Marathon Training Day 214… conquered long 18 & KDBH

Wow! I had not realized how long it has been since my last blog post. It has been a very full and eventful 70 days. I think I was subcontiously waiting for the 18 mile long run before posting again, as if there was nothing worth anything until this marker was reached. Ha… the mind of a runner!

I didn’t prepare much for the actual run, other than increasing my daily runs to 5-7 miles and averaging 30 miles a week for the last month, The decision to run 18 was made two days prior, after realizing this past Saturday would be the last one of 2020. I needed to get this done to prove to myself that I still had it in me to complete a marathon. The marathon I originally signed up for was moved from Dec. 13, 2020 to May 2, 2021, which worked to my benefit because I am not prepared.

Saturday was perfect. The cooler weather made the run enjoyable and easier. I loaded up and headed back to White Rock Lake. Here I could easily commit to running the 18 because the loop around the lake is exactly 9 miles. Once I started the second loop I had to finish. I am still running my comfortable pace at 3min run/30sec walk break intervals. This has worked for me so far with averaging 12-14 min miles. I am still way off from my previous marathon pace of 10 min miles, but I think I am good here for now. I am enjoying my runs and not stressing so much about speed.

At this pace, I’m looking at almost a 6hr marathon time, which is not something I want From here on out it will be not only increasing distance but working on speed. I can do this. I know I can. I would be happy with a 5hr comeback time and work toward a better PR from there (if I decide to continue running full marathons).

Weekly runs are longer now, averaging 6 miles 3-4 times mid-week with a 10-13 mile long run on the weekends. I’ll add miles two at a time once a month to the longest run, starting with 20 miles in January. I will run 20 again in February, 22 in March, and 24 in April, leaving 26 for the May 2nd date. I remember when I had a desire to train for a 50 mile ultra, after conquering two 30 milers! Ha ha…. what the hell was I thinking???

A ritual I have added to my runs is a final stop at the local coffeehouse. I have come to know the baristas by name and even have “my usual”. It’s such a peaceful place. I buy my coffee and walk the 1.2 mile home from there, after completing my morning run. On days I do not run, I walk there for my coffee. As much as I dislike the location of my house, I am becoming deeply rooted in my surroundings. It saddens me at times to think about moving. Time will tell though where this gypsy soul will end up at the end of next year.

In other news… In Mid-November I was announced as one of seven national ambassadors for the Know Diabetes by Heart (KDBH) joint campaign with the American Heart and American Diabetes foundations. Click the link to read my story, Lupe B. – Know Diabetes by Heart. Inside Edition also featured me as part of the campaign launch! How a Mom Turned Her Health Around After Diabetes Diagnosis – YouTube.

It was such an honor to have been chosen as an ambassador. After the rollercoaster my life has been on the past few years, I never could have imagined I would be were I am today. I feel blessed to be alive and feel stronger than I have ever felt in my life. I am finally taking back my breath and learning to appreciate my freedom and independence. Marathon training and my journey to wellness has taken on a different meaning and much appreciated responsibility.

I am going to try and post more often, now that the marathon is closer and training has become more intense.

Each and every day is a new opportunity to give back something to the world around us, and if all that means is a better you then by God’s grace DO IT!

Get up, give thanks, and most importantly GET MOVING! What are you waiting for?