Marathon Training - Week 2

I've officially made it through week 2 of my marathon training! :)

I did my first timed 5K on my own on Monday, May 10th since I knew I would be in the Grand Canyon for our first group training (when the rest of the team did their timed 5K). I did mine on a treadmill at the gym and completed 3.1 miles in 46:36. My first thought...I only have to do that 8 more times to finish my marathon. ha ha ha

I attended my first officially weekend training this past Saturday (May 22nd) and my team and I did 30 minutes along the Cherry Creek Trail. I found a good group of girls who are also planning to do the run/walk method, and the 4 of us completed our training by running for 2 minutes and walking for 1. I have to admit, it wasn't bad at all. *I think I can do this!*

After our group run, most of the team stuck around for our stretching and injury prevention clinic and then we all went to Toast in Cherry Creek for breakfast (yummy!).

Here are some pictures from May 22nd:

Some of the Central Denver team listening to our stretching/injury prevention clinic

Another clinic picture

Me and Chris getting ready to enjoy our breakfasts

I'm currently on a weekly training schedule that has me run/walking 30 minutes on Monday and Tuesday, optional 30-minute walk on Wednesday, 30 minute run/walk on Thursday and our group training on Saturday. We've got one more week of just 30-minute trainings and then we'll slowly start to up it in preparation for the big day in October... :)

Training Week 1

I actually missed my first group training because I was in the Grand Canyon with my hike team May 13-16th. Since I don't have run/walk training pictures to share, I thought you all might enjoy seeing a few pictures from the Grand Canyon :)

Kathi, Me and Brenna in the Denver airport
Almost all of the team after dinner on Thursday night in Phoenix


The 2010 Rocky Mountain Chapter Grand Canyon Hike Team

Our Inspiration Board

The Bright Angel to Plateau Point group at sunrise on finale hike day

My AMAZING Hike Coaches - Mike and Cristy

And so it begins...

Well, here goes nothing...my marathon training season has officially begun. No turning back now :)

We had our official Kickoff Celebration on Saturday, May 8th and it was just awesome to see so many people in one room who all have the same goal...to find a cure for blood cancer! One of the many reasons that I walk is Leanne Weinshenker (pictured below with her older daughter Lydia while in treatment with stage 4 lymphoma and after, with her beautiful, new daughter Rena), someone who has become a dear friend. She gave an emotional, raw and touching speech on her personal battle with blood cancer and the incredible journey that she and her family have been on since the very day she was diagnosed. I feel so blessed to have her in my life...as motivation, as inspiration and as a friend.

I also really enjoyed meeting some of the other ladies in my mentor group and my fabulous mentor, Kim. She is too sweet and is already so supportive and motivating (as are the other ladies I will be training with)!

Since I will be in the Grand Canyon this weekend with my hike team, I'll miss the first official group training and therefore the timed 5K that officially starts the season. In an attempt to stay on top of things, I did my own timed 5K this evening at the gym and successfully finished in 46 minutes and 36 seconds (while walking and running as I saw fit). I finished the 3.1 miles and instantly thought to myself "you only have to do that 8 more times to finish your marathon"....CRAZY! ha ha ha One day at a time though, right!?!

Tomorrow night is our shoe fit clinic. I plan to buy some new shoes, a fuel belt, some new socks and a new watch that will help me keep on pace during my trainings and the actual marathon - hey gotta take advantage of the 20% discount, right!? :)

Here's to marathon training...