Tag Archives: Training

Stepping Out Of My Comfort Zone: The San Francisco Marathon

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No one ever went to the moon without stepping outside of their comfort zone. While, I certainly don’t plan on going to the moon any time soon ;) I do have big, scary, life changing goals for myself. These goals are not something that I can just wake up tomorrow and accomplish. They are goals that take hard work, discipline, and sacrifice.

I’ll be the first to admit that sometimes I let fear get in my way. Even allowed fear (equal parts fear and knowing my body) come between me and running the Austin Marathon in February. I am absolutely done with that. I am ready to look fear straight in the eye, and laugh in its face.

I WILL be running the San Francisco Marathon on June 16th (my BIRTHDAY) with so many other baller runners like Pavement Runner, Josephine, Krissy, Lauren,  (hopefully) Jane and so many many many others that I hope do not feel offended by me leaving them out!!!!!

I even started training THIS week. The day I signed up I went out for my first training run… Which granted, was 28 weeks away from the race. However, if I have learned anything from this last half-marathon training cycle it is this:

I know my body. I know what it is capable of. Some people can go out and train for 12-13 weeks for a marathon and ROCK it… I, am not yet one of those people. Someday, I hope to be able to say that I am in that group of bad ass runners. But, I am not there yet, and that’s perfectly okay. It will take me the next 6 months to get 26.2 ready. I have NO shame in that.

WHY do I have no shame in that??? Because I am strong enough of a runner and human being to know my limits. I know that I need to step out of my comfort zone, but I also know where and when my body says OK ENOUGH IS ENOUGH. I need 28 weeks because quite frankly, I need more cut back weeks than a lot of runners do.

My right hip will taunt me for the rest of my life. I have learned that in the past 2 years. I trained too hard, too intensely, too long as a gymnast… As an adult I am paying the price. Am I sorry for the intensity of my training as a teenager? ABSOLUTELY NOT. Do I wish that it was easier for me as a runner, now? Absolutely. But, I have come to terms with the fact that I have done damage to my body. I have come to terms with the fact that I am not as natural of a runner as some people out there.

I work hard to run a FIVE FRIGGIN K. I work ridiiiiiiiiiculously hard to run a half-marathon. I know several people who have the the ability to wake up on a Friday and decide they are running a half marathon that Sunday. I am not, and very well may NEVER be that person.

There was a time (in fact that time was NOT that long ago at all) in which I felt SAD that I wasn’t that person.. However, I have realized in the last few months that everybody is drastically different. Everyone’s body was built drastically different. More importantly, everybody’s life has determined whether or not they can be that runner as an adult.

I have come to terms with the fact that my body may not have been built to run. But, that does not mean that I can’t run. That doesn’t mean that I can’t train it (in a healthy way) to be a runner. We have the ability to be whoever and whatever want to be.

I WANT TO BE A MARATHONER. I will be a marathoner, in 27 weeks. On June 16th, my 25th birthday, I will be a marathoner. I will have earned the title.

While some of the runners I know won’t start training for SF for another 10ish weeks, I am proud to have started last week. I am proud of the fact that I pushed my fears aside and said I CAN DO WHATEVER I PUT MY HEART AND SOUL INTO.

There is no going back for this runner. I have registered for the race. I have booked the flights. I have even made hotel arrangements. All that is left is awaiting the ability to book a rental car… (which may take until race day since THAT is when I’ll be legal for most rental cars.. darn you guys and your 25+ year laws…pffft)

Sometimes Being Honest Is Hard

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Training for my second half-marathon has been completely, 100% different than training for Iron Girl Columbia. For multiple reasons, of course. Yes, this was a lot less “scary” because at this point I know I can run the distance. 13.1 is a large number, for sure, but I’ve done it already. So I know that my body is capable of hitting the mileage. That in itself has made this training cycle completely different. A LOT less stressful.

However, as much as I hate to admit this, I do feel I need to put it out there. Maybe talking about it will make the ache go away? Sometimes I get really sad that my support system is gone. YES, I have tons of friends who cheer me on. I have YOU GUYS who rock my friggin world and believe in me more than I believe in myself… I have my step-mom who will even be running Rock n Roll San Antonio with me..

But, there is something about having someone who doesn’t quite understand running and thinks you’re just absolutely insane for going out there day in and day out. Someone who shares in the tears when you cross the finish line, accomplishing your biggest dreams. Someone who moves to different parts on the course just so you can see their face when the going gets rough.

