Horribly Wonderful - That's what marathons are!

I had the privilege today to run with Lauren - her first marathon.  To say she is amazing is an incredible understatement, but that's what she is!  The beauty of this course was at times outshined by the difficulty of the hills.  As I watched Lauren move ahead of me I was impressed with her steady press towards the finish.  Knowing the pain she was experiencing caused me to applaud her efforts even more.  On any day running 2 - 4 miles is not a really big deal but the final 2 - 4 miles of a marathon have the ability to be excruciating!  Calling on any mental toughness that one can find is a must and something not everyone can do.  I know that Lauren gave all she had for the goal she set out to achieve.  Her determination to finish what she started and the grit she did just that has most certainly given her a forever changed view of herself and all that she is capable of doing.  Crossing any finish line can be exciting but crossing the finish at, especially the first marathon, can bring a whole heap of emotion.  A great sense of relief that it is finally over along with a greater sense of accomplishment are feelings one can never explain until they have had the opportunity to feel.  A huge congratulations to you, Lauren, you have inspired me in yet one more way!

Workouts for everyone who did not run a marathon today ;-)

Monday:

10 minute warm-up

3-4 mile easy run

Cool down and stretch


Tuesday:

10 minute warm-up

3 rounds of back squat - start off really lite and add weight each round

4 rounds:

5 backsquats using weight from round 2 of the above

5 box jumps

5 minute bike

Cool down



Wednesday:

60 minutes of yoga



Thursday:

10 minute warm-up

50 squats
50 scissor kicks
50 lunges
50 push-ups

2-3 mile run



Friday:

10 minute warm-up

5 rounds:
10 dips
10 tricep extensions - with weight
10 bicep curls - with weight
10 sit-ups
10 knees to elbows
500m row



Saturday:

10 minute warm-up

5 mile run

Stretch