Am I ready?

With just a week to go until the Eugene Marathon, I will bet there are a lot of people out there wondering.

Am I ready?

It is a valid question. If you've been training for months, and sticking to a schedule, then yes, you probably are ready. Is it enough? Is it ever enough? If, like me, you haven't been as dedicated as you'd liked to running, then you may have some self doubt.

Now, I'm doing the 5K, and could probably run that far without a lick of training if I had too. I'd just be sore and maybe even injured afterwards. But I don't want to just limp through. I'd like to enjoy the race. And I see it as a bridge to my triathlon at the end of May.

I think I'm physically ready, and after running 3k at the March of Dimes, March for Babies event on Saturday, I think I'm also mentally ready.

I'm also excited. I can't wait to see all the thousands of runners lined up, and all their friends and family cheering them on. It is very cool to feel a part of something.

I feel like a little bit of an imposter, because I'm only doing the 5k, but I know I shouldn't. Because I'm taking a step (actually a whole bunch of fast steps) towards a bigger goal. And maybe someday I'll tackle a half marathon.

At the very least, I hope by joining this race, I'll understand a little better why so many thousands of people spend hundreds of hours running and running, chasing a dream.

And I've still got a week of training, to make sure I'm ready.

Better weather...

What a difference a week makes. I just finished a run along the Willamette River in crisp, sunny weather. Everyone was smiling and giving little nods of acknowledgement as if to say, "Yeah, I love this weather, too."

Last week I ran in the pouring rain and blistering winds, and biked in hail and pelting rain. Now, it wasn't miserable when I set out on these training legs, but turned nasty when I was about as far away from home as I could be. Grrr.

Or more like Brrr!I admit it.

I'm one of those fair weather sports gals. I like to ski in calm, sunny or overcast conditions. I prefer to swim outside when the temperature is 75+. I like to run when its not to cold or wet, not too hot or humid. I like to bike in still, mild weather. I'm no hardcore triathlete.

I like comfort.

But there's been nothing comfortable about training this spring. Blame it on La Nina or whatever, but its been a lousy season. Last year when I trained for a triathlon, it was much later in the year, and much nicer weather.

So after so many weeks of total discomfort, it is so inspiring to run in the sunshine.

I hope, hope, hope its like this next week for the Eugene Marathon. Not just for my own selfish comfort, but because I want all the visiting runners to enjoy their Eugene experience. I have friends coming down from Seattle to run, and if its hailing, I'll be a little embarrassed.

But, frankly, that comes with the territory. When you are reaching for a goal, you can't let a little rain, wind, sleet or hail get in your way. Because, as my husband like to remind me all the time, it could be just as miserable on race day.

Let's hope not.

Running while juggling

I don't literally juggle while I run. But sometimes, in fact, most of the time just to get out on the trial or on the treadmill is a huge juggling act.

We are all so busy. To train for a race takes dedication.

For some reason I'm finding it harder this spring to find time to train. Maybe its the 3 kids playing soccer, the full time job, the new dog, the photography hobby, the trip to Disneyland or the gashed knee that's getting in the way.

But frankly, that is par for the course. I'm always busy. There is always something. There is always a reason not to run (or swim or bike.)

So I have to remember why I'm doing this. (Why AM I doing this?) Partly because I said I would. Partly because I love the training when I finally get going. And mostly because I love finishing a race. I loved doing my first triathlon.

I also have to give myself a break. Last time I followed my training schedule religiously. This time I've missed, or been half-hearted about some of my training, especially the time consuming biking. But that's ok. It's not all or nothing. I need to just take it one day at a time. One run at a time.

So I'm trying to be my own cheerleader. Go Jen Go. Run, run. You can do it!

Right after I fold this last load of laundry....

Ouch!

Those of you who survived the 80's probably remember the terms "feel the burn" and "work through the pain." Turns out that when you feel pain, your body is telling you it hurts and its time to give it a rest.

Any good trainer will tell you that in order to go faster, run longer and get better, you've not only got to work, but rest.

My training bible for my sprint triathlon is called "Your First Triathlon" by Joe Friel. For every six days of swimming, riding and running, there is one day of rest. He explains muscles and endurance builds during these times of rests.

And even though I've read this, and am even writing it here, that doesn't mean I live it. Because people aren't always smart. In this case the dumby is I.Here's what happened. While on vacation, racing with my kids at a highway rest stop, I fell and cut open my knee. I left urgent care with seven stitches, badly bruised knees and elbows, and one sore ego. I spent the next six days running around Disneyland and Southern California, ignoring my injury. When I returned home, I resumed my triathlon training. That is until my leg swelled up, the gash in my knee stopped healing and I collapsed in exhaustion and pain after work one day.

So this wasn't a training injury, it was an injury none the less. I just ignored my pain and exhaustion and ended up sidelined for almost a week.

Thankfully, I'm now on the mend, and my training is back on track.

The lesson to my painful tale (and tail) is: don't be like me. Give it a rest if you're in pain.

Your body will thank you.