27 days and counting down.....

Last week I took the time to go back over my training for the Portland Marathon and look especially at my mileage from week to week.  In twelve weeks I've ran 330 miles, for an average of 27.5 miles per week.  My highest mileage has been 38 miles and my lowest at 18 for the very first week of training.  I've had 2 5k races, a 10k race, two team triathlons, and my very first mini sprint solo triathlon as well during the last 12 weeks.  I've ran 13.1 miles and beyond a total of eight times which includes two TWENTY mile runs that were 6 days apart. 

That doesn't seem like much if I would get into the comparison game but I refuse to even go there!  I am not competing with anyone but myself.  I am not doing this for anyone but myself and God.  I truly have nothing to prove but simply see what my brain and body can endure and I'm finding out that God has really stretched me beyond my wildest dreams in the last 2 years and 9 months. 

Now to throw in my cross training for the past 12 weeks as well:  weights, yoga, hikes, walks, biking and a tri practice each week since the first part of July.  Generally I do weights T/Th mornings and then yoga those same evenings.  Since I began training I've also learned to swim free-style.  I really enjoy all of it and I believe cross training is very vital to the success of my combating an auto immune disease as well as not having as many issues with my heart.   

This past Saturday morning I participated in a 10k event because I really like the race director, a LOT!  ;-) And I enjoy being around other runners.  I've sat a few races out the past three months because of my training and wanting to stay on task but since I have a half marathon (See Jane Run) this Saturday, I decided it would be wise to back off about 10 days for tapering and the Fiesta 10k seemed like a good idea.  I was able to get an additional 4 miles of running in that same morning giving me a total of 10 miles that morning, win/win! 

At the Fiesta event I was blessed with a very special gift from a friend and I would like to take the opportunity here to thank her.  You have no idea how much you have become to mean to me and I so look up to you!  I also look forward to our friendship flourishing and you have so much to show me and grow me.  Thank you, Miss "Friend" for reminding me to listen to my body, to push, to not be a slacker, and to enjoy the journey!

**She blessed me with this lovely cycle jersey (thank YOU!!!) and so I wore it yesterday morning for an 11 mile bike ride before Sunday school and church as that was all the time I had extra in my morning.  I love it and it is just perfect!!  The last 12 weeks I've put 302 miles on my bike! **

I am 4 weeks out, 27 days exactly.........and counting down - - -