BQ #3

Well, the Boston Marathon is 5 weeks and 3 days away. That is completely insane. And do you know what is even more insane? This training cycle. Everything that could have gone wrong, has.

I broke my left hand. A few weeks later, I tore ligaments in my right hand. Two weeks after that I got COVID and the flu. Together. That rolled into bronchitis and a sinus infection. Yikes. It’s been a rough go for sure. 

And I’m so encouraged! 

My prayer has been that I would hold marathon training loosely. That I would not idolize it. And the Lord has answered my prayer! He has done such a work in my heart. For 3 straight weeks (during peak training no less) I was too sick to run. And I didn’t worry about it at all. What a blessing. And an obvious work of the Lord. It is usually a very different story. 

When I finally felt ready to run again, I jumped right back into the training schedule. My first run back was a 14-miler. And I did it. It was slow, but I ran the full distance. Since then I have been able to run the prescribed distances but have taken it a little slower on the paces.

On race day, my goal is to be there, be healthy and run every step of the way. I will likely run a slower race than I planned initially, but I am so good with that. 

This will be my third marathon. I am certainly no expert, but I do know enough to see some personal trends. Namely, nutrition is a real problem for me. My appetite just does not keep up with the demands I am putting on my body. I am simply not eating enough. I am really working on it, but it is a day by day challenge. 

Also, in case you don’t know, my marathon training is a real sacrifice for my family. It takes time and energy directly from Ryan and our fab 5. And they could not be sweeter about it. They are all so supportive and proud. Alexa is especially vocal. More than once she has said (in a group setting): “I have an announcement to make. My mom is going to run the Boston Marathon. I hope she wins.” 🥰