A champion is committed to a vision, a dream that originates in thesoul and evolves into action.

I'm 6 weeks into my training and I'm loving it.  Is it hard?  ABSOLUTELY!  After my run test my run pace was established.  My easy runs are now a 9:15 pace and my tempo runs (medium level) are an 8:13 pace.  I love that I'm out of the 11:00 minute per mile pace, but man who knew 9:15 could be so tough?!?!  A 9:15 pace was NOTHING to me before this training program with my coaches, but with the introduction of my new head to toe form and cadence I am both physically and mentally exhausted and sometimes barely able to keep the 9:15 pace.   

My program is a combination of strength and core enhancement (lifting) and running and because it is so different from what I've been doing I'm sleeping better and I'm in a constant state of "good sore".  I explained this feeling to one of my coaches and her response was along the line of "isn't it a great feeling to keep changing up your workout and tricking your body?"  It is...I've never felt better!  

I did a 40 minute tempo run (8:13 pace)...I was dying between the heat and the "grueling" pace.  I tired to stay as consistent as possible, but it was really hard.  I decided I will do all my tempo runs on a track since it's flat and I have a better shot of keeping my set pace...the only problem is 40 minutes on a track is sooooo boring.  

When I trained for my 1st marathon it was all new and exciting  so I never got bored....I actually LOVED  every bit of training.  During the last marathon training program it became so tedious-I really hated training. (Tho I missed training when it ended) This new training program is totally different from the combination of lifting and running to doing timed runs as opposed to distance runs I feel (even having 22 weeks left) I won't be getting bored.  The training plan my coaches have me on keeps me on my toes-literally and figuratively!  Ha Ha  

Sometimes the training is tough and I know it's only going to get tougher, but Boston is my goal and I need to push myself to get there.   I guess some people just get that about me. 

I must talk about running a lot and my students must listen to me and talk about me at home because I got one of the most thoughtful gifts ever from a student at the end of the school year.  I got the Alex and Ani Champion bracelet.  The quote says, "A champion is committed to a vision, a dream that originates in the soul and evolves into action. The winged sandal of Hermes, the Greek messenger of the gods, represents limitless potential as it radiates the ability to reach goals swiftly and share messages of love clearly. Look within your heart to summon the energy to finish the fight, believe in the impossible, and become a champion."  WOW!   I think it looks pretty sweet next to my running watch!  Thanks #8 I can't wait to get to my dream!