Marathon Countdown: 13 Days

Sunday was a terrible run. Saturday was supposed to be my 10 miler, but instead I opted to lounge around until 10am before heading to Lambertville. I went to bed early and awoke Sunday morning tired, unmotivated, and unfocused. I did put in 7 miles along the river but they were the longest 7 miles of my life and I wondered if I would make it to church on time and alive.

Today was slightly different. I awoke with a somewhat clear mind and fairly sore for some reason, but ready. As I stretched, prepped my gatorade for return, and laced up my running shoes I felt like an athlete and couldn't wait to hit the road.

I ran exactly 3 miles in 29 minutes. Not terrible, but not the best for having a marathon in a few weeks. Regardless - I did it.

For the next two weeks I am committing myself to writing every day about running. I will run Tuesday through Sunday (10/26 - 10/31) this week and Tuesday through Friday (11/2 - 11/5) next week. I am COMMITTING myself to something because it seems I've been having a problem with that lately. I am COMMITTING myself to a schedule and to eating right and to not drinking. I am COMMITTING myself to putting this run first and everything else second.

Here's the deal. I have been having a really hard time figuring out my life path, lately and the fact of the matter is when I'm running it is just me. No texting. No emails. No Facebook. Nothing except for the thoughts in my head. Most of the time as I wander through this city I wonder what the hell I'm doing here? I completely lose who I am and where I've come from. But when I run - much like when I cook - I'm transported.

I'm not fast and I'll never win a race, but to be back in this athletic mindset is amazing. I would love to have a coach and perhaps someday I will take that next step when I've settled down. For now, however, I just need my will, my sneaks, and the road (or trail) before me.