Progress

When I first signed up for this marathon, my logic was: "I ran a half marathon, and training wasn't that hard...how hard can a marathon be?" This must be why I have gravitated towards sales my entire life. I'm good at convincing myself that ridiculous scenarios are actually logical. Turns out marathon training is twice as hard as half-marathon training. Shocker, I know. Today marks the first day since I started training that I didn't feel like throwing up in the shower after my long run. You're welcome for the mental picture.

I've been struggling lately. I've felt as though my "logic" gave me a false confidence. I feel like convinced myself that since I can run 3-5 miles consistently, a 26 mile run after 4 months of training would be no big deal. That logic seems to make as much sense as the logic that knowing how the game of basketball is played makes you a professional athlete. I mean, the Houston Marathon is an Olympic Qualifier. See what I mean? Of course, the trials are being held the day before all the normal people run, but still. Yikes. I feel a little in over my head. And I'm barely only half-way into my training. It boggles my mind, after an exhausting 9 mile run, that I will have to run almost three times that distance just a little over 2 months.

Lately, I've felt as though I can't do it. It just all seems so overwhelming. But, my saving grace has been the kind words from friends, and the contributions to my cause from a few generous souls. Seeing those donations finally makes it feel like I really AM running for a reason. Every time I am feeling horrible, I think of my friend Alison, and little Lex. As a parent of an autistic child, she must overcome daunting challenges every single day. Every task, no matter how simple, can be a daunting hurdle. My biggest hurdle is a long run once a week. Wimp.

So, I'm going to run 26 miles. Not today, but on January 15. Because I'm not going to let a few measly miles bring me down.

If you haven't already donated, please take the time to do so. It doesn't have to be much - every little bit helps. Just click here to head to my charity page. It means a lot to me, Alison, and Lex.