#sweatpink – Masher Runs

With less than a month left to go before the big day. I’ve really started to focus in on the fact that I am indeed going to run a marathon. It still seems surreal. Sometimes I can’t believe I’m running that far, and other times I feel like it’s just a half. Sometimes it hits me at the most inopportune moments, like when I’m driving. Most times it ends up in a small panic attack, I feel sick to my stomach and wonder what I got myself into. Luckily, I’ve been able to block everything out, all thoughts, stresses, concerns are out the door while running. It’s the time in between runs that gets me thinking….

What’s the weather going to be like on race day?
What should I wear? Should I get a new outfit? Yes!
Should I get a massage the day after the race or wait until that weekend?
Am I going to be hungry during the race? Should I bring Clif bars with me?
What if my iPod doesn’t work?
What if my Garmin stops?
How many friends can I get to join me in this race?
What happens if it starts to storm?
Am I really running 26.2 miles?
How many hills will I have to suffer through?
Why do I enjoy the long runs better than the short runs now?
What kind of time should I try for? Can I do it in under 5:00? Under 4:30?
What if I enjoy it too much? What if I become addicted?
How many times will I need to refill my hand held?
What flavor Sport beans should I bring?
What should I get myself for a finishers gift?
Should I take a picture while running through The Shoe?
How did I become crazy enough to run a marathon?

What do you thinking about while running? Do you block out all thoughts when running?

Going in I knew this week would be crazy, but also very important. If I didn’t get a long run in, I knew I wouldn’t be ready for Columbus. Starting off with the long weekend, I took Monday as a day to catch up on sleep, unpack and survive allergies. I followed up the weekend with a work trip to Mississauga, a city outside of Toronto. I wasn’t able to check out the city like before, but I did take advantage of some fantastic food. Seriously, I’ve never had a bad meal in the Toronto area.

My feet and legs took a small beating after standing for two days and riding in the car for 6 straight hours both ways. However, I was able to get a short run in while I was there and another after I got back. I wanted to be careful during the week, because I had a weekend filled of racing that I wanted to be ready for.

Monday: Rest Day

Tuesday: 2 Miles

Wednesday: Rest Day

Thursday: 3 Miles

Friday: Rest Day

Saturday: 3 Miles (Run for the Record 5k)

Sunday: 14 Miles (River Run Half Marathon)

Total Miles: 22 Miles

Saturday was my easy race day, I paced my sister in her first 5k. I found the race months ago, and decided it should be a pretty flat course. The weather was ideal as it stopped raining about 5 minutes before the start. It was a good event and I’m proud of Claire for finishing her first 5k. She’ll have her recap posted here later this week.

Sunday was my second race of the weekend. I needed the miles, so I figured the best way to get them done was to sign up for a half. I even added an extra mile once I got back home. I’ll have that recap later this week as well.

Overall, I had a pretty good week. My weekday runs need to be a little bit longer, but so do my weekend runs. I feel much more confident about Columbus training now, knowing I can still get the long miles in even though I had to take some time off. And an added bonus to this week, I became a Sweat Pink Ambassador. I’m excited to continue to grow myself as a runner and learn more from this group!