Up to 4 Miles

This weekend began the start of the 4 mile runs. So far this week, I ran on the weekend (4 miles in 54 minutes) and today (4 miles in 53 minutes). Today was a special treat because it was the first time in about a week that I have run outside. The weather has been bitterly cold lately and I have been wimping out and going to the gym....

Even at the gym, I always get the mileage in, but I have decided that I prefer running outdoors even if I have to drown out the whistles, cat-calls, and horn honking that showers me as I pant and sweat down the street. Outdoors, the scenery is far more interesting than the gym and I guess watching the scenery go by allows me to get into my own little zone. For safety reasons, the TNT coaches recommend that you train without an iPod or any music. Though I don't miss the music at all, I may start running with headphones to deter the "noises" from strangers!

Christmas will be here in a few days and the countdown is on. Unfortunately, I won't be able to spend the holiday in California, but I am excited to spend the day in Charlotte with my sister, Merlin. Merlin is planning the course and will accompany me on this weekend's 5-mile run. She has been an incredible supporter since Day 1 of this adventure and though she is training for her own endurance event (which is far bigger than my marathon), she calls almost daily to check on my progress and offer encouragement. It will be an honor to run with her this weekend.

Before that time, though, I still have a two more back-to-back days of 4 miles each. I will keep you posted on how that goes......

Until next time,
Lisa