"The Journey is Part of the REWARD" by SenoraHarlow

"Before running a Marathon, Learn HOW to run" is Hal Higdon's subtitle advice for Chapter 3 titled "Your very FIRST steps" of his book that I am reading. I am now in the official learning stage. I am enjoying the learning portion of my journey and can't seem to get enough information on training, nutrition, hydration, and all of the steps involved in preparing for a Marathon.  It is interesting to see all the different information and perspectives of the process.  I especially appreciate reading about the "mistakes" that people have made in training, diet, nutrition, etc. so that I may be fortunate enough to avoid some of them though I have no doubt that I will make a few  if not many of my own.

I have been pleased with my training progress though I do get frustrated in my results. I ran the Buddy's Race for the Cure 5k in 32:12 - aprox. 10:30 min per mile. The Autumnfest 8k on Thanksgiving day averaged about the same - time 53:06.  This is frustrating for me when I can remember a time, O.k. eventhough it was WAAAYYY back when and before 4 kids, that I used to run 8min - 8:30 minute miles or better in my best o'best a shape.  All I can do is to keep training and believing that the improvements will come.  After the 8k, i wondered could I run what I just ran another 4 1/2 more times.  Ugh, hard to imagine! Fortunately, I have time and motivation on my side, so will just be consistent and do the miles and cross training and try to attain improvement over time and not push myself to injury.  It is a hard balance, though, because most times I don't feel that I push myself enough and I that I settle for way less than what I am capable of which leaves me feeling a lack of an ability to "push" myself to be the best that I can. I try to remind myself that it is a process, a road to be traveled, a journey to a destination and that destination is simply (ha, ha) completing the Covenant Health Knoxville Marathon on March 29th. I remind myself that if the mere completion of my goal goes well, then there are other marathons that I can train for and the ability to become better is going to be present. It is a struggle inside of my own mind.

For training, I have a 3 day a week running workout, 2 days of cross training (elliptical & weights/ body pump class) and 2 days of true rest as my general rule. Of course, the mileage and intesity will be increasing so I should be up to par in 4 months. I am super pleased and the toning & endurance results & the 18 lb weight loss that  I have had this past 4 months since renewing my commitment to health & Fitness in August.  I look forward to that only improving as I go.