Tooting My Own Running Horn

I am so SO excited about my last two runs, again, it's all thanks to my friend Shelah who's taught me (unknowingly probably) how to push myself. Rachael once asked if I liked running, and to be honest, I'm not sure. Sometimes I think absolutely no. Most of the time I start a run I think that actually. But if the stars are aligned and I feel great during it, I really get a rush from it.

I run mostly because it's just something I can do, I mean that very literally. Most of us have the simple capability to run, even if it's hard. I don't have to have props or skills or talents to do it, I can just do it (wanna sponsor me Nike?). So I started to when I was in college really and have done a few 5Ks here and there.

Once I had kids it's become more important to me though because time is much more limited and I wanted something to do that was for me. I knew I wanted to work out, but with running I can sign up for races which provide me with that adrenaline and competitive edge I don't get from motherhood. Races are just something to look forward to so the mundane day-to-day jogs are more tolerable.

I've tried to not put many running times in here because it seemed a little weird for non-race times, but I'm so proud of these past two runs and I don't know if I'll ever be able to do them as well, so I'm putting them on the record!

Here's a little Afton marathon training history:

*5 weeks ago I ran 18 miles and then left for Peru for two weeks

*3 weeks ago we came back from Peru and ran twice in those two weeks we were gone (a 2 miler and a 3 miler--not exactly good marathon training). I ran 18 miles and about died, it was so hard. I actually stopped at 17.3 miles to squat down and stretch because my back was having some kind of spasms (and had to embarrassingly turn down an offer for a ride home)
--those were 10min10sec miles

*2 weeks ago I ran 15 miles, I think 9min45sec miles

*1 week ago I ran 21.35 miles with my super fast marathon friend
--8min12sec miles!!! A HUGE difference, and in only a week and on 5 hours sleep! I was elated (I'd also done a 10 miler a few days before)

*Yesterday I ran 15 miles, 7.5 of those with my fast friend. Get this--
--7min52sec miles! I was so afraid I wouldn't be able to keep it up on my own that I actually went a little faster than when I was with her (sorry for holding you back that first half Shelah, I just didn't want to burn out!)

A few years ago Josh and I ran our first half (13.1 miles). I finished in in 1h56min. A couple of months ago Josh and I ran another half and I finished in 1h47min. Yesterday during my run, I just checked my watch to see what I'd be at if I were running a half marathon and at 13.1 and I was at 1h43 min! I was so excited! I have to say, the one a couple of months ago was hilly and very humid and we'd been sick for like a month straight, so hopefully I would've done better under better conditions.

Anyway, I'm SO happy! I never thought I could do that well and it's all because of running with someone who I was afraid of holding back. I guess I always thought I was pushing myself because running is just always hard for me, but yesterday I realized what pushing yourself really is. Now I'm nervous about the marathon, I really want a good time, but it's my first and it will be hilly so I'm afraid that will make it slower.

Any last minute tips? It's in two weeks! Wish us luck!