Marathon Musing

The marathon is only a few days away now. This will be my 5th marathon. While that seems like both a lot and not much, I keep reminding myself that I have only been in this position 4 times before. While there is some comfort in its growing familiarity, 26.2 miles never loses its intimidating size. So much can happen both around you and to you in that time. There are virtually no ways to prepare for everything. Personally I use an 18 week training schedule, tweaked through experience to best aim for prepared. I feel good about it and particularly like the week off option late in training, albeit I rarely take it off.

To run a marathon is an exciting prospect, regardless of the number done before. If anything, you know "the wall" after mile 20 better each time. I am excited to once again put my training and faith to the test. My goals are alway set up with HAVE FUN first.


So far, I am 4 for 4 on that one!

A Good Rule

I met some friends tonight for coffee, as I do fairly routinely. The stories were tragic and funny. All told I found myself belly laughing much more than I have in recent days. The affect on me is noticeable right now as I feel lighter than I have in a while. This group tends to adhere to a simple and affectionately termed "rule 62," which is "don't ale yourself too seriously." That seems to be exactly what I needed.

Mom

Today we celebrate Mom. I had the distinct privilege to get to spend some time with mine today and I have to tell you, I am so grateful for all her years of doing what she does. From every Doctor Mom phone call to see if I actually should seek medical attention to the occasional texts to say hi, she has been a rock in my world. While the convention of Mothers Day seems a bit contrived, I have to say there is something just and right in the universe to say thank you to those hard working folks that have done so much! Mom, thank you!

Running in the Rain

It's a rainy Saturday morning with a much shorter long run ahead of me. This is the final week before the marathon here in Denver and while it is only 8 miles today it feels tougher to get the up and go happening. I am feeling refreshed and ready to run, but after 16 weeks, the taper can feel like a very welcomed reprieve. I know as soon as I hit post I will be going in and get geared up and out the door for an attempted easy pace. That feels like the status quo for the life right now. Despite some reluctance, I am continuing to try and suit up. Sometimes that is the marathon itself. Sometimes, however, that is the victory.

Happy Picture Friday

Easy Does It

Easy does it are words I have been battling to love for many years now. They seem to be at the forefront of my thoughts as of late… again. There are some major changes and issues that feel like they are better suited to charge forward, guns blazing. While action is required, my choice is rarely the bast way to go. Currently I get to do what I can to affect change and remember, as always the results are out of my hands. It requires faith. I dig that, but less so when I want the guns blazing option. That's seems to be where the value of easy does it plays. While to some of my friends (dubious they read this) would laugh at the rudimentary nature of yet again realizing I am not in charge, it seems a lesson I was yet again needing. It's good to have a faith that can expand when I realize I had foolishly corralled it too tightly.

Oh, and it doesn't help much that I am now in the taper period of my marathon training where I am actually supposed to run less, eat well, and sleep as much as I possibly can.

God's got a good sense of humor, but his timing has style.

Faking Positive

Staying positive can be a challenge on any normal day, but throw in a dilemma or problem without a clear direction and it seems damn well impossible. That is where I find myself right now. I am trying to figure out a solution and can not get traction on it. The result feels like a lot of wheel spinning and my ever present optimism is slouching some. What I am assured of is that faith is not alway something you have to feel for it to work. I keep putting in the effort and "faking it till" and I am assured all will be well. That has been the experience thus far.