AIDS Marathon Runner's Journal

This page will feature updates on my training progress.

MARATHON ON SUNDAY!!! Talk me out of it!
Oct 3 -- I ran 10 miles with my group on Saturday. It was a very cool, but clear morning. It was a recovery run after going the full marathon distance last week, and I could use the recover. Next week is a 16 mile run and then another 10, and then the actual Marine Corps Marathon!

Sep 26, 1998 --I have now officially run an unofficial marathon. Today was the 26.2 mile training run and I made it the whole distance in 4 hours and 35 minutes. It was hot and my legs are sore, but I made it. It actually felt better than the 23 mile run. Mostly, I think it was easier because I slowed down a bit and didn't try to keep up with the faster runners. At least now I know I can do it. Right now, though, I don't feel like I can ever run again. I'm sure I'll recover.

Next week is a 10 mile recovery run, and only 4 more weeks till the real marathon! Thanks again to everyone who has supported me.

Sept 19 -- This Saturday's run was another 10 miler. It was rather humid, but not too bad. This coming Saturday will be a 26.2 mile training run... the longest training run and equal to the length of the actual marathon. I plan to go slow. Real slow :)

September 12 -- This morning was just a 10 mile recovery run. The weather was beautiful and after 23 miles last week, was nice to stop before the pain began. I felt pretty good. Tried a pair of new shoes. Trying to prepare for 26.2 in two weeks. I'll be glad when that's under my belt.

Sept 5 -I MADE IT!! I can't believe I made it, but I did. I ran the 23 mile training run today, and it was the hardest thing I've ever done in my life. Thank God the weather was perfect -- low humidity and not too warm.

It is still 7 weeks to the marathon, and our next long run will actually be the length of a marathon -- 26.2 miles. I thought I couldn't go another step after 20 miles, but after 20, I kept going. It hurt. My legs and feet were aching unbelievably. I had let my training runs slide a bit in the last few weeks and I could tell the difference. I won't let it happen again.

One thing that kept me going was the incredible support I have gotten from the notes on this website and through email. If I ever had any doubt that I could do this, they are gone now. Thanks very much to everyone who is giving and sent me their good wishes.

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