Took a couple of weeks off from blogging (not running) with a nice little trip back to South Carolina to see my family.  Once a year we try to get everybody together down at the beach, usually Fripp Island.  It’s a great place to go, free from overcrowding and plenty of things to do outdoors.  Beaufort is right down the street with all it’s Southern charm.  I keep saying if I could find something to do, I would live in Beaufort.

So now that the trip is out-of-the-way it is time to really start focusing on the Dublin Marathon.  Not that I haven’t but I have been moving at my own speed because I started training early.  I am about 12 weeks away!

Training has consisted of one to two training runs anywhere from 3 – 5 miles, speed work, gym time (aka weights) a long run (up to 8 miles so far) and a rest day ~ I try to go to yoga when I can.  Whew!  That’s a lot and there are some days I have to cut back.

My biggest hurdle so far is the heat (wears me out) and I get tired easy.  The weather here has been a bit erratic.  We were hitting the three digits then like a light switch it has become hot AND humid.  I think in September things will start to mellow out a bit.  But for now, I start off really well at about mile 2 to 3 I start getting really hot.  On my worst days I have to walk a bit and run.  Kind of stinks, but I’m learning to let that go, hoping when I get Dublin my energy will be “magically delicious“!  If you like Lucky Charms you so get that…..  I also have a goal of beating my last marathon PR.  My first marathon was the Rock and Roll in St. Louis and I ran in 4:41.  When we started off it was in the 30s….in October.  It’s always a love hate relationship with that type of weather.  Sucks in the beginning but five miles in, it’s heaven.  I ran all the way through until mile 25 when I slowed down a bit to walk and the guy next to me told me to keep going.  My goal will be to beat that time…I don’t care if it’s by 5 seconds.

I was getting up around 4am and getting out the door before 5, on most days:)  But I’m losing daylight now as it is getting light around 5:30.  My routine so far is a cup of coffee, Eggo™ waffles (I’m addicted), and a sport gel….hmmm hmmm good!  I think I need something else because I just don’t feel the kick in the pants umph!  Maybe it’s my age….who knows.  A little warm up, then I walk a bit and then I run.  I’m on a ground-hog day loop.

Had a blast in South Carolina last week.  One of the best things is I ran (for the first time) with my sister.  My siblings don’t know it yet but they will be participating in an event…soon…..and yes that does include the brother-in-law and sister-in-law (you know who you are).  The run was only 2.71 miles but the humidity!  I mean it was thick, but I have to say I love that type of weather.  Good for the skin.  I took a lot of pictures, but I’m always careful about posting other people for the most part.  My favorite:

Then a couple more:

I hope everyone is enjoying their summer.  I’m excited to get this training cranked up a notch!  I have 6674.22 miles gratefully remaining in my running quest.  Dublin here I come!  Happy Miles to You!!