chasing leprechauns...

The title to this blog is a little random, I must say. But the other night I had a dream related to my upcoming half marathon and in my dream the only thing that kept me moving was the fact that I was being chased by leprechauns.
Interesting, right?

In all reality, it may take those creepy little guys chasing me to keep going in the actual race. It is a week away from tomorrow and I have such mixed feelings about it...  I've been consistent with my training physically (although I'm slacking a bit this week due to STILL sick children--Ryder has bronchitis! Ugh!) but mentally I'm SO not there. I'm terrified and even though I know I can do it, I have  my doubts. Here's what I've learned in this (almost) 12 week journey thus far:

The Good:
*I have an amazing running partner. Justina-- simply put, you rock! She is the most positive and enthusiastic person and it makes for the perfect running partner. As we run, we tend to just get in our own grooves and do our thing, but it does make a HUGE difference to have someone next to you either way!
*Although I hate winter running (we'll discuss this again below!) and constantly regret signing up for my first half marathon in the dead of Minnesota winter, I will say that training for this 13.1 has given me a reason to stay fit this winter. I can't say I would have been as diligent with visiting my lovely little Snap Fitness if I wouldn't have signed up for this race...
* I get a free beer after I finish the race. That alone, is awesome. I'm not Irish in the slightest bit but on St.Patty's Day I like to take one for the team and play along because well, I enjoy the color green, and beer is always good :)
* This last reason is a bit ridiculous but one of my favorite things in the world is shopping for new running gear. Lululemon, Athleta, Gap, Scheels, and as always, Targetto make me so happy! New running swag is only appropriate of course, if I can justify it by saying, "I am about to run 13 miles, I deserve a new pair of running tights, damnit!" :)

The Bad:
* I am so over stressing about how to fit in my weekly runs, it is exhausting! Things get much more complicated when working, raising two monkeys, and having a husband who is also training. Oh, and trying to have a social life.... Oh, and trying to schedule running around that sassy Mother Nature.

*Speaking of the weather, I hate the wind. I hate the snow. I hate the ice. I won't continue on with this rant very long, but Spring is much needed in this household. Trying to run outside during winter weather conditions is just not something I plan on doing again after this race!

*This has been the worst couple months for my family in regards to illness. Stomach flu? Strep throat? Bronchitis? Teething? Yep--- at some point in time either my kids, or my husband, or myself, have dealt with all of these things. It makes training very stressful and for this reason (in addition to many others!) I will be happy when it's over...

The Ugly:
* I haven't figured out why exactly, but running is extremely emotional for me. Last week I ran my farthest to date: 11.53 miles with Max. I almost cried twice during the run due to frustration, and when we finally sprinted into our driveway, I was sobbing. I'm not even sure why, all I could say over and over was "It's so hard!" My ever loving husband's response: "Well duh. If it wasn't hard, everyone would be out doing this!" Very true, but it didn't do much to make me feel better at the time. I wish I could just be happy with the fact that probably a year ago I was convinced I would never be able to run that far, but instead I focus too much on my time and I feel like I'm never running well enough. Or fast enough. And if I could stop comparing myself to where I think I should be.... Or who I should be able to keep up with.

With all that said and done, I really am excited for next weekend! I still love running and I still love the feeling of panting for air and the look of flushed cheeks :) T-Minus 8 days until it's time to Get Lucky!