Slow And Steady Wins The Race (or at least finishes...ha)

Excitement ensues! I accomplished 5 miles yesterday! Two weeks ago I wasn't feeling well, so I lost another week of running, which was pretty discouraging. I started up strong again last week and actually got out to the gym/outside 4 times!!! I know, I'm amazed too. I was doing pretty well, so I thought I'd up the ante and go for 5 yesterday. I've realized I need to start running more outside though, for two main reasons: 1. running on the treadmill makes me incredibly nauseous, no joke. As soon as I step off after any amount of running, I feel like I could fall over. 2. I really need to get my lungs prepared for the crisp, almost winter-like, air.

Yesterday...this weekend was my friend Holly's wedding to the most amazing guy, Joe. The wedding was on Saturday and it was absolutely perfect. The wedding was at the Fordham University Chapel and the reception/hotel were in Jersey. We stayed overnight in Jersey and I was determined to go running on Sunday when I returned home. We returned home around 10:30 Sunday morning to a gorgeous fall day. I ended up relaxing for a bit, since I had gotten no sleep all weekend, but I was still determined to get out for a run, and now that the weather was this perfect I really couldn't stay in. So finally around 1:30p.m. I started the walk towards the Hudson River and began running north towards the George Washington Bridge. I have never gone north along the river before, I tend to always go south for some reason. Let me tell you...this might be one of the most beautiful, peaceful stretches of land in NYC, and I am not lying. For most of the path you are pretty secluded from the cars on the highway and are surrounded by trees. I was able to get up the Bridge pretty well, although I have determined that I definitely run slower outside than I do on the treadmill...something to work on. From 125th to the Bridge is 2.5 miles, not too shabby. On the return trip the crisp air started getting to my lungs and I had to walk some of it. I did not want to walk all of the return 2.5 however, so I finally started jogging/running again and reached 125th with excitement. I was proud that I had just successfully reached the 5 mile mark, even if I still had to walk some of it. At least I know I can do it.

Now I need to continue to pick it up and slowly creep up on my mileage. Now that I'm up to 5 miles, I'm pretty much good for my shorter runs throughout the week, but the weekend long runs definitely still scare me. I'm getting nervous off and on, well...really when I allow myself to think about it too much, and I just need to stop doing that.

On a good note I got my Ipod back from my mom and it most certainly makes running a lot easier! I'm just trying my hardest to keep the little guy at the forefront of my mind and block everything else out. If I stay focused I know I'll be alright. I think a much needed visit from Mom, Dad and the little guy the week before the race will be a good kicker as well. They're coming up so we can bring Trey to see The Lion King for his birthday. I am beyond excited, and it's going to be an amazing time for all of us (I only wish Ian could be with us for it).

So...six weeks left. As I sit here and look at my running schedule I'm ready for those short runs, I know I can do those short runs...it's those long runs that make me nervous. I know that even if I have to walk some of it, as long as I keep at it, I should be fine.

That is where I'm at right now. Let's just hope my attitude stays this good for the next six weeks...I know I can do this.


Thanks for listening!