Training: Week 8, OMG, where have I been?

omg. Running, DUH! That's where I've been. School picked up, family came into town, we went out of town, with that and kids, our house, food, friends, love, a dog and this and that...I've been busy. Less time to write but still running strong.
I've shortened a few of the scheduled training runs- totally okay. It's a vigorous schedule and I'm doing well. It got tough around week 5. My cumulative total after 5 weeks was almost 80 miles (EIGHTY MILES). I was physically exhausted and my body needed to get used to all the steps it was taking! I'm back on track and feeling great. This week's schedule:
Day 1: 4 miles (Tuesday)
Day 2: 6 miles (Friday)
Day 3: 4 miles (Thursday)
Day 4: 14 miles (Sunday)
Again, OMG. That's 28 miles in a week for a total of 154 miles of training. Commitment.

Why am I running all these miles? Why am I training for a marathon?
The level of physical and emotional commitment it requires is huge. Each week I push myself past what I thought was possible. It's an extraordinary accomplishment that can only be done through perseverance. When it gets tough, I keep going. When I don't want to run, I keep going. When I'm tired, I keep going. And all the while I love it. Each time I push through a difficult time I feel proud of the accomplishment. Talk about a boost to the self esteem! To be able to get through 16 weeks of training, almost 400 miles and to run 26.2 miles straight is kind of special. It's a peak experience that doesn't happen very often in life. Like climbing Mt. Kinabalu or having a baby, it's special. To work so hard for something and finish it gives a sense of pride rarely felt on such a scale. I'm running a marathon because it's difficult and I'm up for the challenge.

I'm training for a marathon?

I've never been a "runner". You know, one of those people who have been running for years. They are super fit, healthy, dedicated commitment types who eat oatmeal and oranges for breakfast. They've been running since track in fifth grade and have the latest running gear. No, that's not me. It took me six years to get through undergrad. I'm kind of a commitment-phobe and have trouble finishing things. I get to the very end of a movie and turn it off, read three quarters of a book and set it down, wash the dishes and leave a spoon and a cup for later...
I'm ready for change. I'm ready to make a big commitment and see it through 26.2 miles down the path. I'm running the Kalamazoo marathon in Michigan the weekend of my 30th birthday.