I started this series in January to monitor my marathon progression – journaling biweekly to keep me accountable. 3 days before my Alaska marathon, I’m posting my last ‘Believe-to-Achieve’.
Although I didn’t follow any ‘established’ plan, over the past 6 months I developed a consistent routine listening to my body. A race a month minimum – check. Traversed ~ 750 miles, done.
That said, had not yet run a full 26 miles – even in training. Sunday (June 9th) was my day.
Attended church, then exchanged Sunday shoes for running shoes – goal: 26.5 miles.
16 miles in, seriously needed a bathroom break. Gotta figure this out – not sure what I’m gonna do on race day 🙁 At mile 23, stopped & puked. Yeah, this story is not a pretty story – but it’s honest. Unlike race events, local trails do not include water stations. Found myself dehydrated in our warmer summer weather.
Legs ached; felt like a rusty bike chain. Running one fist clenched, I kept moving. Hardest restart I’ve done in a while.
Home. 26.5 miles – check, done.
(And of course Ro still needed to be walked. Argh.)
Lost 4 pounds over my marathon weekend (hiked 2 peaks in RMNP & ran 26.5 miles). 4 pounds is a lotta weight – like a contestant on the Biggest Loser. Scheduled a deep tissue massage on Monday. Exactly what I needed.
Grizzlies, moose, mosquitoes – bring it. I’m ready. Nothing stopping me now!
Movie of the Week
Into the Wild (2007) – still my favourite movie of all-time, first viewing of 2013 – timely, considering my weekend destination. Key difference: I plan on returning from Alaska, no Magic Bus death pour moi.
Runner Log
Fri May 24th – 5.25 miles
Mon May 27th – RACE DAY (Bolder Boulder 10K)
Wed May 29th – 10.5 miles
Thu May 30th – 5.25 miles
Sat June 1st – RACE DAY (Taste of Louisville Half 13.1 miles)
Wed June 5th – 6 miles
Thu June 6th – 3.25 miles
Fri June 7th – 1.5 miles
Sun June 9th – 26.5 miles
Wed June 12th – 1.5 miles
Thu June 13th – 6.5 miles
Sat June 15th – 7.25 miles
Sun June 16th – 6.75 miles
YTD total – 747 miles
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