How Far is Too Far?

Monday: 4 miles
Tuesday: 6 miles
Wednesday: off
Thursday: 4 miles
Friday: 6 miles
Saturday: 14 miles

Saturday was the first time I really thought a marathon was a long ways. OK, I always knew it was a long ways, but my brain started questioning whether I could really run 26 miles. Part of the run Saturday went alright and the first ten miles I keep telling myself I could make the whole 14 no problem. I visualized, I uttered words of encouragement, (someone had to), and I knew I could finish. About the middle of mile 11, I wondered if I would even make it to 12. I took it one mile at a time, and eventually made it. Every mile, however, made a marathon seem impossible. A marathon is still 12 miles further than what I ran on Saturday. It is just under half of 14. I have a little hip pain now, and am hoping I do not go on the injured reserve list. With all the doubts and pains, I keep looking to my run tonight. I hope my hip feels alright as I run. I know if I can get through this week, and run 15 on Saturday, that a marathon will seem that much closer. Amazing how resilient we are.

Today I think I will celebrate B. He is a great kid who keeps me laughing all day. He is my biggest fan, and when he goes in the bike trailer with me, he chants, "Go mom, go." Funny that a little thing like that can give one energy, but it works for me. He always runs to give me a hug before I leave for a run, and if he is outside when I come home, he runs to meet me on the road. He likes to run with me, and do the "Hammer Run" in the summer. (Any time he runs is the Hammer Run.) He goes to first grade next year, and keeps asking me if I will miss him "so much" when he is gone all day. The answer is definitely yes. I will miss him. He can be stubborn and defiant, but he is also loving and funny. I will miss him, more than he will ever know. I love you Austin. One day, I hope to run with you, or at least not too far behind you. I will keep running for now, so when the day come, I will be ready.