Day 3

It's Saturday. Saturday = Long run according to all the training guides. I'm questioning how I can fit in my long runs without breaking the bank on babysitters...

Since the race isn't for 8 months, my main focus for now is getting below 10:00 pace. I had enough free childcare time at the Y to run 2 miles at that pace and take a shower before I had to pick them up...I did it. 2 miles in 20 minutes, a new record for me!

Day 2

Yesterday's (Registration day +1) goal was to run 10 miles on a flat treadmill, knowing that I'd likely only make it to 4 or 5, but I had 2 hours of free daycare at the Y. The Trekking instructor told me that I was going to lose my treadmill when I was only a mile (of walking) in, unless I joined the class. I'm so glad I did!!! I went 45 minutes and ran 3.5 miles. Including hills. It was a great workout and definitely worked me much harder than I would have pushed myself.

Today I went to another instructor's Trekking class and went 4.12 miles in 45 minutes. I ran a hill on a 15 incline. Two days in and I'm pushing much harder. I love watching the calorie counter just fly!!

Intro

I decided to start documenting my training for the Marine Corps Marathon, October 30, 2011. I'm one of the lucky 30,000 that was able to register for the race.

I'll start by saying that I'm NOT a runner. I started running a little bit after I delivered my surrogate baby in September 2009. I developed preeclampsia  and found myself sick for weeks after she was born. I never wanted to feel like that again, so I decided to take better control of my health and start running. I ran my first 5K in December that year and though my goal was to run the entire thing, I couldn't. I ran some, walked the hills and had an asthma attack at the finish line. I was so thankful to have a friend run with me to encourage me to keep going. She wasn't worried at all about her finish time.

Tina & I at my first race in CT

I've run a few 5Ks, a 10K and even planned a 5K event with a good friend. We raised nearly $500 and 4 large boxes of toys to support Toys for Tots. It was a great race.

Kelly, SSgt Jenkins & Me after our Toys 4 Tots event

I thought I may get a chance to pursue surrogacy again this year but had a few doctors discourage me from being pregnant again. I decided to put my health first and picked up running again. So here I am. 8 months till I go 26.2 miles and get the sticker for my car.