Wow...have I really not logged in since the half marathon?! Much has happened since then (and that was only over the course of a few short weeks.) Now I feel like I could probably run a half marathon in my sleep....well not quite but it certainly wouldn't be the challenge it was just a month ago.

A couple ups and a couple downs. I had some trouble hitting 12 miles the weekend after the half marathon, And then somehow I ran 17 miles a couple weekends in a row and then 20 miles this past weekend!

But it wasn't perfect. We were to meet at Boston College at 8:45 PM because the run was to start at 9. But the day did not get off to a good start. My alarm didn't go off- miraculously I woke up at 7:45 AM- the exact time we were hoping to leave the house. So like the morning of their flight to France in Home Alone, thats how Ryan and I flew about the house. We managed to get out by 10 after 8- a late start considering the drive was supposed to be 45 minutes long. So off we went. I had no time to stretch, no time to eat...nothing. I grabbed an entire loaf of this delicious oatmeal, cinnamon raisin bread that we got from our local bakery and we just pulled it apart and ate it. About half way into our trip, we were forced to pull off the road as the road was blocked further ahead. The GPS then started directing us over to a bridge in East Boston that we needed to cross...only now the bridge was closed too. So here we are driving around East Boston trying to make our way over to Boston or to a highway/road that would take us to Boston. After many tries, we finally made our way onto a road and bridge that was open! Sadly this wasn't the end of our communting mishaps. I unfortunately made the mistake of selecting the BC option off of Centre street...well, which wouldn't you know is not the right address! This is BC Law...so after selecting the other option, we finally make it to the right campus about 10 minutes after 9. We park and run into the facility as the last of the groups of runners are leaving. After a quick pit stop and directions from the Tufts volunteers, we're out on the course at about 9:20. The weather was partly cloudy, about 45 degrees- not bad for running,

So the first 12 miles were pretty great. I was feeling good (though sad that we were 2-5 miles behind most of the other runners.) But then pain struck. My left knee and hips were really hurting (my left knee had been bothering me and I was wearing a knee brace!) It really went down hill from here. I had to stop several times to stretch and I was out of energy. I didn't have any gas left in the tank. We had gummy energy chews which I enhaled but they just weren't doing anything for me. I think Ryan was getting frustrated with me (I always feel that way when I think I'm letting him down.) He got over it eventually though and was supportive. But the last several miles were on and off with the running-especially because of the pain I was having. And heartbreak hill was a total loss. I walked up that for sure!! Eventually we make it back (bringing in the rear!) and went straight to our car as the Tufts buses were pulling out. Thanks to Sean for the Team Schoon shout out! And thanks to all my generous donors for following me on this amazing journey! I hope I don't disappoint on April 19th!! xoxox

 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!! :)