First of all, yes I am aware the title of my blog is misspelled. It's on purpose. It was inspired by a card that a dear friend's daughter made for me for my 30th birthday. The front of it reads as the title does. It cracked me up! It also made me stop and realize a few things.
This past Friday I did indeed hit that 30 year milestone. While at first I was tempted to say....'I'm Old', 'Poor Me'.....blah blah blah, I realized I feel younger in so many ways than I ever have in my life! And I have been reminded of the wonderful family and friends that have supported me all along the way.
I have had more surprises in the last few months than you can shake a stick at! My hubby planned a great 30th bday party in July(yes 3 mos early as according to him he couldn't surprise me otherwise....it would be too obvious closer to the date) with my dearest friends from near and far and was fantastic! Then my little sis planned a dinner out with family while I was in town a couple weekends ago. Also awesome! My brother in the army who is deployed sent me a great bday email....amazing since he's so busy and on a different schedule than us. Then my mommy sent me flowers at work on my birthday! Then, my dear friend Ruth planned a surprise party at her house this past Saturday! So fun with all the kids. Sunday was lunch and cake at Chris' mom's house...and, and....that's it! Whew! I call it my birthday quarter! But seriously, it has reminded my how blessed I am to have such thoughtful, caring people in my life.
These are the same people who have supported me throughout my journey to my ultimate fitness goal...my first marathon! Whether its my hubby watching E so I can run for 3 1/2 hrs. on a Saturday morning, or words of encouragement from a family member, or meeting for a run after work with a friend....they have helped me get to where I am...less than 2 weeks from my marathon. I mean, at 21, I couldn't even fathom running a 5k, let alone train for a marathon, yet here I am....so close to that very event! So, turns out you really are only as old as you feel!
This past Saturday rounded out the last of my push upward for training.....my longest run so far. 20 miles! And wouldn't you know it? It was cold, and windy and...wait for it....rainy! At first I was hesitant to do it.....thinking nothing but negative thoughts about how to run that far in much less than desirable conditions...but then I had a thought. All season I have had perfect weather for my long runs...and all season I thought.....what if it rains during the race...how will I handle it? Well, I now got a chance to figure it out! So, that's how I looked at this run. An opportunity to run far in icky conditions...and then come race day I'll be mentally prepared for anything! Just hope it doesn't snow. :o)
So, I set out and despite mid 40's, windy,misty, then very rainy conditions, I made it! And I didn't just make it...I made it in less than my pace time for the race! Turns out I take to rain o.k!
Yes those last miles hurt, and yes it was hard, but now I feel ready!
Now, I just have to think positive things as I start my first ever taper. I'm already feeling a little down as a certain birthday with all its delights(read:cake...lots of cake), has me up a little on weight, but I hope that goes back to normal in the next couple days as I remember how to eat well again. Other than that, I was starting to dread and think...how will I run 6 miles PAST that longest ever run.....but turns out I'm not the only one with those thoughts....I think its pretty normal for a newbie marathoner wannabe. So, trying to take confidence from those who have been there done that....if only an article here and there in running magazines and such.
So, from here on out, only positive thoughts, rest, and some nice easy runs.
O.K. starting to actually get excited about it now! I can't wait!
See you at the finish line!
No comments:
Post a Comment