Week 16

Sunday –

Long run today: 17 miles. It was very hard for me, but I finished.

I tried caffeine in my fueling gel for the first time, and it really helped a lot. Since I’m a caffeine addict, I figured it might help to get some in my system since I don’t drink coffee before a run.

The sky was super clear—you could see the stars while it was still dark. The sunrise, of course, was my favorite part. We ran all the way to the beach. I didn’t want sand in my shoes, so I didn’t go down to the water, but we had nice breezes being so close. It was still hot, but the “cool front” gave maybe a 5° difference. The air wasn’t as heavy with humidity, though at one point I told my husband it felt like I was running through waist-deep water—it was just so hard.

I also had my first experience with a racist. I’ve lived in Naples since the 1980s, and this town has always had really nice people. But as we were running on 5ᵗʰ Ave South, we passed a woman with a crazy look on her face. The first time, she just seemed weird. The second time, when my husband said “excuse us,” she started calling him the “N” word. My husband, being him, ran backwards saying, “That’s all you got?” He already runs with me on these long runs to keep me safe, but hearing her shout that word over and over, along with other nonsense, really hurt my heart. I can’t believe my little town is changing in this way. My soul was deeply troubled.

Anyway, back to the run itself. I felt pretty good until miles 10–12, when my back started getting tight. I stretched during my walk intervals to loosen it up. I also got cramps in my right foot, and then my right hip started hurting. Basically, my whole right side was rebelling!

The good news: I fueled and hydrated very well. I never felt delirious until the very end, which I’ll take as a win. Around mile 14, I started to cry—my mind was so mean, telling me I was too slow, that this marathon would never be possible, that I’d run out of time and DNF.

But I reminded myself: I’m a BAD ASS!I shouted it to myself a few times to keep going. I’m a slower runner, and that’s fine—I can still do this. It’s discouraging at times, but that’s part of why I chose this goal: because it’s hard.

I kept up my run/walk ratio, and when I looked at my watch and saw 16.99, my face lit up with JOY. “I’m almost there—OMG I did it!”

Yes, my back was tight, my feet and calves hurt, and the stairs to get home took longer than usual. I was super hot. Normally I crave an ice-cold Coke after a run, but this time all I wanted was ice water. And it was the best thing ever.

Stats:

• Average heart rate: 146

• Pace: 16:00

I managed myself very well today.

Last night, I told my husband about my fear of being too slow at the marathon and not making the cutoff. He said: “You’re in training. Stop worrying about the marathon. Just stay in today’s run. Next, you’ve got a 35–40 minute run.” Of course, he’s right. I’m looking too far ahead. I need to stay in today. Haven’t I already learned this lesson? Here we go again. Being human means you get to learn the same lessons a few times before they stick.

Monday –

Gym day. It started with a half-mile run. LOL—I walked it. The rest was arms, so I went with light weights. I still felt it, but afterward I felt really good. I’m making good choices for my body and still improving.

Tuesday –

I was tired, so I chose rest. I did feel a bit guilty, but I know my body needs it—especially after Sunday’s big run.

Wednesday –

I went for a really nice walk and stretched after. That felt amazing. I need to do more of that. It’s still so hot outside—I broke a sweat just walking.

Thursday –

The heat is either scaring me or I’m just tired of it. It’s making it hard to get out. I wrote a quote from a podcast on my mirror: “Weather is part of the experience.” I was thinking about rain when I wrote it, but I guess I need to apply that to heat, too. Heat and humidity are part of this training experience.

So, this morning I did 30 minutes on the indoor bike. No guilt—it’s good to work my legs differently.

• Avg heart rate: 137 bpm

• Distance: about 9 miles

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I stretched after, which felt great. My calves are sore and tight—stretching is a must now.

Friday –

Gym day: hamstring and glute focus. I love this day—it’s hard but feels great, and it really helps with running.

Everyone else seems to fly through the workout while I’m always behind. But I just remind myself: it’s my workout, my goals. Sweat was dripping off me, so I know I was working hard. I’ve injured myself before by rushing, so I go slower and pay attention. My main focus now is running this marathon.

Saturday –

Easy walk around the neighborhood with my husband. It was really nice to catch up and talk. Later, I did a 30-minute yoga stretch on YouTube for an active rest day. I need more of this—it was so relaxing.

Thoughts –

I’m just going to keep at this and hope for the best.

Most of all, I want to remember to have fun and enjoy the process—otherwise, what’s the point?