I started running FOR ME. To prove something to myself. I don’t NEED anyone else in order to push myself harder and harder each and every day. My mind is my biggest critic, and for that reason alone, I challenge myself to run faster, harder, longer. But that doesn’t mean that it isn’t motivating, and that doesn’t mean it didn’t make my heart flutter having someone out there cheering ME on. Someone out there whose only concern in the world was seeing ME cross the finish line.

During training for Columbia I would get asked daily “how did your run go?” “how many miles did you do?” No matter if my answer was, I ran 1 mile in 450 minutes (ok, so that never happened) he would still tell me I was doing great and that he was proud of me. That was a great push.. Having someone who truly thought that no matter how fast or slow I was, that I was incredible just for trying. He would never dream of running 13.1 miles.. So I was his little crazy insane runner. He would shake his head any time I ran more than like… 3 miles. He would be at the finish line of my 5ks and ask how it went and I’d say “it was horrible. I ran SO SLOW.” His response was always “shoot I’d still be on mile one” which would make me laugh, every time.

I try not to dwell on these memories. I realize that I made a decision, and it was the best decision I could have made for myself given the cards I was dealt. Does that make me stop caring? Absolutely not. Does that make my heart stop hurting? Yea-Friggin-Right. Does that make this training cycle any less lonely? PFFFFFFFFFFFT.

It will be an odd feeling not having someone wrap me in their embrace after I cross the finish line, not having him call me crazy and make fun of me. ;) But… It will be a step in the right direction. A form of closure, perhaps.. To realize, it really is over and that I’m moving forward with my life, making the best and healthiest decisions I can.

It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live.
(Also virtual high-five to whoever can tell me where the quote comes from WITHOUT GOOGLING IT)

The Week I Went Absolutely Bananas?

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Apparently I have a death wish. I was so inspired the last few weeks by my new friends down south that I met on my trip. By my step-mom who can take weeks off at a time and make a back to back race weekend look easy right after. By all of my many friends who raced Chicago or PDX over the weekend. (btw Jess. CONGRATS ON BEING A MARATHONER!! You rocked it!) By my many other friends who are on the tail end of their NYC Marathon Training.

I took a dive right into crazy land. I have gone bananas. Lost my marbles entirely.

Yeah, I registered for the Austin Marathon. Which, is exactly 19 weeks from yesterday….. *GULP* Yeah, that means I’m diving straight into marathon training.. TODAY.

But weren’t you going to run Flying Pig in May as your first full?

Yeah, that was my plan… However when Z and I split up and my life fell apart.. I quickly decided to move to Austin. Running my first full in a city I will have just recently moved to, makes so much more sense. A) Moving across the country is expensive, so is traveling for destination races. (money really SHOULD grow on trees.. sigh) B) What a great way to get to know your new city, right?! Running 26.2 miles of it…. I think so. C) The friendly folks  with The Flying Pig are letting me defer to next year… When I will have not just lost tons of money due to moving and a wedding that never happened. Heh. Flying Pig is still my #1 must run marathon, but financially and logistically, Austin makes more sense for 2013.

On top of that, I really can’t think of a better way to say good-bye to Jamestown. WNY is absolutely miserable in so many ways, but the one thing it is NOT lacking is charm, and beauty. It is absolutely gorgeous in the hilly amish country not too far from town. The winding roads, the trees, that right now are brilliant shades of color. It will be the perfect way to close this chapter.

However I am officially panicking, now. I have 19 weeks…. I am going to use the Hal Hidgon Novice 1 Marathon Plan which is an 18 week plan, so it isn’t like I’m pushing the envelope or anything. It works out perfectly. It’s sort of scary how well it lines up with my current training, actually... The week I am supposed to run 12 miles will be the weekend of Rock n Roll San Antonio half.

It’s like it was meant to be.
But I’m still trembling in my shoes and freak out a bit when I actually sit and think about what I’ve committed myself to…

I’ve been repeating that over and over in my head.

What I DO Know:

  • Yes, Austin is known to have a fairly hilly course. However having just moved from Maryland (hilllllllll central), the hills of WNY, and the fact that I’ll be running IN Austin for the last several long runs, I’ll be ready for it. My first half was insanely hilly. Apparently I’m retarded like that.
  • I don’t have any real time goals. Finishing injury-free is my only goal as of now. This could change further into training though. I’m perfectly okay with the fact that it’s going to be a comically slow finish time.
  • I have 19 weeks to say my good-byes to everyone, as I will most likely die (I joke!)
  • This is definitely going to be the hardest thing I’ve ever done in my life. Running doesn’t come as easy to me as it does to a lot of others out there. I have to work really hard at it, every time I hit the pavement.

