Distance running is a very individual sport. Part of what I liked about being involved in the track and field programs in high school and college is that while there is a team atmosphere, you’re in control of your performance (not all, like relays). The same can be said for distance running to some extent.
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| The silliness running with our group brings out… |
Last week, I had a tough week at work and training. Coming off of Labor Day weekend and then a day off on Friday, I had to cram five days of work (and maybe even more) into three days. With the travel season starting this week, I had even more to prepare and plan for in my three days. On top of that, I wasn’t feeling well on Tuesday and had to miss one of arguably the toughest workouts of the season. Oh, and the weekend was jam packed with a housewarming/birthday party in Philadelphia, 17-mile run, and a surprise baby shower. By the time Sunday night rolled around, I felt like I ran marathon (I guess I was really only nine miles short), but the week honestly felt like a marathon. It’s a good thing I like marathons, huh? I can honestly say that without my team, friends, and family, the week would not have gone as smoothly or a lot worse.
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| We are such an awesome pool of purple! |
When debating whether or not to rush out of work on Thursday to hopefully make one weekday practice last week, Josh was really encouraging about how I should make a real effort to join especially since I missed Tuesday and would be missing both weekday practices this week. He really does know me a lot better than I do. Meeting up with the team and running a little over six miles together was really what I needed for my mental health. I don’t necessarily have to commute into NYC to run the distance, but meeting up with the team makes it all worth it. It is amazing the camaraderie we’ve developed as a group in just two months!
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| Yes, I am a bag lady this weekend… |
When I’m at social events with friends and family, it is nice to know that I have the support from everyone for being lame. Yes, lame – I barely drink, I am super conscious of what I eat, I need to leave events early to get enough sleep, and if I am coming from a run, I am carrying bags of dirty and smelly running clothes and shoes! Oh and did I mention, I had to borrow (I guess use is a better word) from Coach Brian since I didn’t have enough time to go home first before the surprise shower.
Training for the marathon is individual and “selfish” – I am in control of how much training I do, how much time and focus I give it, all while sacrificing spending time with your loved ones. However, successfully training for a marathon is not, and for that I am truly grateful for the continued inspiration and support of my teammates, coaches, family, and friends.
THANK YOU ALL!
