Recap and Upcoming

Last week, training was rolling right along. I was feeling pretty confident about my 20 mile run. That is, until the day of the run. My stomach was upset before I even started my run. I ran my first lap and had to stop several times because of my stomach. I decided I had to push on though. I was able to complete 3 laps (9.45 miles) before I just had to stop. My body was telling me no! Even though this was supposed to be THE prep run for the marathon, my spirits were not down. I ran 19 miles a couple weeks ago, and I felt pretty good afterwards. I know that I could have continued running. Even though my body let me down, mentally I was ok.

These next weeks leading up to the marathon are my tapering weeks. I had a scheduled 5 mile run yesterday. I set out yesterday morning as usual. At one point during the 1st mile, I tripped over something on the sidewalk. Since it's extremely dark when I run in the AM, I had no idea what it was. Luckily, I was able to catch myself from falling. Then, 7 houses down from mine, I stumbled and completely lost my balance. I fell hard and slid across the concrete for a bit. My hands and right lower leg are scrapped up. The really bad part is my right hip/thigh that took the brunt of the fall. I was limping around all of yesterday. I had a tough time falling asleep last night, because I normally sleep on my right side. This morning, I hurt too much to attempt my 4 mile run. I'm hoping by resting it, I will be able to continue running tomorrow. It better start feeling better soon; the Chicago Marathon is right around the corner.

Here is my (hopefully) revised schedule for the week:
Monday - Strength Training (upper body)
Tuesday - 5 miles
Wednesday - Rest
Thursday - 4 miles
Friday - 5 miles
Saturday - Strength Training (upper body and abs)
Sunday - 12 miles

I received my Chicago Marathon Participant Guide in the mail Monday. I immediately sat down and read it cover to cover. I am getting excited and nervous!

World Alzheimer's Day

Today, September 21, is World Alzheimer's Day. Please take time today to visit www.alz.org to educate yourself on Alzheimer's.

Today Alzheimer's Disease International released a new report. Here are some startling statistics.

The total estimated worldwide costs of dementia are US$604 billion in 2010.

In 2010, there are an estimated 35.6 million people living with dementia worldwide. This number is expected to increase to 65.7 million by 2030 and 115.4 million by 2050.

If dementia care were a country, it would be the world’s 18th largest economy, ranking between Turkey and Indonesia. If it were a company, it would be the world’s largest by annual revenue exceeding Wal-Mart (US$414 billion) and Exxon Mobil (US$311 billion).

Schedule for September 13 - September 19

This week is the last week of hardcore training! After this week, the next 2.5 will have decreasing mileage. This way I will have fresh legs when I start my marathon.

Here is the schedule:

Monday - Strength Training - Upper Body (Tae-Bo like punches) and Abs (20 minute ab video)
Tuesday - 5 miles
Wednesday - 5 miles
Thursday - 5 miles
Friday - Strength Training - Upper Body (Dumbbells) and Abs
Saturday - 20 miles
Sunday - REST

Total mileage for the week: 35 miles

Quote of the week: "Even when you have gone as far as you can, and everything hurts, and you are staring at the specter of self-doubt, you can find a bit more strength deep inside you, if you look closely enough." ~ Hal Higdon

Training Schedule for Sep 6 - 12

This week is a step back week. Yay! I need a step back after those 19 miles on Saturday. I actually took the step back week a little further by being lazy, enjoying the extended weekend, and not doing my strength training yesterday...oops.

Monday - Rest
Tuesday - 5 miles
Wednesday - 8 miles
Thursday - Strength Training (Upper Body and Abs)
Friday - 5 miles
Saturday or Sunday - 12 miles

19 miles! WooHoo!!

Yesterday, I did it. I ran 19 miles!

I'll have to admit it; I have been struggling with motivation problems the past couple of weeks. Completing the 19 mile run yesterday has restored my motivation!

I really want to thank Mom for yesterday. She came over and sat in my front yard during my entire run. I run laps of 3.15 miles by my house. She was there with water, Gatorade, bananas, protein bars, and more importantly encouragement every time I came by. She even stood at the "finish line" to high five me after 19 miles. Knowing she was there made me HAVE to run the entire 19 miles. It was just what I needed!

Now I know that my last month of training will be productive. In 2 weeks, I have a 20 mile run. That distance was very intimidating on my training schedule until I now realize that it's only 1 mile more than my longest ever run. :)

Schedule for August 30 - September 5

I'm sorry that the schedule is late for this week. Here it is.

Monday - Strength (Upper Body Dumbbells and Abs)
Tuesday - 3 miles
Wednesday - 5 miles
Thursday - Strength Training (Upper Body Resistance Bands and Abs)
Friday - 5 miles
Saturday - Rest
Sunday - 19 miles (Such a daunting task!)

Total mileage for the week: 32 miles