Goofy Training

Weeks Three and Four

I know, it’s been forever since I posted a training update (and I’m sure you’ve been waiting with bated breath!) But, you know, last week we were on vacation. I did take my running clothes, but I only put them on once. In fairness, we got lots of activity rafting and zipping and hiking. Hiking 5 miles is every bit as hard as running 5 miles if you ask me 

I did run our last day, in Denver. Our hotel had an outside rooftop track. Cool, right? Yeah. It was cool, except for the altitude. I wasn’t just breathing hard, I was audibly gasping and wheezing and remembering every cigarette I ever smoked in my life. Who knew oxygen was so important? So I only made it a mile.

This week is my birthday (which involves extended celebrations – what?) plus my knees are janky from the hiking so I’ve been running in the pool. Shallow end, because I don’t have a vest. And while it’s boring as all get out, it doesn’t feel like such a sacrifice when it’s 97 degrees outside. Today I didn’t run at all thanks to one too many glasses of champagne last night.

But, y’all, the end of week four is coming up and just like the past two years, I’m suddenly terrified. Who in the heck runs a half marathon one day and a full marathon the next? How can I possibly keep up with my training friends? How can I keep asking my friends and family to donate money every year? Why do I keep returning to Disney World when I’m not even that big of a Disney fan 

Earlier this week one of my friends reminded me of something. Simply put, I don’t do this because it’s fun or because I’m such a great runner or because airline tickets to Florida are cheap in January.

I do it for Angi. Says so right on my race shirt. Always for Angi. And not only for her, but for everyone who has fought or is fighting or will fight a blood cancer. For those who have come through the other side and for those who didn’t make it.

So, vacation is over and so is my birthday. It’s time to get to work.

#irunwithcoachjoe #bubbleup