That’s how it’s done, you run out for eight miles, stop for a breather and turn around and run back. This weekend the 16-miler felt like a breeze… if you consider three hours of running on a Saturday morning a breeze! Hardly! Actually to be honest, it wasn’t that bad. Of course running out for eight miles knowing you were going to pass the same scenery on your way back was a bit of a disappointment.

This week was a big week with a lot of progress. I ran two 6-milers, two 3-milers, one of which was a hill route, and the long 16-miler on Saturday. Running the hill route was probably the toughest, as it’s hard to keep up the momentum when you’re climbing Queen Anne Avenue on one of the two sunny days we had last week.

This week I am excited to drop back down to 12 miles for the long run. Shaving off four miles will cut 40 minutes out of my run, giving me more time to enjoy the weekend.

Lately a lot of friends and co-workers have been approaching me talking about my training. Some think I am crazy (who enjoys running for hours at a time?) and others are envious, but all and all everybody is extremely supportive. I figure since I am 24-years-old, I have the time and determination… if not now, when? I have come to a point in my life where I recognize the abilities I have with my body now and realize someday the thought of a marathon won’t even be a possibility. I have fears of life-long knee injuries or other joint problems, but I am all about the now. I will worry about all of that later. For now, I feel great inside and out and I must seize the day.

In a little over five weeks I will be able to call myself a marathoner; just the thought of it gives me butterflies. Every run is a challenge and a reminder that I am pushing my boundaries and I am doing something I never imagined I could do. With every step I am rewarded…

Posted by Lindsay