Sunday, February 1, 2009

First Steps toward Fifth Marathon


And so it begins: Today was Day 1 of my training for Eugene Marathon. I didn’t really do anything special than I have the past few Sundays—I ran 12 miles—but it felt different. I had a spring in my stride, and I felt a sense of purpose as I set off in the fog. Even though I could barely see 25 yards in front of my face, I knew something was out there in the distance that I am aiming for.

I did the same fairly deserted loop I did in late December in a snowstorm, and I was energized remembering my perseverance on that run. This time, I delighted in the sound and sight of songbirds flying over some fields, feeling like winter is winding down here in Portland.

With about three miles to home, the route started up a gradual, multi-mile climb. I remembered running it with a friend late last summer when it drove us into the ground. This time, my iPod cued up just the right mix of songs (including some beloved English Beat), and my feet felt lighter and my steps got quicker. Without intending to, I started running sub-marathon pace. I felt great, so I went with it. When I got home, I felt like a million bucks, especially when my Garmin 305 told me I averaged 8:58 per mile for the 12 miles. And the topper? Discovering that Jack and Phoebe were still asleep (at 9:30!) and yet the twins hadn’t wreaked havoc on the place.
I think it all bodes well.

-SBS

5 comments:

justme said...

awesome. i just got a garmin and haven't used it yet, is it easy to use ???

Anonymous said...

Here we go, SBS!

Let's rock it.

LJ

Anonymous said...

bodes well is an understatement ... this post was an encouragement for me! 12 miles with a spring in your step is a beautiful thing!

floppy foot said...

I am gearing up to start my training for the Portland Marathon in October. The crazy thing is that I'm also training to do the Death Ride in CA in July. It's a 129 mile bike ride up 5 mountain passes that are all over 8,000 feet. I'm still trying to wrap my brain around it. I am no where near doing 12 miles running yet, but I hope to be there by the end of July. I was out on a hilly 35 mile bike ride on the foggy Sunday morning. Good luck.

Kelly(M&M) said...

Great post! I feel the same way about marathon training-just gives you a new purpose. It helps me wake up in the morning! And I LOVE coming home to sleeping kids (and a sleeping hubby.)

I can't wait to read more about your training. Great job on the pace, especially up the hills.