The Winter Blahs....

I think we have to cut ourselves a little bit of slack - so we keep this running thing fun!!! When I start to take it too seriously -- like when I cried because I couldn't run or train due to strep throat - I take a step back and think why I'm truly doing this... I'm doing it because I like the challenge of running. It's not easy for me, but I love it. I love also the mental side of running - I think and think and think when I run. What else are you going to do??? :) I also think we're doing this because a lot of you are looking forward to a reunion in October - whereas I'm looking forward to meeting you all for the first time!
For me, running is my hobby. I have to remember to keep it fun, while sticking to my training program. This weekend, I had a big jump up in distance going from 8 miles to 9.3 miles for my long run. I had to do it on the treadmill because it's so dang cold. I felt like a hamster. My knee at mile 7 started to feel a little off. But, I know now that my knee always hurts for one day after a jump in mileage. So, I expect it, plan for it, milk it with my gentleman friend so he babies me a little...!
Ten miles is a lot. And, we'll all be a different speeds. I run between an 11 and 12 minute mile. I'm a little bit faster in races - but, not by much. We all have different goals - and I think they are all respectable. If it's to walk it - that's great. If it's to run/walk it, fine. If it's to run the whole thing at 6 min miles while eating sour starbursts (V....!!!) - that is so, so impressive. But, really, truly, it's personal. To me, I want to run the 10 miles in two hours. Some people run marathons in that time - but, this is my hobby.
I think also, that October seems so far off and seems like so, so many miles must be run between now and then - it's really important to break up the training with other little races between now and then. There's nothing like a bunch of screaming fans (and yes, I think they are all out there for me!!!) not to mention the t-shirts and medals....!
I think we all have to promise each other that we aren't going to psych ourselves out for the ten miler and make the commitment to ourselves, to each other, that we will be there in October - running, walking, skipping, whatever!!! I want to meet each and every one of you!!!
Stay warm - Cathy