16 Weeks.....

The end of week one......one down, 15 to go!

This week was the start of a new training session, a 16 week rigorous plan to make it to the Tobacco Road Marathon (then 4 wks recovery until Boston!!)   I must say, coming off of the City of Oaks Marathon just 3 weeks ago has left me a little drained and a lot disappointed.  The training was too short for that race and the timing just wasn't right, but I knew that going in so I wasn't surprised with my horrendous performance.  Nevertheless, blasting out that negativity and searching for some positivity is what is necessary to begin a new training plan.  So, 31 miles accomplished this week and many more miles to come, I'm ready.

I've been thinking of running slogans, mantras, t-shirt ideas as inspiration for running.  It's funny how one little idea can consume your brain when you go out for a long run without your iPod!  I thought about those who don't run because they're physically unable, those that don't run because they won't, those who choose to run, those who run because they love to, and many more scenarios.

Why do I run?  When I was young,  I ran because I drove my parents and teachers crazy with my busy body and uncontrollable amounts of energy, and I suppose I still run in part for that same reason.  I run because I can, I'm able, I've been given the ability to run.  I run because I love that time in the morning to myself, a time to refresh my mind, body, and soul before the family takes over me.  I run because it makes me feel good, empowered, happy, fresh and lively.  I run because it's become a huge part of who I am and what I believe in.  I run to inspire my children, to let them know that they can do anything they put their mind to.  I love the challenge that running brings, the struggles too.  I run to stay in shape, healthy, strong, and sane.

So my mantras?  My favorites are from two of my children, the 12 yr old said, "You can't hit a sonic boom walking."  Today, my three year old (while running with me on the trail) kept saying, "Run with me, run with me mommy (for 2 whole miles!)"  I love that, it speaks volumes to my heart to know that my kids are taking part in what makes me a better mama.  Other ones I thought of, "Suck it up"  "This is my gift"  "Discipline your mind, Endure this run"  "Run Aimlessly"  "Run to Obtain it"  "Be in this Moment"  "Run Satisfied"  "Trail Affair"  "Trail or Road, that is the question"  "I'd rather be running."

Onward I go, 15 weeks and counting.