onepinkfuzzy

I was so exhausted at the end of the workday yesterday, and I was feeling down for being so exhausted. Then I realized I was this exhausted because I was actually training, actually doing my body some good! I got excited and charged up thinking about how well I did this weekend, and how I got out on Tuesday for a five-miler before work. That pre-work five-miler was a milestone of sorts - it was the first time before work that Paki and I ran together for over four miles! Every other time we made it over four miles was at a race, so that was cool. We both felt great about it.

My goal to start runing more during the work week is starting to be met! I made it out for a four-miler this morning, which was fun, because I experimented with form. I learned that if I lean my upper body slightly forward from my hips while focusing on quick turnover, I can go REALLY fast! :) My first mile was 10:08. Pretty cool.

I did yoga last night, too. It felt really good, but I know my arms and shoulders are going to be killing me! I had to stop part way through my run this morning to stretch out my neck - it hurt already!

I was planning on running again tomorrow morning, and then doing my strength training tomorrow night, but...

insert drum roll here...

I get to sweep the last 17 miles of Zane Grey!!! **trumpets blaring**

I am quite excited about this. I will finish crewing for Johnny and Olga at mile 44, and instead of going to the finish line, I'll pass the camera to Johnny, and get my butt back up to mile 33, and start sweeping. I'm so PSYCHED!!!! This is the big race I want to do next year, so I'm thrilled to get to see part of the course, and to be able to volunteer is just an honor.

Obviously, I'm feeling better this week. Thank you to everyone who commented and/or sent encouraging e-mails. It is really comforting to know that I am not the only one fighting these crippling feelings. Jack wrote about "the elevation map on a really good trail run," which really got me thinking on so many levels - ebb and flow, my emotions, my weight, my training, everything goes up and down like the elevation map on a really good trail run! I love trail runs with a lot of elevation change, because of the changes, the way ups and downs work different muscles, the way downs can help prepare you for the ups and vice versa, the fact that I know I am making myself stronger and creating a sturdier, stronger, more confident and capable body that will be even more prepared for bigger elevation changes.