How Marathon Training Has Changed Me!

Besides the blisters and one black toenail, marathon training has had other impacts, some long lasting, on my life as a runner. So this will be my way of updating you on how things are going.  I am going to bring it to you bullet style for your convenience (and my laziness.)

• I now say things like "oh it's only 10 miles today."
• I've begun to feel more like a runner due to a couple of firsts I've experienced, including; my first 4:30 am run- I even got up at the butt crack of early while at State Track to run around Spokane before watching highschoolers run faster than me- my first mid run pit stop (luckily I was running by some tall grass), and lots of mileage firsts.
• My size has changed. I find myself to be much hungrier the day after a hard workout, but luckily even with the fluctuation, I am still smaller than when I started training.
• My foam roller and Father's Day stick are indispensable tools.
• I also do dorky things like check my heart rate at random times to prove how much better in shape I am.
• More than ever I respect those that train like this all the time. I really miss quick 30-60 min runs.
• Pacing is tough. Knowing what pace you are supposed to run is one thing, actually running that pace is another. I am so used to running hard, that slowing down to maintain a specific pace has been a challenge. I think I have settled on an 8:40 pace.

Now I am just trying to get through this week. Unfortunately, I hurt my calf on my last long run and it is making my taper hard. I am afraid I might not be able to run at all this week. There is still no baby yet, I really wish she would come out, but Tressa is insisting I run no matter what! See some of you this weekend. Rock n Roll!