Was that really necessary? It just seems a little uncalled for before 7am if you ask me.

I feel like this should stress me out, but it doesn’t at all.  It’s a relief, if anything.  One month from today – for better or worse – this little summer project is over. Don’t get me wrong, I’m glad I’m getting this off the bucket list, and I feel pretty optimistic going into the home stretch of training.

The 16 miler from week 11 was definitely a confidence booster.  We kept a comfortable 12:00 minute pace running a 2:1 interval, and when we finished, it wasn’t that overwhelming sense of “ohmigod I could never do 10 more miles”.  I didn’t WANT to run anymore, but I did have a sense of “I could knock this out if I was chasing a hot Marine on race day”.

This has been a learning experience.

I’ve learned that you can’t run a marathon and expect to lose weight, because that much cardio, muscle abuse and hydration fluctuation will make your body rebel in ways you never expected.

I’ve learned that I absolutely have no mental fortitude to go beyond 2 hours of running without a buddy (see week 12).

I’ve learned that the hardest part of marathon training is NOT the actual running.  It’s the time commitment.  If you ever take this on, be ready to either give up your social life for 16 weeks, or only complete 60-75% of your training.

A 3 hour run is not over in 3 hours.  You need to wake up to eat and let your body come to life at least 30-60 minutes before. You need time to cool down after. You need to stretch. If your me, you need to nap. It’s an all day endeavor.  I’m ready to have my Saturdays back.

October will bring a lot of actual races, and there’s nothing like a financial commitment to keep me accountable.  This weekend is off since I have my wonderful BFF ShareABitOfLove in town and hangin’ with her is going to take priority over running.  The next weekend will bring a final long run and Oktoberfest 5k (Yes, I’ll be wearing this. Stay tuned for pics.). I was lucky enough to get an entry into the BAA Half Marathon Columbus Day weekend, and that begins the tapering.

Cross your fingers the next month flies by please.  I can’t wait to get to No Run November.

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