Dream  it. Believe it. Achieve it.

Marathoners — How far in advance before training did you register for your first full? What advice do you have to get me to that finish line February 17?

Training with Bronchitis

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About three weeks ago I woke up feeling absolutely lousy. My body ached, I had the chills, my head felt like someone filled it up with cement, my throat felt like the fiery depths of hell. I was miserable, to say the least. As I mentioned in my brief life update last week, I was later in the week diagnosed with Bronchitis. YAY FUN. Not. At. All.

The good news is that A Z pak, an over dose of Vitamin C and rest zapped the miserable aches and pains of being sick. I was feeling better within a week.. But 3, going on 4 here soon, weeks later this cough seems to have decided to take an extended vacation in my lungs.

I am nearly half-way through training for Rock n Roll San Antonio…. I won’t lie. Last week I was all easy breezy, because I was feeling better and better every day. I thought I would be 100% by now.. Now, though… Now I’m starting to freak out a bit.

I KNOW that I can tackle the distance. It isn’t the distance I’m worried about. It’s the whole, respecting my body and PRing thing. I have huge goals for San Antonio, and I have huge huge huge training plans. I was counting on Training for RNR SA to give me a solid base to dive into Flying Pig MARATHON training immediately following recovery from San Antonio.

I’m just getting to the point where I don’t know what to do, exactly.

See, the first week I was sick, I didn’t run at all. I couldn’t. My entire body ached, I had a fever, I sounded like Darth Vader breathing. A big goose egg for week 1 of bronchitis. The following week I ran a 2 miler that I thought was going to kill me, and then I ran another 2 miler at the end of the week that ended in my coughing so hard I threw up. This last week I took it easy, I ran a mile at the beginning of the week and felt decent… So I decided I needed to at least try to get in a somewhat long run… I ran 5 slow miles that were 65/45 walking to running… I started coughing hard during the first 2 miles but then I began to feel like the cold fresh air was breaking up the gunk in my respiratory system. However, that only lasted until mile 4 and then I coughed literally the entire way through the last mile… If I wasn’t a mile away from my house I would have just stopped. Not even gonna lie.

I was coughing for hours straight after the run. Like, I couldn’t stop… My doctor of course isn’t a runner… So, I honestly only take his advice with a grain of salt. But, when I contacted him about my cough not getting any better and how I feel on a run he got in a huge huff! Telling me that running with bronchitis is a huge no-no, even if the majority of the symptoms have come and gone….

As runners, we tend to be a bit stubborn. Strong willed. Head Strong. Whatever you want to call it, we think we know our bodies better than anyone else does… Including trained professionals. I’m guilty of this. At warrior dash I was all “oh that twinge in my hip will work itself out over the course of the next 1,000 feet of elevation.” It didn’t work out so well that day, and I’m pretty sure it won’t end any better this go around.

I’m trying to be a smart runner. A healthy runner. I don’t want to do any more damage to my chest/lungs/respiratory system. I called Jason in Baltimore. Some of you may remember his name from his brief time coaching me before I left Maryland. I really wanted his take on things. His advice has steered me in the right direction since I’ve met him. However, his words only disappointed me. (Sorry. still love ya pal!)

As always, speaking to me in crazy running metaphors he said “fight or flight” in which I didn’t even hesitate to respond with “FIGHT”… After a good chuckle and a round of “a’ta girl” he told me that realistically, if I can’t get in my scheduled 10k without feeling like I’m dying this weekend, I may need to seriously re-evaluate my expectations for San Antonio.

Then he really leveled with me. Told me a horror story from when he ran NYC in 2010… How he had bronchitis and toughed it out through training and started coughing up blood at the last aid station and was later that day diagnosed with pneumonia. The only time he’s had the chance to run NYC and he didn’t even get to cross the finish line because (and I quote his words) he was “too damn stubborn and stupid to take a few weeks off in the peak of training” While a marathon is obviously a hell of a lot more taxing on the body than a mere half, he still got his message across to me crystal clear.

