Training is getting more and more challenging, but I really am enjoying it! We'll see how long I say that... : ) Today, as I do every Saturday, I had group training with the rest of the Raleigh TNT team. Each week, the coaches choose a new location to run, each time being at a park of some sort in the Triangle area. This week, we ran at North Cary Park that has a slightly hilly trail going throughout the park. The view is wonderful as a good portion of the run is either through the woods alongside a creek or next to a pretty lake. As I have been training with the team, I really come to love trail running. While running in the 30 degree weather can be rough, I warm up quickly. It's wonderful to have such beautiful scenery to see and fresh air to breath as I run.
Each week, we run a different amount of miles. My teammates have each chosen to run in a different race; those running in Nashville on April 24 are moving up in mileage much quicker. However, I have a bit longer as mu race is on June 6 (thank goodness!). Beginning weeks ago at 2, I am now running 5 miles! However, what is a God-send is that we only do one long run per week. During the week, I work out on my own an additional 4-5 times per week by running shorter mileage (2-3 miles), cross-training, and strength training. We have a chart that shows us the most appropriate succession of work outs. Our group training sessions are our longer runs where each week we will increase our mileage each week depending on our race date. This week, as I mentioned, I ran 5 MILES! Next week, I will run 5 again, 6 for the following two weeks, 7 for the next two after than, and so on. I'll peak at 11 miles and then taper off for the final few weeks before the half marathon. I won't actually run the full 13.1 miles until I race on June 6!
This week, we began EARLY! At 7:30 AM we were hitting the trail! We often begin slightly later, but this week they hosted an injury prevention and nutrition clinic. I was really excited that I was able to attend this. It was very beneficial to learn more about being safe and taking care of my body as well as learning important nutrition tips. I learned that I should be eating "3 in 3," the tree most essential macronutrients (carbohydrates, protein, and fats) about every three hours. I LOVE that being a part of this event is helping me to think more clearly and positively about being healthy and leading a well-rounded life. I feel so happy, constantly becoming fitter and healthier everyday! : )
One additional important part of my day is that I made friends! I'm so thrilled to be meeting wonderful people who are also part of my team. At our first training, my teammate Brittany and I learned that our pace is very similar, so we ran together. So this week, we paced together again. We were able to talk as we ran to learn more about one another and to keep each other motivated. Brittany is also working toward the half marathon in San Diego like I am, so we'll be in this together from beginning to end! As we completed the run, we met and chatted with Chelsea, another one of our teammates. Chelsea is working toward the full marathon in San Diego. While she has completed other races before, this is her first full marathon. She is a great runner! She runs about a 7 to 7 1/2 minute mile!! I'm not completely sure what my pace is, but it's likely closer to 9-10 minutes on a long run. Both women are fabulous, and both insiring to me in their own ways. I was so thrilled to go to Starbucks for coffee and to learn more about one another after our training. Brittany works as a nurse in a pediatrician's office here in Raleigh, and Chelsea actually travels over an hour each week from Greenville, NC where she is a part-time MBA student at Eastern Carolina University. She also works full-time in a hospital's financial department. I'm so excited to begin a friendship with these women!
Finally, and MOST IMPORTANTLY... I am truly feeling more and more connected to the cause as I immerse myself more in its purpose and history. Leukemia, Lymphoma, and other blood cancers affect so many people. Being 9% of all cancer cases diagnosed each year, blood cancers are prevalent. In addition to that, Leukemia takes more lives of children under 20 than any other cancer. I'd like you to visit this website if you have a moment: Healing Hunter. This is an incredible and heart wrenching story of a family whose young son is fighting Leukemia for his fourth time. What makes this time different, however, is that this time will be his last. After 9 chemotherapy treatments and numerous other surgeries, this sweet boy is no longer able to fight for his life. The above website is Hunter's mother's blog detailing Hunter's fight. It will truly make an impression on you. As I viewed it, I couldn't help but cry and think, "I want to be a part of the cure..." I hope that you will consider being a part of the cure also by donating to the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society...
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