Marathon Time- Number 8 {September 21, 2012}

The marathon is starting to get close, only a couple of weeks left. I can't help but look back on my past years around this time.

 Last year at this time, I was recovering from my car crash. I had been told not to run the marathon, and by this time last year I knew I physically couldn't do it. This time last year was extremely difficult for me. I was devastated. 

Two years ago at this time I was almost in the same place I am now. I had trained, and I was excited to run. I was running for the second year in a row with my sisters and looking forward to a great run with them, and it was. It was a good time for me. 

Its crazy how so much can change in one or two years. I have literally come full circle.  Here are all the marathons I have run (all 7 of them). It seems absolutely crazy to me that I have run 7 marathons. The lazy out-of-shape high school girl that couldn't run the mile and a half is going to run her 8th race. I have to say, I am proud of what I have worked so hard to accomplish. Its a part of me now. 

St. George 2006 

St. George 2007  

St. George 2008

St. George 2009

Salt Lake Marathon 2009 

Salt Lake Marathon 2010 

St. George 2010 

I feel so many different things when I look over these pictures, and extreme since of pride and accomplishment is first of all what I feel. The second thing I feel is an overwhelming feeling of humble respect for the race. The course is incredibly spiritual and demands respect. I feel so lucky that I have been able to run so many times, and hope and pray I can keep running for many many years! 

It feels a little crazy that I haven't run one since 2010. I did run the last 4 miles of last years with my mom. It was the most difficult 4 miles of my whole life, but I am so glad I could be there with her to support her. I am beyond excited to run this year. I have never set a time goal, and I don't plan to ever set one. I just want to go up and have fun and finish. I am very excited for this year and cannot wait to get started. 

Yeah for the marathon! 

Finally, a good run

Since my car crash I have had a really hard time working out. Part of it is the physical side. I do still have problems from my crash and I really lost all of my fitness by being out of it for so long. Part of it I think is mental. I haven't done it in so long, but I still remember what it was like to work out before the crash and now when I try and its a lot harder, and I get more frustrated. Well, last night was a turning point for me. I had the BEST run I have had in a long time! I have really struggled running and have really tried to do other things because it has been so hard. The problem with that is that ,the only way I can really loose weight is by running. All of the other activities (elliptical, spinning, walking, biking) seem to help me maintain but I don't see a lot of progress weight wise. I have run enough to be able to keep training, but I will admit it, I have been slacking because its hard. On Saturday we ran the Bryce Canyon Half, and it was so hard for me. I just do not have the stamina that I use to have. I give up way too easily. I finished, but I by no means pushed myself very hard. I was disappointed.

After that run, I decided it was time to stop being lazy and kick things back into gear. I decided I needed to do some more consistent running through out the week. So, Monday I ran 7 miles on the treadmill. It sucked. I had to do a lot of stopping and starting and I hated that. So, last night I tried again. I got on and started and it SUCKED even worse than Monday. I could not run hardly at all, so I got off and did the elliptical for 45 min. I did not want to leave without at least trying again (and I like to do an hour of cardio) So, I hoped back on the treadmill, and to my surprise it felt good. I felt strong again. I ran, and I didn't have to stop and start. It felt amazing. I needed that! I am so glad to have a good run and to remember what it is like to like running and to feel good at running. I really forgot just how much I love running!