I'm going to go get you breakfast and then I'm going to go for a run when I get back.
Um, mom, you just walked 7 1/2 miles yesterday. Are you sure you should be running today?
Yeah, mom, why are you running today if you just went yesterday?
I promise it's going to be really short today - I just need to get some actual run time in.
Um. Oookkaaayyyy. (Said with a look that clearly shouted you are insane!)
Bye Mommy!
25 minutes later... wow! That really was fast! We're still eating.
Go mom!
So, maybe I was a little crazy this morning. I was a little sore from yesterday, but I knew I had to push to keep my lungs going strong. So, I set out with one objective - go run up the hill at the park. That's all. No big deal. My legs begged to differ and my lungs reminded me I need to get some speed workouts and hill workouts in the mix. But - up the hill I went.
Some photos from the park - these images are not my own. I'm so blessed to have such a great place to run down the block from my house. Very thankful.
Just a little update from last week's blog - I have had a lot of emails and phone calls regarding my post on the 17th about why I'm running. Many of you have encouraged me to talk to Jason and share this with him. Several of you have voiced your concern about the safety of me choosing to do this run. I have spoken with Jason, and he is now aware of what I'm attempting to do and why. He was 1000% supportive and very encouraging. While it makes me feel even more pressured now to actually cross the finish line (pressure from myself - not him), the conversation reassured me more than anything, and gave me even more determination to get out there and do this. As far as my safety and the "medical sanity" (I loved that term Mickey!) of me doing this run - my doctors know I am very in tune with my body and very aware when things are not the way they should be. Right now I am feeling better than I thought I would at this point. I continue to struggle with the nausea and inability to eat well, but it isn't affecting my runs or long walks. I do better snacking throughout the day and not attempting to eat big meals. The numbness and pain when I run has not been nearly as bad as it has been in the past. The fact that I'm able to continue through it and not have to stop is immensely reassuring. I haven't had any headaches while running, and nothing during my runs has caused me any concern. I get tired and sore - just like any other runner - but my medical issues have not created any problems in the past two weeks of running or walking - even at the longer distances. My ankle is holding up well now - even without a brace or compression sock on. It doesn't bother me to run on it. I'm careful about resting it on the off days and icing it after the run days. I am surrounded by all kinds of personal trainers, coaches, and physical therapists every day, and have lots of resources available if I need them. So, while I appreciate and understand everyone's concerns, I'm okay right now, and my doctors are (somewhat) okay with me attempting this. We have some emergency plans in place - just in case - and I know when to say that's it - end of the line - and when to stop. I promise I won't do anything to put myself, my kids, my teammates or anyone else in jeopardy. :) I also have a fall-back plan. If I wake up race morning and know 13.1 isn't happening - I have the opportunity to drop down to the 10K or even the 5K if I have to. So - no matter what - I'll be okay.
Speaking of the past two weeks of running and walking - I have logged 32 miles during these two weeks!! I can't remember ever doing that! What's even cooler is that when I looked at the log today, I realized that exactly 13.25 of those miles have been running! SO - I've already done a half-marathon!! Yay me! It only took me two weeks!! :) Now I just need to do all of those miles on one day - preferably in less than 3 hours - not over a two week span of time. No problem! Right?? RIGHT?!
Seriously, Tahoe is going to be here before we know it. I can't predict what's going to happen on race day. I can only hope and pray that God gives me the strength and endurance I need to finish and reach that elusive goal. I just want to honor Him every step of the way and be a light to those around me. I don't know what the future has in store - but what I DO know about the race weekend is that I'm going to be with some of my favorite people, in my favorite place on earth, doing something that I'm passionate about, and having a great time while there doing it. I'm praying that my race motivates many of you to give to our feature charities - Wears Valley Ranch and the Family Crisis Center of Great Bend. Visit http://www.youcaring.com/carerunners to donate. I hope race day goes perfectly, and that I cross the finish line with a smile on my face and thanking God the entire time. But, if for some reason I can't or don't get to finish, or even run, I'll still be thanking God for this journey He set my feet on and for the lessons learned along the way. I'll especially be thanking Him for the incredible people He's placed in my life for this time and place. You guys are the best. I can't thank you enough. And Jason - not sure if you will ever see this - but thank you again. I don't think I could ever adequately convey how much I appreciate that conversation.
Finally, before I log off here, I wanted to let you know that I have been once again named an official race ambassador for the Blue Ridge Marathon - Anthem Star 10K in Roanoke on April 21, 2017.
There's also talk of another big race in Tahoe in June... I can't say too much right now - but go visit http://www.epictahoe.com if you want a sneak peek. ;) I'll talk more about that AFTER the Lake Tahoe Marathon weekend next month.
Enjoy your Sunday. Go out and do something active. Challenge yourself to try something new. Whatever you decide to do, go be a light while doing it! You never know who you are inspiring or what impact you are having on those around you. Shine brightly for Him!
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