10+10=20

The agenda for Saturday morning...20 mile training run...READY, SET...

I ran the first 10 miles with the team. I ran side-by-side to another teammate....Jessica. She was on the winter team last year and is a mentor this season, like me. We have really gotten to know each other a lot better this season. She is quite funny and I enjoy running with her and reading her running blog. She can definitely turn on the speed especially on race day...and I'm inspired by that. Serene, another teammate from last year, ran with us and a new teammate Melissa joined in as well. I mention these ladies and others in previous posts because they are part of my life...most are new friends...and they are one of the reasons I love running. When you are out there running you can talk about things and confess things that you probably wouldn't just standing around in the parking lot. We laugh, we cry, we run!

Robin, my friend and regular training partner, who is running Marine Corp at the end of this month with me had a recovery weekend so I was on my own for miles 11-20. While I was running the first 10 which went by rather quickly...I was very worried about the second 10 and confessed that to Jessica on our run. My confession...I had NEVER run more than 4 miles alone. I consider myself a social runner. I love running with others and I run my best when I'm surrounded by friends (so I thought). So needless to say, I wondered if I could pull this off. Deep down inside I knew this was going to be a "make it or break it" moment. It would either give me the confidence I needed for the Marine Corp marathon or pull me into a downward spiral of negativity.

When we finished up mile 10 and came into the parking lot, I stretched, refueled and took about a 15 minute break. Inside I was ready...I was happy and wanted to prove to myself I can run alone. Jessica, Melissa and Serene cheered me on as I ran out of the parking lot.

I bet you are thinking I have some witty comments about my run...some very personal thoughts that went thru my mind but honestly all I can say is I DID IT! My plan was to run two 5-mile loops but when I was supposed to turn right to finish up the first loop I knew there was a chance I wouldn't go back out for the final 5...so I kept running straight instead of turning. Going straight wasn't on ANY of our training routes but I was convinced it would run into a street that would get me back to the parking lot and I had my phone so I knew I was ok if I got lost. I must admit this was the longest part of the run and I finally had to pull out my phone to check my GPS but I was ok.

I was on my own and I was running and I was OK!

That was around mile 15. Now I knew I just had to keep running because I was not close to the parking lot. My garmin watch tells me my mileage, pace, time...whatever I want to know actually. So that is exactly what I did...I kept running our training routes until I knew I would hit 20.

At mile 19 I was turning the corner to run the final 1 mile into the parking lot and there was Dave and Meg (my coaches along with their son Landon). I was so happy to see them. Meg gave me some super encouraging words and sent me on my way. Tears rolled down (like they are now) as I ran the final stretch in.

I sent some text messages and posted on facebook about my 20 miles because I was so proud. Yep, I'm patting myself on the back because this was a defining moment for me and I wanted to share it with everyone. My biggest flaw...self-doubt. And on a beautiful Saturday morning in less than 4 1/2 hours I kicked my self-doubt to the curb and pray it doesn't return.

I maintained an average moving pace of 10:50 for 20 miles. I'm scared, nervous, excited...I'm feeling every ache and pain my body throws at me. But I think I'm ready...I think my training has paid off. So with lots of prayers and support from those closest to me I believe I am going to cross the finish line.

And if you are so inclined...I am still fundraising!

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