The training...

So it seems like whenever anyone asks what's "new"... These days I answer in terms of marathon training: "training runs... " long run..." "tendinitis" "tapering"; you get the idea... I start to feel like my whole life revolves around the actual marathon... my eating, sleeping, drinking (or lack thereof), tiredness, more eating... In reality, I know I am more than that...but just the same I am sure my friends are tired of hearing about it. It's just that running has become such a huge part of my life. Its why I wake up at 4:45 in the morning and stumble out the door and down to the corner to meet Lindsay (my running buddy)... Its why I enjoy venturing out in the bitter cold or the blasted August heat & humidity. Its why I love having great conversations & solving the world's problems (or my own) while watching the sun rise. Its one of my favorite ways to spend time with Mat. Running has become as real to me as one of my best friends. BUT WHY? In the words of Kristin Armstrong, "we don't run because it is easy, we run because it is real". There is nothing easy about blood, blisters, intervals, sweat, tears, hills, tendinitis, 6 inches of snow, rain, the F "bomb" (those frustrating runs where that was the only word that would come out of my mouth) ... Its all just REAL.

So why do I run? Why do I "enjoy" marathon training? Its pushes me to be a better me... more focused, disciplined, humble, appreciative, thankful, happy, healthy, content... It literally is putting my faith into practice - one foot at a time. Trust me, the only way I got through the last 22 miler was though quite a bit of prayer & scripture (I WILL run and not grow weary... I WILL run and not grow weary... you get the idea) For some reason, I feel closer to God in the middle of street on a dark morning on a long run than sitting in a church auditorium crowded with people...

Anyone who knows me, knows I didn't grow up running (or very athletic for that matter - I don't think cheerleading & tennis count that much) nor am I a natural runner...by any means! Its who I have become... and I love it!

So here's to training, tapering and marathons in general. Bring on Big Sur - blood, sweat, tears & all...