24 days...ut oh...

Holy cow!! 24 days--I'm not ready! How did it get here so quick? (for you reading this blog for the first time--I have a marathon on Feb 18 in Myrtle Beach) Okay, so the paranoia is setting in a little earlier than with my other races but this is a pretty big one. I know that I have worked very hard in my training and have been consistent as well! That doesn't change the fact that I pretty much second guess everything I do. I know it shouldn't be that way but-it is what it is...

Other running news: the 2 ladies I am coaching are doing a great job! Their endurance is increasing little by little. I joined the running club in Myrtle Beach and may have some opportunities to coach a few clinics there this summer. 

I appreciate all of you that encourage me and keep me in your prayers. 

I will check in later...

Caffeine or no?

I got my USATF Level 1 certificate in the mail. That was pretty exciting, I knew I had already passed the exam but getting the actual certificate was very cool. So, what is next? Well, I will continue to train the 2 women for their first half marathon (April 15) and then I will work on the Level 2 certification. That will take a couple of years to earn. I must have experience coaching track and field for that one. I am going to sign up for the next class in the Personal Training certification from the US Sports Academy after my marathon in February. 

For now I continue to work toward my goal of qualifying for Boston at the Myrtle Beach Marathon on Feb 18. I must admit that I am a little nervous. I have 5 weeks left until the race and I'm almost scared to put it in print, but my training has been going very well! I am feeling  really good, my interval workouts are great, my long runs are great too (of course there are always a few miles here and there that aren't so good but that's normal), my weight is steady, my diet is pretty good (I do indulge sometimes), and overall I am feeling good about it all. The only complaint I have is this waking up at 3am several times a week...I mean, getting up at 4am to go running is one thing, but 3? Really? I do try to make it up on the weekend though. Nothing seems to have suffered. And by the way, I am getting average of 6-7 hours of sleep a night-so I sleep even less than most of you. I just have a different schedule. I do get teased constantly by my friends and family about going to bed early but I know that means they love me. Haha!

I've been trying to stay away from caffeine over the last month. If you know me well, you know that I always have to go to the bathroom and even take medicine to help me not have to go pee so much. It's really a pain and so much more so when I am racing. It stresses me to think that just because I have a small bladder, I potentially lose 30 seconds or so off my time. Those seconds are important!! So, I have noticed a difference, not sure how this will translate in the race. When you gotta go pee, you just gotta go. I have it in my mind that I will stop at least once for the potty during the race and this has helped relieve some stress. Not much I can do about it...well, I guess I could wear a diaper like the guy did in the Disney marathon (go read that blog for a laugh) but I'm not ready to go there yet. LOL!

 I did find an app for my iPad2 that will locate bathrooms for me! :)

 Take care and get out there and run...or walk. Just do something.

USATF Level 1 Track and Field Coach

Yes, I'm a running coach!

Tomorrow begins a new chapter in my life. I will take two ladies under my wing and attempt to help them complete their first half marathon. I've known for a little while that I wanted to coach others to meet their running goals but was not thinking it would be so soon. I was approached by one of these ladies about helping her train for her first half marathon. Her friend decided she wanted to train as well. After much consideration, I agreed. We officially begin on Monday. I am excited to see how they do. I'm confident they will finish well...regardless of me. Yes, I will plan out their weeks of training but a runner must do the work themselves in order to see the fruit. I've seen that firsthand, but I also understand the importance of encouragement. There are times the training is tough but when you know your coach is behind you and rooting for you, it helps a lot. I have a lot of runner quotes and this one is a good one. "The body says quit, the heart says never." I want to help them learn, as I have and still am, that we can go farther and faster than our mind thinks. Heart makes all the difference. I believe running is as much mental as physical and sometimes more mental. I am a little nervous, but I know both of them and feel comfortable with them. So, to Karen and Nancy, I appreciate the confidence you have in me, the opportunity to begin my coaching career, and I promise my dedication to help you reach your goal!




On another note...my coach, Bobby Mack finished 2nd in the Bupa Great Edinburgh Cross Country race this weekend! Here is a podium picture. Cool flowers...even for the boys! Way to go Team USA and Sir Speedy!!