Oh man...this was hard. Not because it was a half marathon but because of the circumstances surrounding the run. Training leading up to this was nearly non existent as Ryan had been sick. And wouldn't you know that I had started to feel sick before the run. So physically we weren't at our best. The weather was supposed to cooperate and be fairly warm but I underestimated how cold the shore winds would make me feel. Thank goodness they gave us shirts- I needed another layer! We started towards the beginning of the pack but were quickly passed by much faster runners. Thats ok by me though- as Coach Don says, Slow and Steady wins the race. I'm not doing this to have a record time- I just want to finish! Anyway, I was feeling pretty bad right from the beginning. I just wasn't there. The crowd was great and all the people out with their signs, bells, clapping etc makes you feel good but no one could help my cause. Sadly, I didn't finish this run running the entire way. I was in a lot of physical pain- my knees and hips really hurt. I had to stop several times to walk. It was discouraging but I guess it happens sometimes and theres not much you can do. Eventually though, we crossed that finish line, hand in hand, and got our first ever race medal! (yay us!) I thoroughly appreciated the after race "party" too which included pizza, soup, protein shakes, beer, chocolate, bananas etc. I inhaled 3 pieces of pizza right afterwards and made myself feel sick later but running does that to me. I get these animal appetites!

Then, the following weekend we did 11 miles. Again, sadly the training suffered as my illness got worse. However this time, the knees and hips felt pretty good and I made it without stopping (except for a quick fluid intake). 

This weekend we have 17 miles on the agenda!! Ahhh- wish me luck!! 

I made it! That was the hardest run of my life- I seriously thought I was going to cry there towards the end. The gas tank was completely empty- I was in pain and was trying to do everything possible to push myself to my doorstep without stopping. But I'm proud to say I made it! 14 hilly miles through some lovely scenery. The weather was perfect for running today- low 30's, sunny, and a light breeze. It's a good thing too because if the conditions were any different I surely would not have made it. It also turned out to be a good thing that Ryan wore the fluid belt pack as I desperately needed some water/gatorade on 3-4 occasions. Somehow he manages to finish these runs without any fluids- crazy! As is always the case with me and running, the first few miles are hard- mentally I need to get into the groove etc. I always seem to be at my peak between miles 3/4-7/8. Today, I hit my wall around mile 11. The last 3 miles were so brutal. But I made it I made it! And next weekend is our half marathon. So good preparation today- stay tuned for more!! :)

 Ow. Just finished 12 miles with the PMC team this morning. Feeling good except for my right hip- thank God for analgesics! Officially (and finally) formally met Coach Don this morning...he's terrific!! And what a saint he is for coming to each run prepared with water, gatorade and munchies for us runners- much appreciated. Today we ran from Hopkinton (the start of the Boston marathon course) and ran almost half way as we went to Wellesley College which he tells me is 12 miles. It was BITTER cold out today but thankfully the wind was not that bad and the sun was out which made it better. Was felling pretty good through most of the run except for when we got to mile 10.5/11 probably...not surprising considering 10.5 was our longest run to date so I definitely have some more building up to do. Ryan of course was with me and did great too but was feeling a little sore as he played 2 1/2 hours of basketball yesterday. Go us!!! Thanks for keeping up with me here and for all those who have sponsored us so far- THANK YOU!!