Progress

Last time I posted I was fairly certain I could not run 18 miles...under any circumstances. The next morning I woke up to 63 degree temperatures and 0% humidity. It was a miraculous day. The miles ticked by one after another and before my legs totally gave out, I had somehow run 18 miles. It was a spectacular feeling. It wasn't until that day that I absolutely believed I could run and finish the marathon.

This past Saturday was supposed to be an "easy" 12 miles. Perhaps it was my attitude that needed adjusting, or perhaps the reason for the change in weather actually had no relation to my running training whatsoever (unlikely), but when I woke up it was 84 degrees and 70% humidity. 4 miles into the run MK and I both felt sick and decided to just finish however we needed to...which might have included some walking. It was a little discouraging. I never truly realized was a difference the weather makes.

In light of my recent setback, I have been thinking a lot about the progress I have made over the last 4 months. While I am not appreciably faster than I was when I ran my half marathon, I am certainly able to keep going for miles farther than when I took a break from running last January. Perhaps the thing I am most excited about is the sudden ability to run and talk without sounding like an old accordian. I used to talk between gasping for life-giving air. Now, it's more of a fluid conversation. Also, when I stop for a break during the runs (to get water, etc.) I don't sound like I have been fleeing from a crime scene. Yes, my breathing is still a little heavy, but really, I think I could pass for having just finished some lawn work.

So, I won't be keeping up with the Kenyans in November, but, if one of them is a recent amputee or has a 50 pound weight strapped to his ankle and winds up running next to me, at least I will be able to have a conversation with them during the run.

Timmy

Day Left - 55

Total Distance Run - 230.36 miles