Pick up the pace. I can do it.

Today was a 10-mile run according to my marathon training plan.  I've been running around my neighborhood so much lately that I decided  a change of scenery would be good.  My second favorite go-to running path is along Lake Washington to Seward Park.  On the return run, I ran into my friend Paula.  We had not seen each other in a long time and she decided she would run back with me.  My initial thought was "oh no".  Paula is a much faster runner and I thought this would stress me out.  Well I did have to stretch myself to pick up the pace and there were moments of struggle.  I commented on that and she did slow her pace but it was still faster than I would run alone.  At the end of the run, I felt pretty good and realized it was good to challenge my pace and that I could run a little faster if I tried.  Left on my own however, I would never push myself harder.

Learning to swim as an adult

I was born and raised in Hawaii and lived just 2 miles away from the beach.  However, I never learned to swim and the great fear of swimming continued.  Fast forward many years and as an adult I took MANY swim lesson from classes at the YMCA or local community center pools.  It was frustrating and I was embarrased that at "my age" I still could not swim.   I just could never combine breathing, kicking and stroking together.  Finally at age 36 with the help of an excellent swimmer and friend, it all came together and I completed the Danskin sprint triathlon.  Then years later, I worked one on one with a swim coach to learn to swim more efficiently. This opened up a world of fun and interesting experiences of snorkeling in tropical waters. Everytime I'm swimming in a relaxed state, I give thanks to Judith and Denise who enabled me to enjoy the activity. 

The miles were NOT flying by

My training plan for my upcoming Wenatchee Marathon in April called for a 15-mile long run yesterday.  My legs were kinda tired from incredible skiing the day before so I procrastinated until I finally got my butt (with a running skirt, of course) out the door.  I'm running along and I can't believe it's only been 1 mile.  Next I'm hoping to get through 5 miles, at least I will be 1/3 done.  Then anxious to get through 7.5 miles--half way!  It was a longgg slow 15 miles but I got it done.  I followed that up with a deliciously long winter nap.     Some days are just like that.