Today, I am a Teacher: Training Week #10, 11, and 12

You guys. Holy cow, it's been three weeks. I put in 20 hours in my classroom--before we started back to school. I started back to school. Went camping. Went to a wedding. Chose to enjoy my last days of summer. So now here I am. I won't be terribly detailed--there's a lot happening picture-wise in this post. But here's the long and short of it.

Running wise, it hasn't been my greatest three weeks. This week, between weather and work, I missed most of my runs. Today I attempted 18 and made it 10--with a break in the middle. It's better than nothing, but I'm not feeling terribly confident about the fact that in two weeks, I will have the last long run of my training--twenty miles. So what happens between now and then? I get back to my schedule. I work twice as hard. With just over a month until the marathon, I have no other choice.

I really owe the good runs I've had--and sometimes, the fact that I went on them at all--to my people. My wife has gotten my butt out of the recliner and into my running shoes more times than I can count. I know she sacrifices a lot so that I can train my little heart out, and I don't always acknowledge that. She's my biggest cheerleader, she's there at every finish line. For that, my dear wife, I thank you.

My good friend, Steph, and I went for a run two weeks ago. It was the perfect run to start out my week--even thought it was mid-week. But committing to going with her got me out there. I planned around it so that I could go. It's been one of my favorite runs yet. It was beautiful. And so was our time together.

My father-in-law. Because when we got up to the campground last Thursday, I had an 8 mile run that I was debating not doing, because vacation. Everyone else was going swimming. It was hot...and I really wanted to go swimming! But he told me, "Just go and do it. Join us when you're done." And so I did. Sometimes it literally just takes that, someone saying, "Go. Do."

And finally, my inspiration, my go to girl when it comes to just about everything, Janet. Today she committed to joining me along my 18 mile run. She came with a backpack full of supplies and water. She met me. She asked what I needed. And when I couldn't go any further, she drove me mostly home (per my request). Never even got to run with me, but was there for me. Talked me through what was probably the issue (over hydrated, apparently it's a thing!) And made plans to bike beside me for my 20 miler. I wouldn't be the runner I am without her!

The formatting is a little goofy on this post, so please excuse!

It was FINALLY nice out, the perfect night and the perfect run...until...

I fell. Oh yes I sure did. First time in a very long time. I was almost done with my run. And I could have stopped and given up. But I didn't. I got up, brushed myself off, and kept going. Pictured above...grass and dirt from my fall!