Can't wait for the weather to get better. Our last long run I was quite frustrated with the snow covered sidewalks. Shane doesn't like it when I run in the street. He's a protector. We were suppose to run 8 miles in about 1 hour and 20 min but we ended up running 5.65 in about 1 hour and 10 minutes due to the difficulty getting through the snow. Plus it was super cold and we had some pretty strong wind. Shane tried to be funny and keep my spirits up but I wasn't having any of it. I ran an extra mile on the treadmill today. We hit 40 degrees sometime the second half of this week... but that probably means rain. I can deal with rain. When I was training for Dublin I had a long run of 14 and it rained the entire time - towards the end I was stomping in the puddles like a little kid to keep myself from going crazy. I can't say I am excited for summer because that means hot and humid weather.... why do I do this?

Can't believe it's over, my 1st Marathon. It was a wonderful, spiritual life changing experience. I completed the 26.2 miles in 5 hours and 6 minutes and I didn't feel like I was going to die or not be able to finish at any point during the event. I know it was because I trained properly.

Dublin was beautiful and the friends I've made will stay with me for a lifetime.

Although the marathon has come and gone, it isn't the end for me - It has become the beginning of something great. I am now training for Marathon #2 in June 2009 in Seattle. It is the Rock-n-Roll Marathon so it should be a great time. Training just started this week so I will post my progress here along the journey. I kicked it off by running a 5k called the Super 5k Road Race on superbowl morning. It was Shane's first running event and also the start of his training for the June marathon - this time around I have a partner. It is going to be awesome!

I put in the miles, did pace runs, speed work, and long, slow runs. My body and mind have been stressed in various and sundry ways. I'm ready. In the wait before the race I fret, I obsess, I hallucinate and hyperventilate. That's right, I've got "Taper Madness!" Event: Dublin Marathon - October 27, 2008

Wow! I can hardly believe my own words as I say 'i ran 16 miles' this weekend. Considering I started only 4 months ago where my longest run was 4 miles, I've come a long way. I have to say that the training program I am following from Team In Training (raising funds for the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society - view my page at http://www.tammiebryant.com/See_Tammie_Run.html) is the reason for the success. I've tried other training programs before and this by far was the easiest to follow and manage.

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.