Training for a marathon

I still can't believe I am training for a marathon. A few years back I wanted to run one so I starting running like crazy. I got up to 16-17 miles on long Saturday runs while maintaining a 8:30/mile pace. I was doing pretty good until the shin splints hit me, hit me BAD. I had shooting pain running down my legs, after my Saturday runs I would have to sit for most of the day icing my legs and resting. I went to a therapist who showed me some stretching and talked to me about changing my surface street running to the track or even treadmill. Of course this therapist wanted me to come see him for "therapy" 2-3 times a week. That was NOT an option, I had 2 kids at the time and was working part-time. So I gave up on the whole marathon thing telling myself I gave it my best shot.
Last November my friend and visiting teacher Meagan Horne approached me about running a marathon with her. I dismissed her and told her she was crazy! I wasn't about to put myself through that experience again but she was PERSISTENT. She offered to pay for my race bib into the Phoenix marathon. She even bought me all kinds of running equipment and gear. I of course was not going to let her pay my way, part of paying so much to run a race is motivating to me. If I spend money on a race I am going to train hard so that money is well spent and not wasted. We started training in December. At this point I was still hesitant but willing to run with her and see how my shins did. I didn't want to sign up for the race until I was confident about our running and ability to run 26.2 miles. We are up to about 16 miles now and my shins feel amazing!!!! I can't believe it! I am actually looking forward to this crazy race.
It hasn't been easy and I know the next 5 weeks won't be a piece of cake either. We certainly have our work cut out for us. We have had our fair share of set backs. Some of which are a little silly and we can now laugh at them.

I still struggle with my usual bathroom stops. So, I usually only need one bathroom stop. So far I have made it through a couple long runs without needing to stop, so that encourages me. I have figured out if I cut sugar and dairy out 2 days prior to a long run my digestive system is nicer to me.

I have been experimenting with shoes and socks, and ended up acquiring this blister on a 14 mile run. ouch!

This lovely blister I got from my sock  The seam was rubbing on this toe.

On one particular run Meagan and I encountered many "shoe" errors. I had to stop and remove some arch supports, Meagan at one point on this run had re-tie her shoes and later she TOOK OFF her shoes and ran for almost 2 miles with OUT shoes on because of a bunion. Yes she has a bunion on her right foot. I still laugh at her for that one. Who has EVER heard of a 24 year old with a Bunion?!?!

 This week we had a BEAUTIFUL run at 5:30am in the rain!!!! LOVED it! But this is what it did to my hair! Crazy rat-tail!!! Took me conditioning 2 times and picking through it for 20 mins! Next "rain run" I will put my hair in a braid. Haha!

When this is all said and done I just hope I can cross that finish line in one piece and in our goal time. Running with Meagan has been an absolute delight, it's very difficult to find someone who is at the same level athletically as you. It's more than that though, Meagan and I have formed a friendship that only happens while running hours and hours together. It sounds silly but it's true.