6 days: 15 hours, 42 minutes until the OKC Marathon

15 Days until the OKC Marathon

 Week 18 report: "I will run, Run, RUN."

Weight: 140 (stress = weight gain)

Miles ran this week: 19

Miles ran so far in my training: 425.5

     Watch this video, it pretty much sums up how I feel at the moment. If you have ran with me I have listened to your stories.  YOU HAVE LISTENED TO MINE!  Your kind ears along with a steady pace have carried me through an incredible journey.  The first 20 miles are for YOU, my runner friends.

Helaine and I after Prairie Fire Fall 2013

 You know who the last 6.2 are for! I am now 6 days away from doing something I never thought I could do.  When I ran 20 miles with some of  you a few weeks ago, it was at that moment that I knew I could run a Marathon. 

Serious Running Face 

     The training is done and now I wait.  I do feel that I can now offer advice to those of you that might be contemplating your jump to 26.2

• The training is intense and will focus on running.  You will have to put your other fitness loves (like ZUMBA) on the back burner.
• The long Saturday run will eat away an entire day of your weekend (especially when they are 16-20 miles)
• ORGANIZE A CREW FOR THOSE LONG RUNS!  I will return the favor to those of you that joined me on those long runs.  I could not have gone those distances without you. 
• If you are running a spring Marathon you will have to do some long runs inside due to weather.  Be mentally prepared to loop the indoor track at the Down Town YMCA (I think my longest inside run was 14 miles)
• If you have the option of Saturday night church/Mass, do so.  You will want to sleep in on Sundays after long mileage.
• Your times on your run will slow down.  I can hold a 10 minute mile fairly easy in a half marathon.  For 26.2 miles I will be glad to maintain an 11:00-11:30 pace.
• You will need to sit back and not participate in races turning your taper.  It was hard to not run the "Easter Sun Run" Yesterday.
• If you are a woman try to time your first marathon before menopause.  The changes your body goes through are unpredictable during this time in your life.
• That being said, big miles does not equal big eating.  Notice how I have gained weight this last week.  Resist the urge to overeat.  
• Have support at home.  My husband Brad is my biggest fan.  He even has a 0.0 magnet on his car. 

WORKOUTS FOR THE WEEK:

Monday: Runners for Boston GoRun East, 3 miles

Tuesday: REST

Wednesday: 2 mile run with Lucky Annabelle Johnson (my Jack/Rat Terrier) who I have missed running with.

Thursday: REST

Friday: 2 mile run with Lucky

Saturday: REST

Sunday: OKLAHOMA CITY MARATHON 26.2 mile run