8 miles

Wow!
I ran a great 8 miler today. I felt so strong. All of the flowering trees are in bloom and between that and the fresh rain, my senses were delighted. I smiled a big toothy smile for most of the run, which ultimately led to me eating one or two bugs, but I couldn't help it- I felt great and I felt happy.
Thanks for the occasionally beautiful Vistas! Love you

First 18 miler

Whew!
I did it. I ran the very farthest I have to run in my pre-marathon training program. I ran 18 miles, In the pouring rain! Wahoo! 18 next week, 9 the week after, and 8 after that- then I get to run a marathon. Let me tell you 9 and 8 miles seem like a cake walk! I lost 1 lb too :) I am not dieting right now- because I always feel hungry. So, I am not to worried about it at this point. I guess it is just a benefit of running long distances. Tom keeps saying I look trim :) 39 lbs. left.

Senior prom Dress fits!

OK,
This was a lot of work! But my senior prom dress fits.
I had a set back today that may mean I don't get to run the marathon. I see a specialist on Thursday. If I get to keep running I plan on doing the 26.1 miles on Saturday next week. I am going to do that on my own- no race-just me and my ipod. I know I can do it at this point I don't want to waste any more time. Or sustain any more injuries. Marathoning is serious business and pretty hard on my body. I am done with it- I would like to run the 26 miles and be done. Any way its been a fun journey I will let you all know how it ends.

First 16 mile run

Well,
This was a long run!! But I did it. My legs hurt, I was physically spent- but I did it. Woo~ I have 2 more 16 milers and 2 more 18 milers, then I taper down for 2 weeks before the marathon. I can't believe I am at this point. It feels so nice to know that I am working toward a goal I started just less than 13 months ago. I am still actively pursuing it. It has changed my life. Thank You Heavenly Father for the goal.
Stamina-16.2 miles
weight loss- 24 lbs since feb, 54 lbs in 13 months.
speed- from 13 minute miles-11 minute miles consistently

Last night when I was on the last 3/4 of a mile. I was tired and sore. I was drained. I kept thinking when I got to the half mile point I would just walk. Then I saw what looked like our car coming down the road. Sure enough in about 30 seconds My sweet boys came to cheer me on. They drove by yelling out the window "Go Mom!" "Moms a marathoner" "you can do it!" "yeah Mom!". Then they drove up the stree t and turned around- to yell for me again. They went home and parked- got out of the car and ran to meet me for the last 50 yards they ran with me. I love my boys! Nearly every day they say "mommies a marathoner". I love my Family!! Thanks for being so supportive daddy and boys. I love you.