I've read the books & blogs, bought the shoes (2 pr so far) & the microfiber socks, the Nike shorts & Mizuna tops that wick sweat away. I purchased the runner's sunblock (not impressed - I don't sweat), hydration belt (love it!), and the Luna bars.
I adapted Jeff Galloway's run/walk training to fit my schedule - 2 easy runs and a long run on the weekends, each long run 10% longer than the previous long run. My last long run was 8 miles.
I learned to hydrate the night before a training run with water containing electrolytes, then more hydration, a banana, & a cup of coffee 2 hrs before the run. I should own stock in Smart Water by now. I learned to never run on an empty stomach. When I followed these few rules, I ran well, easily, and without problems. When I didn't, I paid a heavy price and learned that the rules of running were there for a reason.
I joined a gym and started working out to improve my "core strength". I bought work-out DVDs to lose a little extra weight. Note to self: ditch the DVDs, especially those with lunges & squats - most knees don't like these activities, particularly the one named "The Surrender". If it sounds horrible - trust me, it is.
My daughter-in-law, the marathoner, gave me her unlimited time & guidance, who coached me when I needed her and & helped me stay positive & focused while I recovered from the 3 injuries I sustained, all to the same knee, since January. Although none were caused by running, they cut into my training timetable and just about drove me nuts as I iced, elevated, and waited. Her patience and guidance were exactly what I needed. She was never too busy to talk running with me.
My son's amazement & pride on my development as a distance runner is a constant source of encouragement for me. I love that he is proud of me. He and my daughter-in-law are my inspiration. What can I say - I adore my kids.
I ran twice with my Everything - my 13 year old granddaughter. She taught me how to adjust my form, and echoed her track coach's words to me for encouragement as we ran up Killer-manjaro. I ran up KMJ in one minute - a PR for me - with Avery. It doesn't get any better than that.
I've met wonderful fellow runners along the canal who encouraged me during all the spring & summer training runs. A special thanks to my friend Elaine for agreeing to run Falmouth with me. It's a first for her too. We're going to have a blast.
I have a terrific running partner in Jan. Jan actually drove to my house at 6am to run with me on most of my hill training days and together we tackled the hills around my neighborhood. We treated ourselves to the magnificent view of Cape Cod Bay after mile 4, marveling at its beauty at that hour of the day."Remember, when we get to mile 4 - we have The View!" we'd say and looked forward to seeing it. We ran the length of the Cape Cod Canal together for my Sunday morning long runs when everyone else in our lives was either asleep or enjoying a leisurely breakfast & coffee with their Sunday Globes and Cape Cod Times. We chatted and caught up on the mundane & the dramatic in our lives. "Have I taught you nothing?" became our mantra when one of us forgot one of our essential rules of running. Through laughter, tears, Smart Water, and Mister Fan, Jan & I accomplished our individual goals together. Although Jan won't be running the Falmouth Road Race this year, she'll be there at the finish line to experience what she helped me accomplish. We're teamed up for the Cape Cod Marathon Relay in October and I have a feeling she'll be "running Falmouth" with me next year. I can't thank her enough for her steadfast friendship.
My spouse Pat is my #1 fan and without her quiet wisdom & unfailing support for just about everything I have ever done (including 10 years pursuing a PhD that came in mighty handy), I never would have gotten this far in my life, especially with this new running gig. I owe her a debt of gratitude I can never repay. Let's drive 65 miles to the Nike outlet store - no problem. Set the alarm & make me coffee at 5:15 am? - Jan's coming at 6! - done. How do I look in this clunky hydration belt? "Not fat" :D. She's been to both 5Ks that I ran for practice, was right there at the finish line yelling for me to finish strong. During my first race, when all the other runners had left me in the dust, she drove behind me, shining her high beams on me while I ran along a very dark shore route on a cold night in February because I insisted on finishing the race. She's searched the internet for tips on running, came home with all kinds of runner stuff ("I saw this and thought you should have it") & bought me the best gift any runner could have - Mister Fan - a small hand-held battery-operated fan that also sprays a cool water mist. I (almost) never left home without it once the warm weather arrived. These and a hundred more everyday occasions - unsung but never unnoticed - happened every day since January. Thanks for Mister Fan, Patti, and thank you for another perfect day. "Never a dull moment" and it's only just begun, after 30 years together.
So training's over. It's been an incredible journey - one of fun and self-discovery. Falmouth here I come. I can't wait.
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