2014: One week down, 51 to go!

The first week of 2014 has officially passed. In this week the following has occurred:

Seems like a run of the mill week, no? Well, except the 10 miler part.

I must say, when I originally signed up, I was extremely excited and the excitement and adrenaline got me through at least two runs. Now, however, I am starting to get a little anxious. I know it’s no half marathon or anything, but ten miles is still a pretty hefty load. Ten miles is far to drive in a car, let alone run on some legs.

I know I can do it. I’m not really sure why I’m so nervous. Perhaps because my running mates just informed me of the three miles of hills on this fabulous course. Or maybe it’s because the farthest I’ve ever run is six miles, and that was two years ago. Or it might be because I am one of the unfortunate runners who experiences sloshy stomach post-run. It could also be the amount of time I will need to dedicate to training for a run farther than six miles. It really could fall under any of those things. Or I could just be nervous just because I’ve never done it before.

I’m really looking forward to accomplishing this run. I’m also looking forward to the training involved because my goal for 2014 is 1,000 miles. A good friend told me that it’s a high goal but not unattainable, especially given the miles I will put in during training runs for the couple half marathons I would like to accomplish this year as well. 

I am also looking forward to this because it will be the first time I am meeting many of the people from my challenge group. Someone posted a picture a while ago that said something like, “We are runners, therefore we are friends,” and I must say, how true it is! These people have become such a solid support foundation for me. And though I’ve never met most of them in person, and hundreds of miles separate most of us, they truly have become my friends. This 10-miler will definitely be one for the books — finally meeting my friends, reuniting with some old friends, and tackling my biggest mileage goal yet. 

I will be scoping the scene and running groups for advice. I’m already looking for answers about things like, what’s best organic fuel for during the race? What are some water belt recommendations? And, any long-run tips in general?

If you’re a runner and have any information to share, please comment below. I look forward to reading what y’all have to say! 

Cheerio 🙂