The past ten days I lamented and stressed over the weather forecast for marathon day. The chance of rain swayed from 80% to 10%, and then back up to 90%. The temps were another tricky factor. The days before and after were showing anywhere from highs in the 50’s to highs in the low-mid 40’s.
Friday was a day I really was looking forward to. It was my second year to participate in the Texas Scottish Rite Hospital White Rock Marathon T-shirt Event. I would get to sit with other athletes and patient champions, and autograph special t-shirts for the kids that were staying at the hospital. It’s an event that brings everything into focus, as to what this race is about. Sure this would be my first full marathon, but all participants for the full, half, and relay were running for these kids, and those who will need this hospital in the future.
Since the hospital’s inception in 1921, Texas Scottish Rite Hospital for Children has treated patients regardless of the family’s ability to pay. The hospital relies on the generosity of individuals, organizations, foundations and corporations to continue its mission.
As a patient I have gone through what these kids have had to endure. I may be further down the road in my recovery, but knowing what they are dealing with on a daily basis takes me back, and makes me feel very grateful for the battles I have won. I could not have done it without the doctors at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital.
I really enjoyed and appreciated seeing the smiles on the faces of these special kids. They have gone through so much adversity, and still look as happy as can be. After all of the hard training, early mornings, long Saturday runs, and overall exhaustion, this event gave me the boost I needed.
This gallery contains 3 photos.
After Saturday I not only got to celebrate my longest run ever, but I also got to celebrate taper time! For the next two weeks, until the Half Marathon, my training is cut back so my legs will be fresh … Continue reading
Woohoo!!!
I am super excited to announce that my training limbo is coming to an end, and that my Half Marathon training schedule begins this MONDAY! My foot has finally healed enough for me to feel comfortable with hitting the pavement again. I have been running an average of 5K (3.11 mi) three to four times a week, and walking the same distance a couple of times a week. Those have all been on my lunch hour at work. In the EARLY mornings I have been taking our new pup on walks at least five times a week, so that has also added to my weekly mileage.
At first I started back up with my foot wrapped and taped, to help support my arch and to also stabilize that problematic navicular bone. I have gone through about six rolls of athletic tape in the past three weeks! Ace Bandage should send me a Thank You card!
In the past 5 days, I have successfully ran two days without taping my foot at all – one was 3.21 mi and the other was an accidental 4.21 mi run. I say accidental because I got a little lost and extended my mileage more than I intended. My plan is to still tape my foot on the longer runs just to play it safe, but for the 3 to 4 mile runs I feel safe enough to skip the tape and just go.
I’m going over the 12 week training schedule, and looks like this is all going to fall into place!
If I Can U Can 