Friday, September 25, 2009

Still Running and Knitting

Well, maybe working, running, and knitting. But not so much with the knitting. I seem to have lost my momentum, so if anyone sees it, please send it back to me. I'd really like to have it back.

Running has been proceeding apace. Tom has been training for the Arkansas Traveller 100 Mile, which is next weekend. Unfortunately, I won't be able to be there with him because I'll be at a knitting retreat (he signed up for race after I had already registered for the retreat). I feel bad about that because I want to be there to support him. 100 mile races are not easy. Imagine running or walking (or crawling for that matter) for over 24 hours, with only a few brief stops. It's tough psychologically because as you get tired, the negative thoughts start and it's very easy to spiral downwards. But Tom is nothing if not stubborn and if he can eat enough and stay hydrated, he'll finish.

I've been training for the Steamtown Marathon, which is in mid-October. This is the race where I hope to qualify for the Boston Marathon (I need to run 26.2 miles in 4:05). Will I do it? Only time will tell. I haven't done the speed training that I needed to do, but I have been running faster. I'm not concerned about the distance (I've been doing a 20+ mile run almost every weekend). The course is mostly downhill and I love running downhill. If the weather is cool and overcast, and if I have a good day, and if the stars align, I might. If I don't, I'll mostly likely run a personal best for the distance. There are about seven of us from the running club going (and all are going to try to qualify for Boston) and it will be a fun weekend. After the race, at least some of us will head over to the Banshee for some post-race replenishment.

Can I stop running so much after the marathon? No. Then it's time to start training for the JFK 50 Mile. No rest for the weary!

Knitting News
Not much is new. I've been knitting about three rows every couple of weeks. However, I plan to make great strides next weekend while at the knitting retreat. The blanket that I'm knitting is relatively simple. I'll take a sock to knit for a change of pace. I should be able to finish the blanket. (Ha! Famous last words!)

Anyway, that's what's new. One day I'll start posting pictures again. If only there were a way to zap them into the blog without having to that download and upload thing. It takes too much time.

Have a great weekend and knit on!