Thank you for the very encouraging comments after my recent half marathon.  I intended to write  between now and then but of course life got incredibly busy and chaotic with the holidays.  There were Christmas parties, cookie exchanges, Christmas programs and a slew of other activities going on that kept this mama moving!  I will say I think I had the most relaxing Christmas day I’ve had for as long as I can remember.  While the kids were busy playing with their new toys I just laid on the couch and read the first Hunger Games book.  It was wonderful!

Little man is into Lego Ninjago stuff this year

So excited about this castle!

Elphaba barbie from Wicked

The year of the ponies! Anna got this soft pony as well as several My Little Ponies

Barbie Camper!

These two didn’t waste any time getting ready for their big camping trip!

A giant kiss for my boy who loves Hershey kisses!

He couldn’t believe how big it was!

And speaking of delicious chocolate…  I have never run a marathon smack in the middle of Christmas and New Year’s and I must admit that it is kind of strange.  There are about a million food temptations everywhere I turn.  I have not been as good as I should but I have also exercised a moderate amount of self control.  I’ve also enjoyed the “extra” time I’ve had since miles have been lower because of the taper.

Christmas Eve dinner with the family

And for anyone interested… Here’s a quick run-down of my training since my Half Marathon:

Sun. 12/15- Rest day.  Legs were pretty exhausted after the race.
Mon. 12/16- Easy 6 miles on the trail @ 7:55 pace with Kem.  My right calf felt a bit off- really tight.
Tue. 12/17- Another easy run. 7 miles on the treadmill @ 7:52 pace.  Leg felt better.
Wed. 12/18- Tempo around HA trail and track.  8 miles total with 4 @ 6:12 pace (6:26, 6:16, 6:14, 5:54)
Thur. 12/19- Easy 6 miles on trail @ 7:39 pace with Kem.
Fri. 12/20- Rest day.  Basically it was a crazy busy day with class parties and the kids getting out early for Christmas vacation. I came home exhausted from a week of parties, programs and non-stop activity and attempted to do some housework.  I fell asleep in a pile of laundry on the bed and woke up 2.5 hours later!  I took that as a sign to take the day off and give myself a break.
Sat. 12/21- 13.1 miles @ 6:56 pace on the treadmill (POURING rain that morning).  I didn’t really want to do my last “long” run in that kind of weather (cold rain) and risk getting sick.  I started the TM at an 8 min pace and worked it down to marathon pace.  Then I bumped it down to half marathon pace, 15 k pace, 10K pace and finished faster than 5K pace.

Sun. 12/22- Easy 6 miles @ 7:57 pace on the treadmill
Mon. 12/23– I needed to run my last short tempo but I went to Little Rock early that morning with my mother–in-law and oldest daughter for some last minute Christmas shopping.  We didn’t get home until dinner time so John and I took all the kids to Chick fil a. I was NOT in the mood and tried to rationalize not doing this workout in my head but I knew it needed to be done. I headed to the gym at 8 pm.  2 mi easy warm-up, 3 mi @ 6:09 average (6:30, 6:07, 5:50), 2 mi cool-down
Tue. 12/24- Christmas Eve run with the girls! It was COLD (20 degrees but “felt like” 10).  We did 7 miles together and took our annual Christmas Eve running picture together. 

Wed. 12/25- Rest Day- Christmas!  I thought about doing a short easy run but I was enjoying the down time with the family way too much! Personally, I’m not a big fan of running on Christmas.  At least not right now with my kids the age they are.  Maybe when they are older and want to run with me but it was too cold and I didn’t want to leave them.
Thur. 12/26- Easy 5 miles on the trail @ 7:13 pace.  Legs are feeling fresh and ready to go!!
Fri. 12/27- Today! 🙂 Rest Day.  I like taking the day off before the marathon to relax and get focused.

And there you have it.  The final two weeks! I know my body has a sub 3 marathon in it.  I just need to stay strong and follow through.  In Springfield I was nailing a 6:45 average pace through mile 19 and then I started to fade.  I really lost the mental battle.  I am stronger than I was 8 weeks ago.  I can do this.  I am trying to prepare myself for whatever comes my way.  The weather is looking good (high 30’s, calm wind).  I just need to push myself to reach my potential.  No matter what I am going to put it all out there.

This is it!