hey annie j: Training for the 26

When I think of summer time, running my guts out isn't really the first thing that comes to mind. But, that has really been what our summer has been composed of! When we signed up for the marathon in the spring we really didn't think through all the time it would take to train. We didn't realize we'd committed to giving up every single one of our Saturday mornings for the next 5 months. There were a lot of other things that we really should have thought about a little more before signing our lives away... but I honestly wouldn't trade it now! I would not trade LAME sleeping in my bed (which I do every night... not exciting) for all of the gorgeous sunrises I've seen. I wouldn't trade the weak mentality I had for the strong, positive one I have now. I wouldn't trade my trained and toned muscles for the lazy and boring ones I had before. I wouldn't even trade all the money I've spent on new shoes, fuels, clothes, etc... because all of these things have allowed me to make amazing memories with my husband and see beautiful scenes. I have LOVED doing something I thought I could never do, and overcoming really hard challenges of distance, pain, early mornings and hills. It's the best feeling to do something I've never done before--every Saturday. I ran further than I have ever run almost every Saturday (cuz those are our long run days--heaven knows our training isn't restricted to Saturdays. Week day mornings are bright and early too!)

I am honestly amazed with myself and pretty proud too. It feels great to run... more than great! I'm addicted! I hate going a few days without it, I crave the feeling of sore muscles and tired lungs. Oh my heavens it feels good. I'm so glad I signed up for the marathon! It is going to be one of the most difficult things I've ever done, but I can't wait!