Goodbye Twos

Easy workouts are over. Yesterday marked the last 2-mile training day on the schedule and it made me somewhat sad because I was finally getting "really good" at my 2 or 3-milers and know that I am not yet strong enough to handle 4, 5, 6 miles and beyond! The real work is about to begin, but before I jump right in, I want to pause to reflect on some of the accomplishments that I have made in the first 5 weeks of training:

1) I have built a strong 2-3 mile base
2) My pace is 2 min per mile quicker than when I started
3) My breathing patterns (except on large hills) are under control
4) I have no injuries or pain
5) Though I haven't lost a pound, I am certain that I have built some muscles

That's a list I am proud of and very grateful for!

So, as I say goodbye to the 25-min, easy workouts and hello to the longer mileage, I look forward to a few new things:

1) Finding or building strength and endurance that I have never had
2) Finding a steady running rhythm and breathing pattern
3) Increasing speed
4) Losing weight!!!!!
5) Getting one step closer to completing the marathon

It is hard for me to believe how far I have come in 5 weeks and how far I will go in the next 5. But one thing I know for sure is that none of this would be possible without the enthusiastic support of my TNT team and coaches, family, friends, and friends of family who are the best cheerleaders I could ever ask for. Your support and encouragement means the world to me and keeps me motivated day after day. So, bring out your pom-poms, I'll lace up my shoes, and 5 weeks from now, we will be celebrating again!

Until next time,
Lisa