4 1/2 weeks to go!

I enjoyed another momentous run on Saturday (Feb. 14th)! I completed 18.75 miles in 3hrs:11mins! I actually ran out of daylight and time on Thursday to run my 6 or 7 miles, but in the end I think it gave me enough stored up energy to run for so long on Saturday. I find myself quite amused to glance at the various looks I receive from drivers as they pass. They would be worse, I guess if they knew how far I was running that day. I probably do look rediculous though with my headphones, water bottle in hand, and a plastic baggie with some sort of high carb food (peanut M&Ms and crackers this week) safty-pinned to my pants. Infortunately, my warm, winter running tights are not equipped with a much-needed pocket. I had to laugh this Saturday when I was passed twice by a very kind, black bumper van-driving, older gentleman who was as enthusiastic about running as I was and showed his support by waving and honking his horn. Support such as this is always greatly appreciated! Speaking of support, my sponsors have donated $1950 for Bridge of Hope LCC!!

If you haven't visited Bridge of Hope LCC's website yet, I encourage you to read their "stories" part of the website at www.bridgeofhopelcc.org/stories.htm to see how Bridge of Hope and mentoring churches give mothers and their children just the help and support they need.

Thanks and take care!

Loving the warm weather!

Saturday was the best running day I've had in a long time! I miscalculated my route so I was only able to reach 15.2 miles instead of the 16 I had hoped, but the run went very well. The weather was perfect: 46 degrees with the sun shining and a nice cool breeze. I had my dad drop me off way out in the country, so I enjoyed flat, untraveled, scenic roads to run on. My total mileage this week reached 30 miles and $1600 has been raised for Bridge of Hope of Lancaster and Chester Counties! Only 6 weeks to go!
This run was definitely needed to rejuvinate my mind and body. I've heard many people talk about "the wall" you hit during your marathon race, but I also believe there is a training "wall" you can hit a few weeks before your big race. It happened to me while training for my half marathon last summer. It's the point in your training where your body starts to ache more than usual, you have several dissatisfying runs in a row, and you begin to worry your body won't be able to make it through the race. I was starting to worry after Thursday's run where my feet ached the entire 6 miles. So I was overjoyed when I felt very good on Saturday. This weather is definitely a mood lifter!
Today I'm scheduled for a 7 mile run, Wednesday I'll run 4.5 miles, Thursday will be a 6 mile run and then Saturday will be a 19 mile run! I hope everyone is doing well! Thanks for your support!
Here is my route from Saturday.

Update...

Wow! The time has flown by and it's time for an update! So far, I have raised $1,450 for Bridge of Hope LCC! Thank you so much! These two weeks have been pretty busy for me and he weather has been all over the place: freezing cold and windy, then freezing rain, then warmer weather, and now more snow... I will run in almost all weather conditions except in pouring rain when the temps are in the 30s. That's just asking for trouble (and a cold). I would have to say that running in these icy conditions has been a challenge, but I haven't fallen yet and I would like to keep it that way!

My training schedule called for a long run this past Saturday, but I really should have ran on Sunday, which was a beautiful day! I still was able to run 12.5 miles, so I shouldn't complain. Tomorrow I am scheduled to run for 60 mins (about 6.5 miles) and have Friday off. Then on Saturday my goal is to run 16 miles, which will be the farthest I have ever ran at one time. Right now they are predicting a temp of 46 degrees so I am preparing for a good run. Until next post, take care and avoid the ice! :-)

www.bridgeofhopelcc.org