Long Strange Strip from Zero

Wow! Never in my wildest dreams did I ever expect to hear myself scream, "oh my God, I only have to run 4 miles tomorrow!" What a crazy paradigm shift endurance running has been!

Pasadena- hills. 12 miles. Did something different and followed another route. Thank you World Vision for the path and the messages! Despite negative self talk, God's love was everywhere. By mile 5, I had passed a number of people who cheered me on, this sign and I started thinking, "hey maybe I can train to do that 8min mile that's making its way around FB."

Besides the lovely "Stay Strong" message, when I got to the crest of the hill and I wasn't sure where to go, there was a pictogram of an arrow and a person screaming, "WHEEEEEEEEE."

Calling All Friends For Music

Training and Running is more than just miles... you sometimes want a good tune or two to sing along to... whether you run with music or just ambient sounds....

I have my 2nd marathon in 3 weeks. I have Phl 4:13 and Isaiah 30:40-41... One friend suggested adding Church Camp songs to help me with the rough miles. (Challenge accepted!) The Doors's "Road House Blues" helps with the downhill and "Pharaoh Pharaoh" has a great cadence for flat, but I'm taking suggestions for other songs to add! I need happy and uplifting... No "One Tin Soldier" or anything like that! I'm looking At you...

Charity Running

It's nearing that time in my training... After twenty (20) miles this weekend, the taper starts next week. I'm already getting emotional. I'm feeling prepared and then not quite prepared. And as I go on the L.A. Marathon page, I toggle over to see what charities are participating. Some groups are simply running for a presence and to show solidarity while other charities like will benefit from the people who train and raise money. Whatever the motivation for the team based/charity based running it is all for a good cause. There is certainly time to donate to the team as a whole.

Long Runs Are Great With Friends

The long training runs are so much more enjoyable with friends. On those runs, you scrap the "how's the weather" talk and dig into more interesting conversation. It's extra special when your friends share their favorite running routes with you too!

What a day!!! Four weeks until the LA Marathon... 18 miles on the books. Feeling strong. Thank you Melissa 'Bodily' Erwin for finding the course and joining me for 10... All the cheers near and far (Jac, Krista, Carol... And other good thoughts) and Bill Travers- holy smokes! Your winter training and bossin' Heartbreak Hill in these chilly temps is inspirational! I will not complain about 54 and overcast!