The Trials and Tribulations of a Marathon Runner.

Ok dedicated blog fans, I know you've been missing me, and perhaps wondering if those red ant bites became fatal. So here I am, getting back at it, blog and all. First, let me back it up 14 miles. That is what we were running as of my last post. And then the weekend after that. And then the weekend after that... I pooped out. My knees, ankles, everything got the best of me, and I spent most of August feeling like a failure and moping around my house. (Moping does not include cleaning, by the way. So no, this was not a productive or relaxing vacation from my marathon training.)

Anywhoo, it was a sad month not being able to run with my Team, but my time off made me realize what an amazing crew we've got out there with Team In Training. All of my new friends were checking in on me, and trying to keep me in the loop on everything so I could make a big come back. Team: You ROCK. Thanks so much for all of your support and good friend-ness.

Running Millerton lake with the best girls I know!

Alright, so enough of my emo, hurt-kneed drama. It happens. This is what I learned, though.

1. Don't run when it hurts just to finish your mileage.
2. Don't neglect your other leg muscules (quads, etc.) in your training, because it will just wear out your knees faster.
3. RICE - rest, ice, compression, and elevation. That is the formula for fixing it. (Before it gets bad like I allowed my own problem to get. Then you're pretty much S.O.L.)

Now repeat that back to yourself before you continue reading. Done? Ok.

So, moving forward to my comeback...

Let me say this. It's been a slow comeback. After a visit to Disneyland with my boyfriend Dan and his family, we raced back to town for my first Tuesday night training. Coach kept me off the hills, and THANK GOODNESS he did. Those were the slowest, roughest four miles in history. And so started my gradual panic. So, on Thursday, my boyfriend took me on a run for 3 miles. He showed off a lot and was real sore the next day, but I did appreciate him going with me, even if I could keep up. Then, this Saturday, I went for 7 as we ran to bulldog stadium to celebrate the first gome game of the season. Go dogs!

Was seven manageable? Yes, I'll make it afterall! And I might even reach my fundraising goal with your help! There is STILL time for you to donate to the Leukemia Society on my behalf, and I have been working hard to collect donations!

This past week, I held a yardsale to raise money, and also had another super fun even at Perfect Balance Yoga. Yes, those amazing folks had another fundraiser for me - a belly dancing class! It was a KICK. Thanks so much to everyone who came and had a blast with us! For those of you who missed it, we'll all be going back on Tuesday nights at 7:30 pm for more dancing! Check out the Perfect Balance website for more information.

Before class, you may also want to do some shopping for the very neccessary sparkly belts. Me and Rebecca Ault (the awesome friend who hosted my jewlery party fundraiser) are definately getting some! You don't neeeeeed one, but it would be more fun with proper accessories.

So, anyways, this is me, getting back on track and recommitting to Team In Training. I am ready to run on October 18th!!!!!!!!!! Can I get a "Go Team"???

Ok, I'll do it myself. GO TEAM!

With all my love,

Brittnee