partners in Crime

The thoughts from those who will also be attempting to run the marathon. We've been running together for a year now and have successfully completed many running clinics together. Both of them have become great friends to me. We recently had a party to commemorate the finishing of our last running clinic and this is their thoughts on if we are going to run the marathon in the Fall.

The Beginning

I never thought I would be here and by "here" I mean sitting in my bed writing a blog about how I am going to run a marathon. For the longest time I have thought that people who run marathons are crazy. Why would anyone want to do that to themselves? But after running 5 half marathons, training through snowstorms, and heat warning I have to ask myself that the reason I might be here is because I am also a crazy person.

Don't get me wrong I love running. I love the feeling and the satisfaction of it. I love the people I run with.

I always told myself that the marathon was not for me. It was not something that I wanted to do or could do. I always remember my first 10km race and after finishing it if someone had said to me go back and run that again I would have punched them.

But like I said here I am sitting in my bed and my marathon training starts on Tuesday. Why am I doing this? I think it's simply because I want to prove to myself that I can. I also will be making this journey with a couple of other friends, so at least I won't be alone.