the big wheel keeps on turning ... by abby

i ran a little over 3 miles this morning. i couldn't settle in. it was sort of foggy and humid and the sun was just peaking over the bridgers. it was early, just before 6, but not earlier than i'm usually up, so i couldn't figure out what the problem was. i huffed and puffed and listened to "tunnel of love" by dire straits on repeat, which i am still doing now as i write this because i can't stop listening to it. when i got home, i realized i'd just ran the whole course at under 10-minute pace. so no wonder. let's just say i won't be doing that again. so i did stretching and weights and the five measly pushups i can manage these days and vowed to be better at pacing myself. my brain needs reconfiguring. when i know i'll be out for 5 or more miles, i have no trouble running at the pace i want to run. but when i know i'll only be out for 3, my body can't figure it out.

anyway, it takes a certain kind of person to do a marathon. it's a big commitment -- of both time and soul -- and most people think it's a pretty crazy thing. it's definitely not for the faint of heart, nor the faint of mind. actually, i think it takes a stronger mind than body. when you're out for 10 or 12 or 20 miles -- especially when you are training alone -- you really have find strength at your very core. the reward is amazing though, and i think you learn a lot about yourself along the way.

at some point in the next few days, i will post my schedule to a link. if gerlinda emails me her schedule, i'll post that too ... i have no access to that windows live mail thing. speaking of gerlinda: i just want to say for what it's worth that i'm really proud of you for doing this. i'm glad to have your back, and i hope the whole thing is a positive experience for you. and plus it'll be fun. ;)