I do have to say that I've had a couple distractions here and there. Since the middle of July, I ran a long run July 20, that was 10 miles. It went very well! My runs the next week also went well. I was happy to have one of my best friends from high school in town, Heather Sahr. We had a great time for a couple days, but July 27, I ran my long run of 10 miles!
The next week was nothing out of the ordinary. I was still waking up around 4 am, starting my run around 5am. My shortest run during the week was 4 miles. The first weekend in August I ran 12 miles. I have to admit I was a little bit nervous for this one. I didn't know if my body was ready for it, but more so, I was worried that I wasn't mentally ready. But, it went really really well. I averaged a 9:45 min mile. I'm definitely happy with that!
I took the next day off (per usual), and ran a quick 4 miles the next day. I averaged about 8:30/mile, which is quick for me. The next day, I left for KC...to meet my little "nephew", Stone Zonas Dyerson.
I stayed a week in KC seeing Stone, my best friend Sarah 'Pikul' Dyerson, and her husband Andrew Dyerson. I ran my usual 3-5 miles during the week and did my long run that Saturday but it was only 8 miles, it went well. Except for the fact that I planned on looping back to the Dyerson house to refuel, Guu and water, but (of course, knowing me) I got lost. I found my way back right before 8 miles so it worked perfectly!
The next week I was struggling with allergies. I ended up only doing 10 miles instead of 14. I also had a couple of great friends in town from the east coast that I needed to see!
Katie Hull, who was born 2 months after me...our fathers went to high school together, was in town. So fun for us and our families to hang out!
Also, Sarah Woodard, one of my best friends from high school came into to from NYC. So great to see everyone, but I have to say...summer causes difficulties in training!
This past weekend I was hoping to run 16. My allergies were so awful I didn't know if it was a cold, the flu, or allergies. I only made it a handful of miles before I had to go home. And I SLEPT...HARD.
Feeling much better. However it's super humid and hot right now in MN so I've been doing classes at the gym and short runs. It's supposed to drop in humidity tomorrow (fingers crossed)! Can't wait to run outside again!
I need to do 16 miles this weekend regardless of the weather or my allergies. I have to push myself mentally. I know I can do it physically...its just mental right now. For some reason it has been hard for me to stay positive during this process. However, I need to keep in mind the reason I am running this marathon.
People who have MS can lose their ability to do any of the physical activites they are used to doing. Some of them lose the ability to walk and end up in wheel chairs, as my grandfather did. Unfortunately, one of the few things I remember about my Mom's father was riding around on his lap in his chair. I try to continue to remind myself when I want to quit running that so many people with MS wish they could run, or even walk. That pushes me forward to continue working for these people.
Please help me in my drive to help cure MS. $1, $5, $100, ANYTHING helps! Please donate. Every mile I run, I'm thinking of those who cannot. Help find a way that they can. Visit my fundraising page: http://main.nationalmssociety.org/goto/mcdonoughsmiles
Thank you to everyone for supporting me in this journey!
