Taper Time!

Well, the season is drawing to close! It's been long, successful, busy, fulfilling, injury riddled and AMAZING! I reached my goal of $1000 and went over a bit but it's not too late to donate: http://pages.teamintraining.org/wa/rnrseatl09/awestwood, the team is trying to reach $1,000,000. Right now we are at $730,000.

I battled through shin splints and a cortisone injection in my foot this week, but those aches and pains are minimal compared to what a patient goes through when being treated with chemo and radiation. Especially children. Each time I think of Tyler and what his family went through as well as past honored teammates I strap on the sneaks and don't even think about the twinges of pain I'm surely just imagining.

Saturday's run was beautiful. It was at Seward Park on the shores of Lake Washington, the sun was shining, run start was a balmy 60F. My goal for the day was 18 miles if I was going to hope to complete the full marathon. So I set out at a brisk walk hoping against hope that my injuries would cooperate and allow me to do some running. This whole journey I've taken my cues and inspirations from the Universe! Starting with whether or not I should even do it. Each time I decided no, something happened to make me rethink and eventually I couldn't say no. Each time I thought I couldn't get the distance in I did! Since I started running 2 years ago I have not put this much distance in and I'm looking forward to another year of running and tri-training.

When I got to the top of the hill abutting the lake, the second team water-stop, I just took a minute and soaked in my surroundings. The sparkling lake was backdropped with an amazing view of Mt. Rainier to the south and in the way distance Mt. Baker. On the lake were rowers and yachters and it was just a breath-taking view. I was feeling strong and capable, and running of all things. As I hadn't "run" in weeks I didn't challenge myself beyond 1 minute walk/run intervals and it was working amazingly well. I got out to the point where the coaches told us to turn around before my half way point, which meant as long as I got back to the park with 40-45 minutes to spare I'd be very close to my 18 miles. I was exuberant! The trek back was feeling good and mind you I'm now 3-3.5 hours in and my body finally starts communicating to my mind. It was a good rehearsal for race day when I hit the wall at 20 or so miles. My legs started tightening up and you would have thought I'd stolen a couple off a mannequin by the time I finished (which I'm still feeling today with no doubt). The Universe sent me some company about 3 hours in and boy was that welcome. Great distraction that I most definately needed and it left me to reflect on my last 40 or so minutes. Which was my second trek around the park. My final distance was 17.7 miles and I still had two minutes to spare. I got a burger made by the amazing Skip and soaked waist deep in Lake Washington while chowing down. Having met my goal I'm now ready to start the tapering phase, allowing my body to heal and relax waiting for the big day!

I COULD NOT HAVE GOTTEN THIS FAR WITHOUT YOUR DONATIONS & SUPPORT!

GO TEAM!