10 mile run - check!

On Saturday I ran my longest run EVER - 10 miles. It's quite a huge accomplishment for me. It was a pretty easy run too. I had some great running partners that kept me entertained and pushed me when all I wanted to do was walk. I did walk a few times, but I was just "practicing" going through the water stations. (There were no water stations, but there will be at the marathon, so my thinking is, practice makes perfect!) I did make the mistake of not really preparing for the run and getting my fuel belt to keep properly hydrated on the run. Thankfully Anja had one and let me take a few sips of her Gatorade. I think I probably would have crashed and burned if it hadn't been for those few sips! It really does make a difference. So, this week I will bite the bullet and purchase my $35 fuel belt.

I was talking to a friend the other day and she was asking questions about how to start training for a marathon. She was asking how much to start out with and it caused me to step back and think about where to start. I told her to just start out with one mile runs a couple of times a week and build up. I starting thinking back to when I first starting running (again) and it was about the end of March. I could barely squeeze out a mile then. And in the middle of March, I could barely walk a mile without loosing my breath. Granted, I had surgery on March 17 and was walking 2 days after that, but still, it's worth noting in my book. But there were plenty of times weeks after surgery that I couldn't finish a mile because my legs were either really tired and heavy or my breathing was just so labored. So if any one has ever wanted to run a marathon, but didn't necessarily believe you could - YOU CAN! Sure, it takes a lot of time and commitment, but so far, I can say it's been worth it. Just take small steps and you will be amazed.

With all of the donations, I have currently raised $2892.20!! I can't believe I am over half way there! I am so surprised at all of the support I have received and it definitely makes this journey worthwhile. Since I have started the fundraising and training, I feel like everyone around me has been affected by cancer. It's such a common illness and hopefully with all of the money Team In Training raises, there will be a cure for the blood cancers soon. 

Tonight we have a team meeting and we learn about nutrition! I am so excited about this meeting because in the past couple of months I have really learned how important nutrition is. It is going to be interesting to hear a different perspective and to gain good knowledge on some of the foundations of proper nutrition. It should be a great meeting. But I have to tell you, I am really excited about next months meeting - Massage Therapy!

Thanks again to everyone who has taken the time to donate and show your support! I truly wouldn't be able to do it without you guys!