Finally

In late November, my poor Apple desktop completely crashed.....finished....done....gave up.  It was old, worn out and tired, but it kept me in touch with the world and I liked it (even though it was slower than molasses!)  My android phone gets internet and email, does a few fancy things, but you simply can't type an entire blog entry on that little thing and expect yourself to be headache free when you're done, so I've been out for a bit.

I'm happy to report that on Friday, my husband surprised me with a new Apple iMac that feels like a Cadillac compared to what I was working with before, my goodness it's fast!!  I'm smitten.  So, I'm back in touch with reality, the blog world, internet, pictures, etc!!

As for running?  There's about 8.5 weeks to go before the Tobacco Road marathon and I'm starting to feel like I'm in a good pattern, finally.  The past several weeks have been spent running many miles on hilly trails and at slower paces, it's all good but I hate feeling so slow.  Those miles were important for building strength, stamina and endurance, so I get it.  But, we're moving on to the next phase....miles plus pace and I'm looking forward to the new challenges this will bring.

Yesterday was the end of this week's training that concluded the 48 mile week with a long run of 20 miles.  It was honestly the first long run that felt good, great even.

icy bridges early morning

steam rising off the trail

Yes it was long, but I was both surprised and happy with how my body felt.  I realized that my legs felt strong, my heart rate under control, my breathing very easy and steady, so really it's all about my head.  It's easy to talk yourself out of a hard run or tell yourself to walk when you should push harder, it's more mental than physical.  I felt physically strong and capable yesterday so all I needed was the mental part to join in, it came together like a harmonic symphony!  Finally....at last....ahhh....





Not every run will be harmonic, feel great, or go well, that's why I don't run based on "feelings."  I run with my schedule in hand, follow the plan, do it even if it doesn't feel good.  Monday didn't feel good, I was sucking wind, cursing the track with every stride, and absolutely hating the run....really hating it.  It's those tough days and hard work outs that make you stronger, so suck it up and get it done.  Your day of happy running will come.  My mantra on Monday was "Shut up and Run," but my mantra on Friday was "Think strong, Be strong, Finish strong."

I'm not at the pace I want to be yet, but I know it's coming, I'm working for it.  I'm just thankful it was a great run on the trail, especially when I had to run it solo!!