runner's highs and lows

As some of you do (or don't) know, I am currently training for the Marine Corp Marathon in October. It's in Washington, D.C. I am excited and scared at the same time.

Well last weekend was an 18 mile run. It was grueling. It took me 4 hours to run 18 miles. (for those of you who don't run, that qualifies as sucking. Sucking Wind.) 

Well, this past weekend -- Sunday actually -- was my 20 miler. I was scared. No, really, scared. Do you know how long 20 miles is? Next time you're in your car for longer than 5 minutes, look at the odometer and clock 20 miles. For those interested in my route (and to get an idea of just how far 20 miles is....) we started in a neighborhood about 2 miles north of the Lowe's off of SR 70. Then ran all the way up Tara Blvd. to Linger Lodge, to Lakewood Ranch Road (through River Club) all the way to the Hospital. AND BACK. (it's the "and back" part that Kills ya.)

Well, I ran. And ran and ran and ran and ran. I did it in 3 hours and 31 minutes. That averages 10:16 per mile. It's not going to win me any medals, but it's respectable. Definitely respectable. More importantly, I learned that it really IS all in my head. I can do this.... even if I have to crawl the last 6 miles, I know that I can do it. Even MORE importantly, I felt great afterwards.

Isn't that the way life is? When you believe that you CAN do something you usually DO. And that's my zen-mantra for the day. I think I can, I think I can, I think I can....

By the way, I finished out the evening later with a HUGE grass fed cheeseburger with homemade sauerkraut and a large glass of real milk. :)