18 Miles, Baby!

Today, Grand Rapids Marathon training got real. I ran my first 18 mile run and I killed it! This first 18 mile run represented the fact that I was really going to do this thing. Maybe that's crazy, but it's how I feel. When you start talking about 18 mile runs, there's no hiding that you are training for a marathon!

I am beyond thrilled with how today's run felt. Was it easy? Hellz No! But it kicked my 17's butt from 2 weeks ago. I'm sure my attitude, weather, time of day, nutrition/hydration and the lack of hills made a huge difference in how I performed today. In any case, this is definitely a run I am proud to have "banked".



After my run, I came home to all sorts of kudos from my friends on twitter.  Those "way to go" and "good job" and "rockstar"s really made my day.  I also gained another 26.2 sponsor!  Huge thanks and big squishy hugs go out to The Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans for sponsoring mile number 1!!!! Christy (and the rest of the sisters and brothers) have been so supportive of me as I've started on this journey to becoming a runner.  I think it was a bunch of them training as part of Team in Training last year that really got me thinking about pushing the envelop.  I ran a virtual 5k with them 2 years ago and a 10k last year (since I was training for my first 1/2 marathon and needed to run a few more miles).  Now they are gearing up for their 3rd annual virtual race!  You, too, can Run the 'Hood in 2011 and run a 5k or 10k with your sisters and brothers at Shrinking Jeans! I strongly recommend you sign up and run with the Sisterhood!  If you think you can't run or walk 3.1 miles, you couldn't be more wrong.  A few years ago, do you think I would have thought I could run 18??? No.  And a few years ago, I also thought running 3 miles was crazy impossible.  We all start somewhere.  Today is your chance.  Take it.

Would you like to join Ben, Erin, Andrea, Lisa, Ann and the Sisterhood of the Shrinking Jeans in supporting me as I train to finish my first full marathon, the Grand Rapids Marathon?  I have set up a sponsorship page in which you can help me reach my goal of crossing the finish line (sponsorship will help pay for race fees, nutrition/hydration, shoes, etc).  You can click HERE, or click on the tab above.  I would love and appreciate any support you can give me.  Bloggy and linky love will follow, as well as the ability to sponsor individual miles and run "with" me on October 16th.  I cherish all the love and support my readers have given me this year.  I wouldn't be attempting this race without you.