I Can’t Eat, I Can’t Sleep…Countdown to 26.2!!

All I’ve been thinking about is this Saturday.

I’M RUNNING MY FIRST MARATHON!!!

A part of me thought maybe I’d do one in my lifetime and another part of me thought there was absolutely no way. But, I’m TWO days away from attempting it.

This is my last training week. It’s crazy that the past 16 weeks have been in preparation for this moment and I can’t believe it’s coming to an end. It’s bittersweet. I’m beyond excited about the race; but, you’ll never get another first, you know? And that kinda makes me sad. But in a happy way. Am I making any sense?

I know this isn’t the end of anything. I’ve got so many crazy, fun, never-would-I-have-imagined-I-would-ever-do things coming up and I can’t wait to share them with you.

Screenshot_2014-02-10-13-17-50-1

So as far as my marathon is concerned, of course I’ve been obsessing about the weather and everything else race related. I haven’t been too braggy about our beautiful Arizona weather because I know some of you are in the midst of Winterpalooza 2014, but I must admit, it’s been sooo pretty here lately. I’ve been happily running outside the past few days in shorts and short sleeved tops without a care in the world until…..THIS.

whyyyyyy??????

whyyyyyy??????

Steady your view on Saturday. Yes, the marathon gods have specifically chosen me to torture and torment. RAIN?? IN ARIZONA?? REALLY??

Of all the days……..

I’m trying really hard to not freak out. I mean, I’ve run in the rain before. Plenty of times.

I am not this runner.

I am not this runner.

I am this runner.

I am this runner.

I totally researched my first marathon. There were several reasons why this one particular called out to me. One, the date. It’s in March when Phoenix is amazing, not too cold, not too crazy insane hot. Yeah…………didn’t think about rain..

The second big thing that appealed to me was this:

Helly likey.

Helly likey.

Isn’t that a thing of beauty? I know some runners actually like hills (I’m looking at you Salt!); I’ll deal with them if/when I have to (see RnR AZ Elevation Map) but for my first 26.2 I was hoping there wouldn’t be many to tackle. This looks pretty good to me! : )

So of the two big reasons why I chose this race, at least one is a for sure thing.

Damn you fickle weather!!

–Have you ever ran a race in the rain?

–What unpredictable things have you encountered during a race?

 

Marathon Training Recap Week 15–One Week Left and One More Giveaway!!

Week 15…Wow!

This week was a crazy week as I had the Lost Dutchman 10k on Sunday and then my husband was out of town Wednesday-Friday–but here’s what I managed:

Sunday, February 19th: Lost Dutchman 10k Here’s one of my favorite pics from the race : )

Screen Shot 2014-02-20 at 6.48.22 PM

Monday, February 17th: Rest/Recovery Day

Tuesday, February 18th: 5 miles. This is typically a 10k Tuesday but I was still feeling the one from Sunday lol!

Wednesday, February 19th: I managed 15 minutes on the elliptical before the gym daycare called me :/ It happens…

Thursday, February 20th: Abs, Hips, and Glutes video from Blogilates

Friday, February 21st: Rest Day

Saturday, February 22nd: 8 miles. My last long run of training! I kept a steady 9:28 pace and felt really good. The knees were hurting a little after but I stretched and iced and they weren’t too bad.

——————-

GIVEAWAY TIME!!!
The last giveaway of my first marathon celebration is a free ONE YEAR magazine subscription for TWO READERS to their choice of the following:

Fitness Magazine
Health Magazine
Self Magazine
GQ Magazine

Who doesn’t love getting something in the mail? : )

Tell me in the comments, do you check your mailbox everyday like I do? Which magazine would you choose?

Then click on the Rafflecopter link below to enter!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

1.) Like my page on Facebook
2.) Follow me on Twitter
3.) Follow me on Instagram

Details–
Giveaway ends Thursday midnight
Only ships in the U.S. (excludes Hawaii and Alaska, sorry!)
One year subscription. No renewals.
Void where prohibited by law.

Runningluv Giveaway Winner!!

It was another great giveaway turn out! Thank you all for participating and showing the love : ) We have one more giveaway in the works so keep checking the blog in the next few days…

Also, my next blog entry is pretty darn exciting!! My very good friend Amy, will be guest blogging and I’m very excited for you to read her story. Come back tomorrow to check it out–you won’t want to miss it!

Okay, and the winner of the free Runningluv towel is…..

Michelle Brigham

images

Congrats Michelle!!! Check your e-mail inbox for a message from me : )

Remember that you are all winners!! Use the code HELLYONTHERUN15 for 15% off your entire purchase at runningluv.com This code will be up on my home page under the tab “Connections” until it expires March 24th.

Thanks again everyone! Can’t wait for you to meet my beautiful friend Amy tomorrow 🙂