Monday, February 24, 2014

A MARATHON in 12 days...

When I say what I'm about to say, you are going to think I'm crazy. And well, maybe I am...

On the weekend I signed up for the LA marathon which is happening in 12 days. Yes the FULL marathon. Why would I do that?
It all first started when I wrote this post with my marathon bucket list. And then months later after I finished my 1st full marathon this past September, I began considering my options for what's next and I wrote this post.

I really wanted to do the LA marathon in 2014, but it landed on the same weekend as an event my husband normally attends. I found out about a month ago that he wouldn't be able to attend for other reasons, but I dismissed the opportunity because it was far too late to up my distance to a full marathon... right? Never mind the cost of traveling to an international marathon and babysitting etc...

But as it turns out with the help of my ever-understanding family, I am headed to the LA Marathon!

I had only one choice this past Sunday to get myself prepared for this. The longest run I've done in the last few months has been 23km which is far from a marathon distance. So, this past Sunday, another friend, Jacki, who will also be traveling to the LA Marathon took me out for 32km.
The weather was also not unfortunately in our favor this weekend with a ton of snow which is fairly rare this late in the season on the west coast.

Nonetheless, off we went on our extremely long journey. And you know what? It wasn't easy, but it wasn't so bad. I know that I can make it to the finish line of the LA Marathon. I am not sure that I can PR, nor is that really a priority, but I know that I will get there.

Quite possibly the most exciting part of all of this is that my sister will be joining me for another racecation! Even though we live pretty close to each other now (since we moved in August), we don't see each other nearly enough. You might remember that we went to NYC together last March, almost exactly a year ago to the date of this trip.
Sisters' trip to NYC last March!
I'm so stoked to spend a weekend with her and to have her waiting for me at that finish line. Nikki & Jacki will also be racing LA and I look forward to spending time with them as well.
This is going to involve a "slightly" modified training schedule over the next couple of weeks to make up for all of the time lost but I am going to make it work. I've run over 50km in the last 3 days and even made some time to walk in the snow with my boys yesterday!
I am so thankful for my husband and his visa points which are flying us there, my wonderful Dad who is helping us get a hotel so late, and to my in-laws and favorite babysitters, you all rock!

So to those of you that know me, please leave your encouragement, your comments, and your love. I'm going to need it all to get to that finish line in 2 weeks.

15 comments :

  1. Sounds like a great destination run. If you can make it 32k in the snow then 42.2 in the sun will be a piece of cake!

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  2. My one piece of advice is to take it easy and listen to your body over the next few weeks. Take the time to stretch, roll your IT band and check your shoes to make sure they don't have a ton of miles on them. Be good to your body with recovery...ice baths, massage and getting that important post-race snack in within 30 min of exercising. You've upped your mileage in the last little bit so taking care of yourself will help you to get to the finish line healthy.

    Enjoy the last few weeks of training for LA!

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    1. Great advice Leana. I'm just breaking a new pair of shoes (same type and brand) so that should be perfect for race day. I'll definitely be practicing recovery too.

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  3. I little fun in the sun looks like just what you need! I'll have my fingers crossed for your success, but I don't think you'll need it, sounds like you're fully capable and I'm sure you'll have a great time!

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  4. Good for you on taking the plunge to head to LA! You know you can go the distance. ;) Train safe and I look forward to hearing more about it.

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    1. Thank you Heidi! It should be a wonderful weekend!

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  5. Wow! Here I am worried I am not ready for a 30k in a month...you are inspiring me and reminding me anything is possible if you put your mind to it. Do make sure to respect your body - you know you can do it so don't go overboard and get hurt in the process (been there, done that!)

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    1. Thanks Kristi, that's so nice to hear! I know I can make it to the finish line slow and steady :) I will definitely be taking extra care to recover properly and not overdo it, thanks for the reminder!

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  6. I'm so excited for you!! Sounds like a fun weekend with your sister and friends. You'll do great!

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  7. You Go Girl!!! So fantastic what you are doing. Good luck and enjoy L.A. with Sweet Shandess. You are the best!!

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    1. Thanks Auntie Lena! So nice of you to stop by my blog :) I will definitely enjoy my trip with Sweet Shandess, I'm so lucky to have a sister like her who goes along with all my crazy ideas!

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  8. Rock it. Have fun! I am so jealous! You can do it :)

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