Motivation is low again...



So this week hasn't been so great training wise.  I ran 4 miles on Monday while home visiting my parents but then went on a 3 day mini-vacation with my best friend.  We did soooo much walking around Busch Gardens and Colonial Williamsburg but I did no running.  I set my alarm both mornings to run but just didn't want to.  Then I was going to run Thursday when I got home but no, I was too tired.  Friday I told myself would be a rest day regardless of what running I did because I was planning to get up and run 16 miles this morning.  Well, that failed because I reset my alarm and then eventually turned it off.  I ended up jogging/walking a slow 7 miles in the afternoon.  Tomorrow I will attempt the 16 miles again but honestly my body is just insanely tired and I don't exactly know why.  I think it has entered anxiety and stress mode with the start of the school year coming.  I wonder if I should have skipped getting an early set up of my classroom and ran with my running buddy, Nicole, instead on Friday.  Ultimately my job matters more to me than the marathon.  Or rather, not being stressed out about my job means more to me and so setting up my classroom early was important for that.



this is not what i want to be
when my students arrive
for the new school year...



I really am just tired which is a not so fun way to start the school year on Monday.  I see one of my doctors Monday night so I'll try to remember to get a lab slip so I can make sure all the normal stuff is alright (ie. electrolytes and other random stuff).

Feeling Up!

So my previous posts have been kind of down-ish.  Or at least prior to this week, that was what I was feeling.  Prior to this week I was debating whether the marathon was really a good idea for me and whether I could really do it.   Well, this week I've run 3, 4, and a 13 mile run!!!  They have all been really awesome.  I really had to push myself for the 13 but I didn't walk, only stopped half way to eat a gatorade fit mini bar thing (very good), and stopped twice to tie my shoe and wait for Nicole to tie her shoe.  I am so glad I have her to run with because it was my wanting to stay with her that kept me going yeseterday for the 13 miler.  I pushed myself to always keep her in my sight.  I did lose her with 1.5 miles left, she went over a bridge and disappeared but I figured with only 1.5 miles left that was not an excuse to walk. So it was a good week!  I did cross today and am hoping to get 7 miles in tomorrow.

Things that helped me this week:

1. Heat was down!!!!!!!!
2. My calories every day have been between 2500 and 3000 (closer to 3000 really, no lie).
3. I've been drinking gatorade mixed with water A LOT!!  I've been trying to replace my diet soda with it.
4. Overall mental state has been better - self doubt has been lowered.  And I've been using my CBT skills (google it) to get through my worries of "what if"s regarding running and other life things
5. Loving where I now live - adding to overall life happiness

This coming week I am planning to do 3-7-4-14.  Nicole and I might not run the 14 together though so we'll see how I do with that by myself.  I think it will be a good to try it by myself though.

On the 28th I'll be running the Annapolis 10 miler.  A friend of mine transferred her registration over to me.  I am very excited and my mom is going to come!!!!!!  That makes me very happy.  My mom has run a few marathons and I think its cool that she's supporting me through mine.  I can't wait, she'll also be at my marathon as well.  The 10 miler will also be a good mid distance run like 6 weeks before the marathon.  I just hope it isn't too hot.

Good run... hard day

I had an AWESOME run today!!!  I decided to bring my running clothes to work and just go running right after work.  It was great since it is right on a trail (a trail that crosses interesections so thats not fun but still cool).  I ran 4 miles in 38 minutes!!!!!  I am proud of that.  I was so beat red though when I walked back in the school building (to wipe my face and get a drink).  It was in the 80s though so I guess thats why.  Today was a stressful day at work so it was nice to be able to just use running to de-stress.  I got a workout at work today but it was lifing and holding heavy things (can't say more but it was hard, stressful, and frustrating).   So....

NOTE TO SELF:

1. bring workout clothes to work and run right after if weather permits
2. use your stressful and tiring days to fuel a good run