A finish is a finish. I still have huge goals that I completely plan on dominating, but I’m not going to disrespect my body to do so. I’m tired of ‘waiting’ for my body to cooperate. But, what else is there to do? Any advice is totally welcome! Actually, I beg of you! lol

In other news, this time tomorrow I’ll be on my way to the airport to fly to AUSTIN to go sign a lease on what is soon to be MY NEW APARTMENT IN ATX!!!

Running With My Heart

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When I first told my friend and coach, Jason, that I registered for my first marathon, he asked me a question. “What motivates you as a runner?” Okay, that’s easy… I started rattling off all of these various things that motivate me. He just shook his head and said a simple “Wrong”… What? How is that wrong? I think I know what motivates me. All he said was “That’s not entirely true, and the sooner you figure out what it is, the easier marathon training will be.”

Pfffft. My friends are all a bit out there, but I was pretty certain he lost his marbles for a minute there. But, like a good little student I listend to his advice and started thinking. He was still wrong!

Until yesterday I couldn’t fathom what he was trying to get me to understand.
Now I do.

I woke up yesterday morning to 16 missed phone calls, 5 text messages and countless facebook messages. One of my smartest and most earnest friends has died. I always thought of him as a dreamer and an optimist like myself. We were both rather misfits growing up and similarly sensitive to the world around us. (for anyone keeping count, that’s 3 in 6 months)

I couldn’t deal with the influx of phone calls, text messages. Everyone I’ve ever known and loved back home in a panic. So, true to form I went to the fitness center. I pumped my treadmill up to 6.4 turned the tunes up as high as I could… Next thing I knew I had run 4.7 miles at 6.4 mph.

That’s a 9:28 minute pace! For a nearly 5 mile run that is FRIGGIN FAST for me! That’s when it all clicked.

I’m an emotional runner. I let my feelings fuel my runs. My brother’s death is what really got my butt in gear during Columbia 13.1 training. The day of my first ever 10 mile race, I woke up to news that my baby niece was born. Today, Nick slipped out of our lives…. I got to thinking more and more, and realized that even the beginning of my running journey was fueled by emotion. My emotional breakdown over how much I hated my body, and how much I wanted to take control of my health. I texted Jason “I run with my heart!”

The miles I run give me a safe space from the expectations of many people. Its a space that lets me grieve, lets me think the dark thoughts that I have to deal with from time to time. We can change everything around in our mind if we shift our focus. Running does this for me. When I jog through my neighborhood park, ideas pop into my head that I hadn’t had before. It’s like a laboratory for ideas and emotions. They fuel my runs, and when I return home I have a whole new perspective on things.

I’m an emotional runner. I run with my heart.
What type of runner are you? What motivates you to run?

Half Marathon Round Two! Back for Revenge

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Today is the day that I have anxiously been looking forward to. Not because it’s a holiday, birthday, or a no work day. Rather, it is the day that my training for the RnR San Antonio Half Marathon begins. Originally, I had taken the intermediate Hal Higdon training plan & tweaked it to suit my current needs… Resulting in a 12 week schedule. However, with my pelvic tilt being something I’m still consciously working on correcting, my “coach” Jason thought it’d be best to do a 16 week plan. That way I can stick to the 10% rule every step of the way and not risk inflaming the Bursa.

I’m not entirely thrilled about it. While the 10% rule is smart, it also can be a bit conservative. But, I am going to do whats best for my body and will get me my goal time, as well as launch me into full marathon training with a happy, healthy body.I’m looking forward to training this time around 10 billion times more than training for Columbia. I know this time around that I can totally tackle the distance. It’s all about doing it better. Being stronger & faster. On top of that, good grief am I so stoked for long runs. Life is SUPER STRESSFUL right now. A strict training plan is going to help ease the stress a TON!!!

I’m very confident that this training is going to go fairly well. I have a friend who is a certified running coach “guiding” my training. I know a lot more runners in the area now who I’m excited to hit up NCR Trail with, plus I’ve made a commitment to head downtown for Charm City Run Thursday Night group runs! (Bmore runners, join me!! The CCR crew is awesome & the runs start in front of the McHenry Row store! Usually running between 3-6 miles. ALL paces welcome!!!!)

