Running for a Cause

As the Detroit Half inches closer and closer, I'm working hard to attempt to balance work/personal time that includes adequately preparing myself for this race. Mentally, I'm committed and want to put in the time and work (usually...), but it's hard to find the hours to do it all on some days and that extra hour of sleep vs. an extra workout is a tough sell for me at this point. After skipping a mid-week run, I was a little nervous about yesterday's long run. In addition to it being 9 miles, it was the first long run I was going to be doing alone this time around, since Ryan is back home this weekend. On repeat, I reminded myself that every time before now, I had done these long runs on my own. Nevertheless, I've gotten used to running with someone for them and it can be daunting to think of covering the same milage solo.

Despite my worries though, the run went great! The weather was perfect and I even squeezed out an extra quarter-of-a-mile at the end to get myself all the way home. I definitely still see a big need to cross train, and so yet again, I will see if/where I can squeeze it in when I'm not eat/sleep/breathing school work. It's hard that naturally I have the most time on the weekends, but I like to give myself the day after the long run off. I don't want to make impulsive decisions and pushing myself in the wrong way and regretting it. 

Even running alone though, I had A LOT to think about and keep me going. In the next two months, FIVE of my close friends are running for 3 different worthwhile causes - the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network, Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, and the Ulman Cancer Fund for Young Adults. I know the commitment it takes to train and fundraise for a half (forget even thinking about the FULL!), and it overwhelms me with good feelings to think of how many of friends are willing to put others before themselves to make this commitment. Of course, I also thought a lot about my first half in Philly (which Beckerman is running today!!!) and how it felt to run for a cause I cared so much about. I remember so many of the little details of the day and I'm THRILLED Beckerman is experiencing it all RIGHT NOW! I'm eager to hear how her morning went and while I wish I were there cheering her on, I'm sending all kinds of love and good thoughts back to the place where it all started for me!