Week 12 - 2/3rd's of the way to the Finish Line!

If someone would have asked me just eight months ago if I would ever run 18 miles - I would have looked at them like they were crazy! Six miles was tough for me at the start of HalfWits! Now look at us - we're just 6-8 miles from marathon distance! My body is tired and I was really feeling the miles today, but a glass of the Little Penguin on my front porch this afternoon left me smiling about all we're accomplishing together. We're getting closer to our goal of completing a marathon. I couldn't imagine doing this without all of you!

"Running a marathon is a test of what you can accomplish if you want to...if you are willing to take the time and don't quit. Sure there are lots of other ways you can test yourself, but doing a marathon is the most challenging I've found. When it comes right down to it, you have to do it by yourself. You may be running with hundreds or thousands of other people, but it's still up to you, the individual, to do it. There is an element of finality to it. There's a start and a finish, and in between you just run. That's when you find out who you are and what you're made of. Most people don't even give themselves that chance." The Non-Runner's Marathon Trainer

We've logged more than 238 miles so far, but still have at least 197 to go, plus the marathon. So while we are feeling so good about running 18 and 20 miles this weekend, more than most of us have ever accomplished - this is the time to stay focused on our goals. This means keeping our attitude positive and our body injury-free. I know a lot of us have been talking about time goals based on this weekend's run, but remember, the final 6.2 miles of the marathon are the toughest half. If your original goal was to simply finish the race - don't change your goals now. You're in this for the experience, and shouldn't base your perceived failure or success on whether you meet that particular time or not. For us rookies - we're going to be setting a PR anyway - and how cool is that??!!

Week 12 is a good time to relax and allow ourselves to heal. We've put in a lot of miles over the last couple of weeks. Our midweek runs include a 4, 5, & 8 mile run, with just a 12 mile run for the weekend. Several people are doing the Havana 5K on Saturday - just be sure you get your long run in and stay injury free. Racing during marathon training places extra stress on the body - so be careful out there! And of course if you're crazy enough to be doing Muddy Buddy like I am, well, that's a whole 'nuther act of stupidity, I think!

Group Runs for Week 12
Thursday: Washington Park Thursdays - September 7, 5:30 p.m. FIVE MILES
Let's plan to do the Art Run w/Washington Park Loop. Since this route is 4.80 miles, we'll need to include Williams Blvd. in the Washington Park Loop in order to get the full five miles. This is a hilly route, but since our long run has cut back this week, it's a good chance to work on hills and developing more strength in our legs.

Saturday: Panera West - September 9, 6:30 a.m. TWELVE MILES
Let's go to Washington Park via Fit Club West. This is a 12.50 mile route (adding Williams Blvd. will add another 1/2 mile for you over achievers....) I won't put out water because there is water at the Fit Club and in two spots at Washington Park. And for those of us who were, let's say intestinally challenged this weekend, there are bathrooms at both places as well!

Great job out there this week, everyone! See you on the road! The power of a group is simply amazing....

Mary