I'm about halfway through my marathon training and it is AMAZING how my level of endurance has grown. Just this week when I was running I thought about the longest I had ever run prior to the start of training was 6 miles - Saturday I will run 14 miles. What is even more AMAZING is that it doesn't seem that long. It is only 2 more miles than the 12 I've already run a couple of times. It is AMAZING what one can do if they just try.

Last Saturday was my 10 mile run. It was better than the week before. This week has been a struggle emotionally and I was afraid it might affect my running - but I decided I would run despite my sadness - and it has actually helped me feel a little better. This Saturday my training schedule calls for 12 miles. We aren't meeting as a group so I think I will take advantage of some new scenery.

This weekend was my 9 mile group run. It seemed harder this week one reason may have been that I started off anxious. Usually I try to stay relaxed and not think about the distance being run - just the idea that I have to run from start to finish. Running 4 miles on Sunday was even harder. My quad muscles were still a little sore from Saturday's run so by the last mile I could really feel them. I was never so happy to walk. Next week I hit 10 miles! It is going to be a great!

Saturday was my team's 2nd group run. My goal was to run 7 miles. I was a bit nervous driving to the park to meet up with my team but once I started running, I just kept thinking "I can do this, just take it slow." I did it. It felt great. Running through Royal Oak and Huntington Woods helped my run feel relaxed and enjoyable. Next group run on Saturday will be 8 miles and I am looking forward to the challenge.

Wasn't sure how this past week was going to affect my running as I dropped a box on my toes. But although my big toe is sore, my running shoes are loose enough not to bother it. Ran 5 miles Saturday. It was a slow and comfortable run. The last mile or so my legs started to feel a bit tired. Sunday was actually harder to run my 3 miles - I don't know if it was because of running 5 on Saturday or if because I only allowed myself 2 hours after eating a heavy dinner.

Training has been going great. The miles are low this first month so it hasn't been difficult. I've only had to run in the rain once. I realize though that on Marathon day it may be rainy and windy so I run regardless of what is happening weatherwise outside. My least favorite is when it is sunny and warm as that makes my runs seem more difficult. A nice cool breeze and some drizzle is welcome! My miles are beginning to increase this coming week. By the end of the month my long run will be 6 miles. I'm really looking forward to reaching that goal.

I will be blogging my training for the 2008 Dublin Marathon here. Please check back often and submit encouragement along the way. Thanks!