Treadmills, Logging the Miles but Getting Nowhere

Tuesday night was my weekly Run Club. Me and Patrick are just within reach of a PR but we never quite get there. Honestly I feel if we participated in an acutal race as opposed to running on Bayshore, chatting and having to cross into traffic we would shave serious time. But when we finally reach that goal I know we are going to be super proud. Maybe to be in true running shape we should start skipping the beers and upping the mileage, haha! No thanks.

Wednesday we had a down pour of rain. I had packed my running clothes so I could run right after work, but instead of hitting the pavement, I was a treadmill rat. Personally I hate running on treadmills. I get so bored and 3 miles can literally turn into the most painful run of my life. Call me crazy but when I am running I like to actually get somewhere, not watch the calories I am burning slowly rise. I tried to keep a good attitude, knowing that I need my upmost mental toughness if I am going to get this done. I plugged in my iPod and was ready to go. This is going to sound very narcissistic, but I loved watching myself in the mirror when I ran. I literally could not take my eyes off of myself. I most certainly was not checking myself out and thinking how good I looked, but it was so interesting to actually see what I look like while I am running. I found myself lifting my knees and dropping my shoulders. For 4 miles I literally watched myself run, and although I felt like a freak I really enjoyed watching my pony tail bounce back and forth as I ran. But don't think this little bout of self adoration is going to sway my opionion, I am an outdoor runner for life.

So Much to be Thankful For

With the Holiday long weekend I didn't get too off track. I did miss one short run but did manage to get my long run in for the week, which is a small victory when there were tons of distractions (food and football) to get in the way. I can't take too much credit though, my long run for the week was only 6 miles.

I may not have achieved my max mileage over the holiday weekend but I did realize how lucky I am and that I have many reasons to be thankful. I have my health and the ability to train and be a part of something great. Only a small percentage of people ever run a marathon in their lifetime and in a few short months I am going to be one of them. My Mom has started her radiation and in 5 weeks this whole cancer nightmare will be a thing of the past and my family can begin to move forward. I have great family and friends, who are the best support system ever. I am lucky enough to have a job, when so many people are unemployed. I have realized how truly blessed I am, even if it took dragging my turkey filled tummy for 6 miles to figure it out.

10th Time is a Charm!

So this is about a week late, but no less important. Last Tuesday me and Patrick celebrated our 10th run with the Four Green Fields Running Group! The official dry fit t-shirts we have been eying all these weeks were finally ours. Family and Friends came to celebrate with us, but I think they were just all looking for an excuse to drink. We even stayed for dinner, seriously the best burger I have ever had. It was a super fun, impromtu way for everyone to get together. My sisters home from college even made a cameo! I am not going to lie, the Blue Moons tasted much better when I wasn't the one footing the bill! Next goal is our 25th run, we get a shamrock patch to put on our shirt. And yes I am definitely going to be one of those losers that takes a pic in my FGF running jersey and tags it on the facebook page after I finish the marathon!