From Within Training for the 2012 Boston Marathon: March 10 -- 21 Miles, 3 Beers and 1 Play ****** Boston 2012

3:15 a.m. and the alarm went off signifying that it was time to get moving and put on the clothes that I laid out the night before and were staring back at me. I told myself to keep moving. My now empty bed looked lonely, but I knew if I kept moving I would be on schedule and start my first of 21 miles at 4:00 a.m. I normally would not start this early, but once again, there was a lot of things going on this weekend and I needed to get my run in.

It was way too early to run on the path at 4:00 a.m. so I did the route of house to the gazebo (1.1) miles. I was going to meet up with Ashley at 5:00 so I had some time to get some miles in. Up and down the same street over and over could be very boring, but I didn't have much choice, so I just let my mind wander as the miles kept adding up. I had 7 miles under in the books before I met up with Ashley to run the next 6 miles. It was great catching up with her. We spent a lot of time talking about Boston. She is running that race too and we were talking about the course, the expo and all the excitement that the famed race brings. Before I knew it, we were back at the gazebo and I had run almost 14 miles. I was figuring on going back to the house to gazebo route but before I reached that point, I ran into Amy and Kristy. They were heading east so I joined up with them for 2 out and would then head 2 back on my own. On the way back ran into Deb, Jewel and Kim. They were starting their run and I have to say, at this time, I was happy that I was heading home. That worked out perfectly. Passed more runners as I headed east for another mile, then came back, said good-bye to everyone and started my 1.1 mile trek home. By the time I would reach my house, I would hit 21 miles on the nose. My legs felt good and strong and my heart rate was nice and low. And as I ran to the corner of the street and turned back to walk to my house, I saw my husband walking towards me. With arms open wide, I got a huge congratulations hug. Just what I needed after a long run. The time was close to 7:15 and I was glad that my long run was over. I hit my pace and HR and now I was heading to the showers. This was the first of many things to do on my list.

Shower felt great, but my bed felt even better. I crawled back into bed for a short nap. Woke up in time to take my son to his track practice then had to run some errands in town. Tried to eat something but nothing was agreeing with my stomach so I settled for some water. Came back home and got ready to go to the Elmhurst St. Patrick's Day Parade. I was going to catch up with Anne and watch it with a group of folks from Vis. Made it out the door and to the parade route by noon. Lots and lots of people were celebrating this special day. After all, isn't everyone Irish on St. Patrick's Day? Spent a fun 2 hours watching the parade, having fun and sharing a few beers. Now, those felt good in my stomach.

Walked home from the parade (can never get too much exercise) and I finally had something to eat. Back to bed for another short nap, then had to get the camera equipment ready to film a play later that evening. A quick equipment check and I was off to film the play. The play ran from 7:30-10:30 and we got home around 11:00 p.m. I was exhausted. Today was a full day filled with exercise, good times with friends, and doing a profession that I love.

Thanks to all the people that made this day so incredible, Ashley, Amy, Kristy, ERC, Anne, Vis group, and John. Finally feeling like I am on the right track for Boston!

Workout Planned: 21 Miles

Workout Completed: 21 Miles
Pace 8:55
AVG HR 138