Twelve miles. Done.

When it comes to life, there are different milestones--points that mark "before" and "after." The same applies in training. I still remember the first time I ran an 8-minute mile. The first time I did "big girl" pushups. The first time I grabbed a 30lb kettle bell. And now, the first time I ran double-digit mileage. This past Saturday was the 12-mile run. I ran 9 miles the week before, the farthest distance to that point. Running 9 miles was more daunting for me than running 12 a week later. Twelve miles. I figured if I ran 9, I could run 12. According to my training schedule, it was time. I was ready. It was the next step on the plan. I can't get to 26.2 without running 12. There was never a question in my mind as to whether or not I could do it. I was prepared. I had my water belt (and yes, I looked sexy) and some electrolyte chews. I started drinking water as soon as I woke up and made sure I got some protein. (Honestly at this point of training, the biggest challenge for me has been my diet. I'm still struggling to consume enough calories--which shouldn't be that hard. I think it's a combination of me not making time to plan and dealing with food ghosts of the past. But that's another story.) 

Some interesting highlights from the run: 30mph wind gusts, heavy headwinds, very friendly (and big) dogs, scaring Bambi's mom (not intentionally), a yellow spider w/red legs, and the salamander I almost stepped on. He would have gone "squish."
 
I will say that 12 miles was the first time the reality of it all set in. In three months, I will run twice that distance plus 2.2 miles. As with my 9 miler, I started feeling blisters around mile 6 or 7, and only on my right foot. I have a trip scheduled to see my chiropractor this week for an adjustment. My guess is that something is out of line, causing my foot strike to be uneven. That or the fact that my left calf was super tight the entire run, which may have led to me favoring that leg. Twice a week, I take yoga and pilates and my instructor knows I always appreciate some extra attention given to my legs! The stretching usually helps. Tonight, after class, we took time to massage the calf as well. We brainstormed some warmups that will hopefully help me moving forward.

When I committed to running this marathon, I knew my body would be taking a beating. Upon announcing my intentions, my trainer's first response was: "Dude, that bleep will bleep your body up."  

Well, yes. I'm aware that people bleed and cramp and lose toe nails and things of that nature. 

To which he responded: "Dude, you're going to rub off your nipples." 

What?! Is that even possible? I...uh...thank you(?)...for that disturbing thought.

What followed was a conversation about the detriments of a marathon and me feeling inadequately prepared to defend my decision. After a thorough explanation of why marathons are bad, he said: "Don't get me wrong. To run a marathon is a great accomplishment." 

So he took time to look over some marathon training routines that are out there and make a better training schedule for me. I still think he thinks I'm crazy, but he's supportive.

But about that "bleep" "bleeping up" my body...My feet are definitely not pretty right now. Chipped toe nail polish. Blisters. Calluses. And they'll probably get a lot worse! But we're transitioning out of flip flop season, so nobody will have to see them but me. I'm still surprised that of all the body parts that could hurt, my hips seem to ache the most during the run. Sure, there is some muscle tightness, but oh my achy hip bones...After my long weekend runs, I always soak shiver through an ice bath. I pull on a hoodie and sip my protein shake while (literally) chilling for 15-20 minutes. There is some debate as to the effectiveness of cold water immersion for recovery, but I'm a fan (especially for those hips).

This week, the long run won't be so long. I'm looking at 8 miles. Fingers crossed it won't be as windy as it was for the 12 miler. I'll be at a wedding this weekend in Chicago, but booked my flight back to accommodate my run. 

Life is starting to revolve around training.

I don't think I mind.