Marathon [Tuesday]

I did not get a chance to post about the marathon training yesterday, and I just know you all really missed it (note the sarcasm). There was not really a whole lot to say about the previous week of training, it had been a fairly low mileage week, and things were going well.

Last week I missed my Sunday long run (six miles). Truth be told, we had gone out Saturday night for a couple's shower honoring my sister-in-law and her soon-to-be-hubs, partook in a few adult beverages and just didn't feel up to six miles on Sunday. Then, I thought, I'll do it on Monday. Well, Monday rolled around and I knew my next long run was only a 5K. I decided, "what the heck?", and skipped the six-miler all together planning to replace Sunday's 5K with that six miles and then just hop back on schedule.

Tuesday and Wednesday were four and two miles, respectively. I thought they went very well! Due to lack of planning, again, I missed Thursday's run. We were headed to Ames for the football game and then the boys and I were planning to stay the weekend with my sister and low and behold, in all the craziness that goes along with packing for two little people and myself, I missed Thursday's run. Totally justified though, because my hip was extremely uncomfortable after my run on Tuesday...

I was geared up for my Sunday run, but alas, I missed it again. I could share with you my multiple (and very good) excuses. I will spare you, because it all boils down to one common denominator. Me. My body is in this, my brain is not. My heart is in this, my head is not.

Both of my boys fell asleep at the exact same time today (such a rarity!) and I tied up the tennies and made my way downstairs, totally prepared to hammer six miles out on the treadmill and treat myself to a homemade frappucinno (yes, I bribe myself).

Turns. Out. I. Could. Not. Breath. No kidding, the fastest I had my pace up to was 5.5 and I could not catch my breath. So, I tried to focus on other things. Bad idea. My "to-do" list, for basically the rest of September, started giving me anxiety, but mostly it was the to-do's for today that are going to be next to impossible when my babies are up. 2.1 miles in and I was back upstairs hitting the shower.

It's time to regroup and refocus. This is not about the half-marathon on October 17, if I'm not running I'll be walking, and if I am not walking, I will be crawling past that finish line. This is about being healthy and getting fit (and the really expensive pair of jeans I am going to save up for and by for myself when I hit my pre-baby weight... and by pre-baby I mean pre-Matthew).

It's time to take this one to the Lord. A petty request? Maybe. But he does say we can and should take all things to Him in prayer. And, I am frustrated with the negative thoughts that I cannot do this. That I am trying to run this half too soon after having a baby, etc. And, I am anxious. Philippians 4:6 says "Do not be anxious about anything, but in everything, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God".

I am blessed to have legs that can run. I am blessed to have lungs that properly function. I am blessed to be challenged to improve my physical strength... I need to honor Him with my body (I Corinth. 6:20) by taking proper care of myself in order to do His work (totally unrelated to running, but yet still so applicable).

Just in writing this post, I have realized a few things (and truly, that is why I post): 1) Plan ahead! Stop letting these long runs smack me in the face and stop making poor choices in nutrition the day before they arrive. I know they are coming, be prepared. 2) Turn to the Bible for mental strength. 3) FOCUS.