So I just got back from our annual pastoral staff and elders retreat and it was a great couple of days. I’m so blessed to work with such amazing people, totally sold out to Jesus and the work he’s called us too. And on a side note, I was ALMOST talked into getting my nose pierced by our choir director and one of our preachers wives. But I really don’t like pain, so they went without me. At 11pm. Yeah, we’re not all about work and prayer ALL the time. Sometimes you drive to a tattoo parlor to get your nose pierced. It makes sense if you don’t think about it. Crazy fun women and I love them. AND their nose piercings.
Almost unbelievably, 2 weeks from now I will be on my way HOME from the 2013 Disney World Wine and Dine Half Marathon. I’m still not exactly sure how this all came together, but it did and has turned into an unexpected surprise in the middle of my busy fall schedule packed with kids sports schedule, budget meetings and my husband’s busy travel schedule. But when you think of it, with as many times as I mention my love of running and my love of wine, me and this race were a match made in heaven!! I completed my final long run of 10 miles last Friday and am feeling strong and ready!!
It’s been an odd training cycle to be sure since I just ran the Disneyland Half Dumbo Double Dare over Labor Day weekend (you can read about that here) and I feel really ready for this race. I always feel a bit silly typing that with the company I keep – women and men who run halfs more often then I get my hair colored – but for me, two halfs this close together is kind of a big deal so I will not only run my own race but also get excited about what I want to get excited about. Because, after all, I do this for fun so it would be kind of silly to do anything else!
Because this is my taper period, I’ll only run 30 minute sessions 2 or 3 times this week and next with maybe a 6 miler on Saturday, but nothing too intense. It’s important for me to remind myself that nothing I do in the next 2 weeks is likely to improve my performance, but pushing myself and getting hurt could actually take me out of the race, so I will keep my pace easy and won’t push through any pain or discomfort. It’s time to treat this body with kid gloves and let everything heal before the big day. Not because I think I’ll win, but because I want to enjoy every mile and a healthy, not-injured me is the way to make that happen! I posted this on the FB page earlier in the week, but here’s a GREAT article about tapering from Jeff Galloway!
I got my Magical Express docs in the mail which is always a big deal for me because it makes the trip seem really for real! I know a lot of people complain about it, but I’ve thankfully never had a problem and I’m so familiar with the airport now and where to get the bus that I don’t even give it a second thought. With my ridiculous sense of direction, a rental car is just NOT a good idea.
I have 2 friends, Stephanie and Michelle, who are running their FIRST Disney race at the Wine and Dine and I’m thrilled that we can “share” this experience. So excited for you, Girls!!
If you’re training for a big race, I hope you’re finding the time and the energy you need to complete your training. And if you’re only DREAMING of a big race someday, what are you waiting for? There’s never been a better time to set a goal and start working towards it!!
Happy Running!!
Jen