#spring marathon

(In 2016 I’m aiming to cover 3000 miles in support of there charities close to my heart. For more of the story and to make a donation please visit my virgin money page.) 

Wow...so yeah here we are more than half way through November!! I'm trying to decide which marathon I want to run in the spring...big fall events are no longer an option for me due to crazy work schedule that time of year, but the spring is much more accommodating!! I ran Cleveland this year....should I run it again next year or try something new? I was thinking maybe Pittsburgh?? What do you in tumblr land suggest??

Or I can sit and wait to see if The Blue Ridge Marathon can do a social media comped entry for me. I've asked them and the seemed really cool and enthused about it, but they aren't focused on that race *yet*, so I'll try back later. 

Last night a runner friend and marathon vet asked how my spring marathon training was going.  Our conversation really got the wheels turning in my head. Blunt confession time:  I've been lagging behind and lacking motivation.  Technically, I am one month into my spring marathon training cycle and the furthest long run I've completed is 10 miles.  Last weekend I skipped my long run all together.  Who am I?  I love my long runs!  I turn up my ipod, zone out, work through issues on my mind and earn my weekend margaritas.  Last weekend I just couldn't get myself out the door.  The idea of running 10 miles made me a bit nauseous.  Normally I would consider 10 miles a perfect weekend long run distance! Saturday morning I sucked it up and laced up my old trusties (after unloading the dishwasher and finding other household duties for procrastination).  I hoped to get back on schedule and accomplish 12 miles.  Only 10 of those miles happened and quite honestly I fought the idea of  taking a cab home the final two miles because I was over it (yes, I realize how ridiculous that is).  It was tough on my legs that are out of shape and easily fatigued.  It was tough on my mind that kept me in a dark place and made me question my strength. The past few months have been stressful.  The company I work for was placed for sale, a scary situation over which I bear no control.  (Good news update: the company was sold and to a great competitor!)  Schedules have been hectic, BC has been traveling a TON, I'm struggling to lose the weight I put on in Hawaii during vacation = feeling gross, family health scares, among other things.  Bottom line: I place a great deal of pressure on myself to be a great wife, good friend, successful sales manager, considerate family member/daughter, etc.  In the back of my mind, adding the obligation and commitment of marathon training felt like another burden when my cup runneth over! That's not what running is for me.  The road is a good listener, why did I turn myself on mute?  Running releases more than just sweat.  Maybe I need to view the structure in a new light?  Staring my training plan in the face everyday and asking myself to be held responsible and to LOOK forward to that getaway?  Starting today, I'll try to view my training calendar in a positive light.  An escape for "me" time.  An unquestionable component of my day.  Boy do I feel better with that off my chest. I am ready to go pound out my daily run.

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