The goal is to run with the 2:15 pace group. My finishing goal isn’t 2:15 but I do want to stay between the 2:15 and 2:30 pace teams the entire race… That’s all I can say. I always have this ridiculous fear that if I say my goal time on the blog, I’ll totally jynx myself. haha. I have a lot of work ahead of me… But I really truly believe I can do this. Having the right mindset is half the battle, right?! ;)

As a training kick off and “OH MY GOD CAN ANYTHING ELSE IN MY LIFE GO WRONG THIS WEEK” treat to myself I decided I could justify buying a clip on mp3 player. NO MORE ARM BAND! woooo!! What I wasn’t expecting, was finding one, brand new, on ebay for 99 cents… And winning the auction!!! Probably not the best sign that I’m the only one who bid on the product, but whatever… I can’t be too upset if it breaks quickly when the grand total with shipping was $4.26

Have any big races coming up?
Have you already run your goal race of the year?

Learning To Run Beyond My Comfort Zone

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;

My biggest problem with running isn’t form, it isn’t the heat, it isn’t aches or pains in my muscles or any other part of my body, and it’s not my endurance. I can work through all of those things. My biggest weakness, hands down — is that I have yet to teach myself how to push to the level of discomfort and stay there. (which is interesting, since in aerobic workouts and strength training I push way past my limits almost every time.)

As athletes, the first few weeks of training we tend to improve rapidly…. After awhile we find a “comfort zone” — a pace that makes us comfortable for longer distances than we’re used to, a distance that is easier than we ever imagined possible, Etc… All too often we’re afraid of pushing past that zone and really “suffering” during training. I am so guilty of this, it’s not even funny.. I can always force myself to keep moving, but when my lungs start to burn TOO badly I’ll slow down my pace without any conscious thought about it.

It’s NO secret that it is absolutely critical to the success of endurance racing to push myself past these limits. I failed to do this during my Iron Girl Half-Marathon, and it’s not exactly a surprise that because of this, my time was terribly pathetic and I had much more energy than I should have after crossing that finish line 13.1 miles later.

It’s that point when the body takes over and the mind just has to hang on for the ride — THAT is why I run… Yet, why am I so hesitant to get to that point? There’s no sound reason as to why, I’m not afraid – I’m not thinking to myself “omg slow down” I just do. I need to start consciously thinking “keep pushing. Push HARDER”

This week I have really been working on running past my comfort zone. After yesterday’s workout with coach J, he confirmed my suspicions. These buns are getting stronger. All hail the dumbbell squats & lunges. They’re truly miracle workers (yoga streak probably has a lot to do with it as well. Credit, where credit is deserved)

He gave me the go ahead to push it to the limits.

Cue Music…

We also had a lengthy discussion about how I have yet to really hit that discomfort level and stay there… He gave me some great advice. Funny how the best advice is simple, to the point, and usually no more than a few words.

  1. Repeat a Mantra. For me, my mantras usually consist of a few curse words, The f word is my personal favorite while running. “You can F-ing do this” is a big one for me. But, whatever works for you is just dandy.
  2. Remember it Will Pass. If you aren’t injured, the pain is only temporary. A lot of the times it won’t even stick with you more than a few miles. Even if it does last the rest of your run — it will pass, and next time you’ll be that much stronger for it.
  3. Distractions. Distractions. Distractions. This is where coach J differs from a lot of other coaches. More and more people are trying to train without music. He, recommended faster paced music with the volume pumped up. It will help ME zone out (this isn’t for everyone. But I’m a fiercely loyal music-runner.)

Of course, this doesn’t mean I should stop listening to my body. If there is sudden sharp pain, nausea/vomitting, or other OBVIOUS signs my body is crying for help — I’m not going to keep pushing it then. There’s a difference between pushing your limits and being stupid. ;)

& before I part. My last vlog update of the week… You can see me momentarily freak out over a bird. or bat. or something?

What helps you push your limits?
When was the last time you took the opportunity to push past what you thought your limits were?

Running Lately

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I have to say, I was pretty nervous to start running again after my diagnosis.. I was certain that sharp pain was going to come back. I knew they (Dr and Coach J) were right, I needed to start running after the pain stopped, but before my muscles got ‘rusty’… Yet, that didn’t ease my neurosis

The key has been adding in strength, especially to my core & lower body. ( what a nice way to say, hey um… your ass needs work ;) )

Before jumping into running, I did a week of yoga (still going strong on my 30 day yoga streak) and realllly stretched out my hips as much as I possibly could. My entire body was starting to feel so much better, all over. Hips, back, legs – everything. Then came deciding on my plan of attack for running.

With the help of a good friend I decided to do a circuit program and a sort of “couch to 5k” Only, I’m starting at a 5 min run 2 min walk. The idea is to focus on strengthening my hips and speeding up my running while also making sure not to tick off my bursa again.

