Marathon training week 13 - Ouch!

"I've learned that finishing a marathon isn't just an athletic achievement. It's a state of mind; a state of mind that says anything is possible."  John Hanc

Last week was week 13 out of 18 of our marathon training.  We were supposed to run 4, 9, & 5 miles during the week, but I think I ended up running 7, 7, & 5 or something like that due to my weird work hours.  We finished the week off with an 18 mile run on Sunday.  Do you remember what the weather was like on Sunday?  If not, let me remind you, it was COLD and windy and dreary looking, oh and it was cold, did I mention that yet?  Brrrr.  Andrew wanted to run it around the lake in our hometown.  The loop is only roughly 6 miles, so what did we do?  Ran it 3 times of course!  I hated it, every second of it.  I was cold and never warmed up, therefore I couldn't ever get into my "running groove."  I also did not take in enough fluids, nor did I eat anything but a piece of toast prior to the race, and prior to that, hadn't had anything to eat in 24 hrs thanks to my hours right now.  I was in a bad mood the whole time I was running, poor Andrew.  It's such a bad feeling when you can't get into the groove when you are running and let your mind wander, well it is for me anyway, and it makes for a miserable 3 hours.  Oh and guess what?  It was cold!  Andrew liked the run though.  Thank goodness he did.  He may have sworn off this dang marathon if he didn't!  Don't worry though, I learned my lesson.  I will wear more clothes and eat and drink correctly this coming week.  Yes, mother dear, I promise!

"The man who can drive himself further once the effort gets painful is the man who will win."

- Sir Roger Bannister

Two years ago, I don't remember 18 miles being so bad, but then again, I don't really remember it at all.  Maybe it was bad and I just blocked it out of my mind?!?  Nevertheless, its over, finished and done with, thank goodness for that!  It's weeks like these where I have to look back at pictures and remember the awesome experience from start to finish...

Yep that's me with my hands in the air, at least I wasn't fist pumping like the guy next to me, I am saving that for this year!

A marathon is like life with its ups and downs, but once you've done it you feel that you can do anything. -unknown

It's time like these that I remember the runner's high and the incredible memories that were made with my family that can never be taken away.

Now, onto week 14...Gotta finish what's already been started!

We are different, in essence, from other men. If you want to win something, run 100 meters. If you want to experience something, run a marathon.  -Emil Zatopek