Feeling incredibly happy right now. Maybe it is because I have the house to myself on a Saturday afternoon while my husband takes the girls to a play and my son naps. It could be because it is the start of Spring Break and the weather is an amazing reminder of the coveted Oregon summer that is to come. It might be from having a relaxing Friday night where I ate my weight in pizza, soaked it up in one too many beers while sending "I love you messages" to a couple special people and then slept until 10a.m. Could be from knowing that I have some really solid girlfriends in my life that I can see still loving and having my side when I'm an old bitty without any teeth. We'll be traveling across the country to see each other wherever we may be while we drink tea and share stories about our glory days and how we met. Or maybe this happiness comes from the perfect and surprisingly strong-feeling of a 6 mile recovery run I just had. The hills that usually demand a slug-pace out of my tired legs, felt effortless and my body feels strong and capable. I almost feel like I shouldn't talk too soon but such a good feeling to have at the end of my highest mileage week EVER and right before my last 22 mile run tomorrow.
Whatever the reasons, I AM HAPPY. And I'm THANKFUL to be where I am at in my training plan and feeling so strong (knocking on wood here). So, it is time to finish these next three weeks before Boston with a fully stocked bag of MOJO. The picture above may not be from my fastest race but it does remind me of digging deep and believing in myself. The look on my face is one that I know. It is a look that is a sure sign that I was winning the mental battle in my head at this moment when the picture was taken. Despite the negative thoughts that were making their way to my mind, I was fighting back and loving myself for a lot of the race. It is a picture that makes me feel strong and reminds me of how far I've come. I'm holding on to this feeling. And I'm going to look at this picture often in the next few weeks as I find and hold on to MY STRONG. And how LOYAL am I to Brooks?! I mean really, will you look at those arm warmers turned inside out just because they didn't say Brooks! Ha! Kidding.
Calling all Boston Runners
So, all of you who are running the Boston Marathon, live in Boston, or are heading there for the marathon...is anyone planning some kind of Boston Blogger Meet Up? If not, I'd say it is time to get the ball rolling peeps. I'm thinking EASY, SIMPLE, Pick a place and time and come have a beer, juice, water...whatever you drink....and maybe some appetizers and then either leave after a quick hello or see where the evening takes us. Very noncommittal but still an opportunity for people to connect, take a few pictures, share some race stories, etc. So, I guess the big things to nail down:
- Who? Who is interested in a meet up?
- When? What day and when? I'd think that AFTER the marathon might be better. Then those of us that do want a beer and some not-good-for-you food can enjoy it without worrying about the race. Maybe Tuesday if people are sticking around??
- Where? Maybe some locals or people that are familiar with the area can suggest a good place to meet and then we can nail down a reservation for a room or seating that is big enough. Where did everyone meet last year?? I guess I could e-mail SUAR and ask her when she gets back from her vacation.
Okay, that's getting the ball rolling. Now anyone want to roll with it and share some ideas??
In my next post, I plan on sharing some of my DREADMILL tips for making it all bearable. One of thees tricks or tips requires ringing an imaginary bell every mile...this consists of me putting my hand in the air while singing "Ding Ding Ding". It's the little things.
Happy Spring! Happy Weekend! Happy Running!
Amanda
