Buddy System (thanks Heavy Weights!!)

When it comes to the movie "Heavy Weights" there is one thing in particular  that works well with running: BUDDY SYSTEM!!!

A buddy system has started since the beginning for this marathon training. If my cousin Jackie wasn't down for doing it I probably wouldn't be going to Disney in a little over three months.

Jackie was my running partner for the first six months of this journey but she recently took a huge step in her like (which I am so proud of) relocating her to Allentown. She has new running buddies there so I'm pumped for her!!

Luckily last night I was able to recruit a friend to be my running buddy last night. Sean and I have been best friends since 10th grade. He is exactly the same pace as me which is so nice and he really pushed me which is the best part about a buddy. It also gave us some time to catch up on family, friends and relationships as usual.

 I took him on one of my normal routes right around Upper Gwynedd. For having a bum knee he held up really well....not too sure how well he is feeling today.

My half marathon is in three weekends(Sunday, Oct. 16). I'm ready to get running in Atlantic City. If anyone is interested in joining there is also a 5K (aka 3.2 miles) a 10K (aka 6.4 miles), half marathon, and full marathon. I'd love for some more friends to join in on the funnn!

Seriously it's September?

Time really does fly when you're having fun...or should I say that you are so busy there isn't enough time in a given day to get things accomplished. Either way, fun or no fun, time is flying.

The above picture lays out my training schedule for the month of September. Having it on a board like that lets me get mentally prepared to see what is in store for me that given week. I "X" off my completed runs and usually circle the non-completed one. I took the photo on Monday so it looks like I've been quite a slacker, but really I haven't been.

When looking at that picture, your eyes are NOT playing ticks on you. This Saturday I am scheduled to run 13 miles on Saturday (yes, you are seeing that correctly). I literally have to run a half marathon for nothing. Who does that?!?! Last Saturday I went on my 11 mile run through Lansdale before work with my cousin. It went great by the way. I woke up in the morning with a pit in my stomach like I was actually running a big race that morning. I have a feeling I am going to get like that every Saturday morning for these long runs. However, being nervous to me is a good thing. That means I care and want to do well at the long runs. More than anything I have realized this whole journey is a big mental game. When my head is in it for a long run, I'm in it. I would say for about 90% of the time I have been focused and ready. However, now that September has arrived, I need to kick it up a notch because it's not just running anymore, I have to add cross training.

Serious September I am going to call it. I'm ready for it...or as my great friend Sarra Moller would say, "I'm born ready!!"