Training Week #9

Make sure you read all the way to the end of this one!

Week #9 had to be a come back week. After my race, I needed to feel like I could do it again. Because, like after all long runs, I felt like I never wanted to run again. But this is the halfway point--I couldn't stop now. So how did it go? Here's is your second installment of "running on the real". (And no, it's not quite like last time! 😬) 

I started out my week with some much needed friend time with one of my work besties. During my birthday, she was doing a 24 hour triathlon relay; during her wedding reception, I'll be at another wedding reception. So we realized we needed some time to celebrate. We chose some adventuring at Devil's Lake, with a pit stop at Parfrey Glen, which was gorgeous 😍 Then we continued on to Devil's Lake, where we commenced climbing one million zillion stairs up to the Devil's Doorway. It was rainy and slippery, but did we die?! Nope! Haha. We finished our adventure with some celebratory beers on the beach. And then got dinner at The Great Dane on the way home, because we like to eat! All in all, time well spent. And although it wasn't a run, I counted all the climbing as my Tuesday workout.

Wednesday brought an early meeting for me, and then an impromptu trip to State Fair with my darling wife to see Cole Swindell 💗 So a run did not happen. and I'm 0% sorry, because the Fair is my very favorite thing to do in summer. I got a cowgirl hat and a large fresh squeezed lemonade, and my heart has never been happier! This is the stuff life is made of, you guys! 



So Thursday I got back out there. It was another day of heat and humidity, so I waited as late as I could to run. It was a 7 miler, so I couldn't wait too long. It was a great run, a hot and sweaty one, as evidence by my drenched shirt haha. No matter how much I stretch, my darn left calf always seems to give me trouble. So the story of this run--as it is with many--is stopping to stretch. 









Friday brought my last short run of the week (4 miles) and my last chance to mentally prepare myself for Sunday's long run. Spoiler alert: it wasn't great. I always love running at South Shore--it's gorgeous. I love the view of the city, seeing all he boats bobbing gently int he marina. BUT. Emotionally, it's been a hard couple of weeks. Turning 30 without my dad has been hard. So when it came to my run, I was not in the right frame of mind. It was a short run, but it felt long. I had to stop and walk at the end, the last half mile. I hated it, but I just couldn't. Mentally, emotionally, I was spent. I needed a slow down.













So Sunday I was staring down 15 miles. After a difficult long run the previous week, and a not so great week of training, I knew I had to go out and absolutely OWN this run. So I got up Sunday morning, run route in mind, and went for it. I started around 8, and it was already hot and sticky. But the route was mostly flat, and partly shaded. Instead of running a route that led back home, I chose one that took me Home. Capital 'H' Home--Mom's house 💓 Overall, it was a great run. For this run I decided to try Nuun to help keep myself hydrated and geared up. I used one tablet before my run and grabbed a water from Walgreens at mile 7 to mix up another one.

It felt much better than the 14 mile race. 9.5 miles got me to the lakefront, at which point I headed south, along the bike trail toward Home. At mile 10, I knew it was time to slow down. On Tuesday, Janet told me about a strategy some runners use--run 4mins, walk 1min. I used the strategy for the next few miles. By mile 14, I was exhausted. So mile 15 was a little more walk than run. But I did it. I finished. Farthest I've ever run. I worked for that shit. I EARNED it. 

So here's where it gets REAL. It was HOT and HUMID during this run. Story of my summer, it's true. But I was sweaty. Really sweaty. My shirt was soaked through. To the point where it was uncomfortable to wear. 

YOU GUYS. I always thought I'd have to be at a certain weight to run with my shirt off.  In just a sports bra. Be toned, have nice abs. Like all the skinny girls, the fit girls. But Sunday, I said FUCK IT. This is me. You don't have to love me, but I love me. I've never felt so confident, so good about myself. Loving myself is a choice I have to make everyday. I can't hang it on other people's opinions. Or what society/the media says I "should" look like. It's all about how I feel. 


And looking at this picture, I feel like I need to hit the beach and even put my runner's tan 😂


And in other news. I retired my old running shoes, the ones that got me through my half marathon, and half of this training. 

But in REALLY BIG NEWS...I finally registered for the marathon! This is extra important because of how I was able to register.

I was presented with the opportunity to do some good for a program I am also passionate about--Girls on the Run. I've been coaching for this program for some time, and it is incredible.

I registered for the marathon as a SoleMate, which means I will be fundraising my way into the race--a minimum of $500, benefiting GOTR. I am really excited to now not only be doing his for me, but for girls in Southeastern Wisconsin. 

So I'm asking for your help. Click on the link below and help me on my journey. $1, $5, anything helps. Thank you in advance 💖
https://www.raceplanner.com/donate/Race-to-Raise