So for the last week I have been doing the Jillian Michaels 30 Day Shred, and my make-shift 5k program. I can run longer than 5 minutes at a time so I’ve been focusing on pushing my pace during those 5 minutes. It’s truly astonishing how awesome I feel already. I can feel my running getting stronger and I’m astonished at how quickly the body can adjust to the stress you put on it. I’m confident that as I work my way through this training plan and continue focusing on strength I’ll be a hell of a lot faster.

In other running news, I recently discovered a new (to me) little route to run on. Not too long ago, we were hanging out on the playground that’s in our apartment community and I noticed the mail truck going down this little tiny pathway behind the trees. I was so curious… I had no idea this thing was there.

It has become my new favorite place to run during this training. It’s way too short to do any long runs on, but 3 miles is only a few out & backs. & it’s nice & shaded back there!  I really love it.

So that’s running lately. I’m excited to see what kind of damage I can do at BWC on the 24th since I’ll be 1/2 through this training plan. I’m looking forward to a 5k. My last one was what… St Pattys? Yeah… too long ago.

First Post-Injury RUN

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First off, I hope everyone had a fantastic National Running Day!!!! :D I was seeing some awesome stuff on the web all day. From people who are serious runners, down to people who I know don’t run regularly!!! I know it kind of stinks that it takes a day, designated to being active to get some people into gear, but hey — at least it DOES get them into gear.

I was finally able to lace up my Pure Connects and pound the road for the first time in several weeks. Warrior Dash was my last “run”, which was full of sharp pain. I was a little nervous, so I was glad to have a running buddy. Not only a running buddy, but someone who was willing to step up and say “hey do this not that”

We set off through the hills of Owings Mills/Pikesville. Walking/Jogging (or what I call wogging) a half a mile.. Then we ran 2 miles. The two miles were… hilly, awesome, sweaty, smily, and did I mention awesome? Yeah — it was. I found myself a little sore in the hip around a mile into the run… So, I stopped on the sidewalk in the middle of Reisterstown road and pulled one of these bad boys.

(Runners have no shame ;) )I felt instant relief and we were off again. I felt better than brand new. Of course….. my watch beeped to let me know it was 2 miles just as I really found my groove & felt I could keep running for DAYS. But – we slowed to a wog and cooled down. Then I stretched for about an eternity.

It was a great run. I found myself wishing that on DailyMile under “how I felt” I could put BALLLLLER! ;)

We also made my running schedule for between now and BWC on the 24th. I’m confident I’ll have a decent time. And then he presented me with this:

A full length mirror to watch myself when I run on the treadmill. Make sure my shoulders a back, head up. It’s true how much more “natural” running feels when you relax and pull back the shoulders. I have the worlds worst posture so this is one of my biggest problems as a runner.

I’m so pleased. I’m excited about running for the first time since my Half-Marathon!!! Which is hilarious since I really didn’t think a 5k would be exciting again after two double digit races!

This summer is going to be MINE. ;)

Mid-Taper Meltdown

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I never bought into the whole taper madness thing. I mean, it certainly sucks being limited on when you can run.. True to form we always want to run more as soon as someone tells us we can’t… But the taper brain/madness stuff. Seemed like an excuse to me. And it most likely is more of a coincidence than anything else..

But I’m calling all of yesterday my mid-taper meltdown.

If you follow me on twitter, you may have seen a few of my weaker moments. Lots of pissy tweets haha.

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Nothing went right from the minute I woke up. Including but not limited to: dropping a (empty! Thankfully) coffee pot on my foot about 97 seconds after crawling out of bed. Discovering $1,000 is missing from my bank account & the bank claiming bogus charges (working on it. Just pray you don’t work for this bank during the next few days ;) ) which is super swell since we’re trying to save up to put a down payment on a house out West. Ending with our internet mysteriously not working.

Really? Is this seriously real life? I threw several temper taper tantrums. Worked in a complete fog & several times thanked my lucky stars for this rock in my life:

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While I’m sure (please if there is a god!) I’ll get things squared away eventually, by the end of the day I was drowning in frustration. All I wanted all day was to head out on a run & not stop until my legs stopped working. But of course, I’m tapering & that would destroy my chances of having fresh legs come Sunday.

I can’t think in a straight line, but one thing is clear. I haven’t been this excited for anything in awhile. 13.1 here I come, meltdown or not!

3 days y’all!