Did you all have a nice weekend? I wish I could say mine had been relaxing as I had hoped, but it was go go go like usual. Luckily I had something to look forward to this morning……

……….MARATHON TRAINING started today!!!

I didn’t want to say anything because I wasn’t sure what was going to happen with coaching Team Challenge again this season and also being my busy season at work, but I’m going to make.it.happen.

And, even better?? I got my sis to join me!!!

(totally love this old pic of us – even though this was pre-lasik and when I tanned WAY too much)

This will be her first FULL marathon (and she may even be a little scared), but I know she can do it. I’m actually a little jealous of her running abilities – she makes it look so darn easy!

So after some major research, we finally decided on The Trail Marathon in Ann Arbor, Michigan!! From the website: “The Course is a 13.1 mile single track loop through lower Michigan wilderness. Constant hills and beauty including views of 10 lakes.”

The marathoners run 2 loops. The reviews on marathonguide.com were all so great, and a trail marathon sounds like a blast! Of course we’ll be doing this more for “fun” than for time, but we’re still going to try our hardest.

This morning I headed out in 19 degree weather to tackle 6 miles.

I’m actually using the FIRST Training Plan this time around since I’m trying not to re-injure myself. This means I’ll only be running 3 times a week. But they’ll be HARD runs – no easy 3 or 4 milers – every mile counts in this program. I’ve read some real great reviews on it so we’ll see how it goes.

The sidewalks were a bit of a challenge and I found myself weaving back and forth (from the sidewalk to the street) a whole lot. It was a little annoying, but it actually distracted me and made the time got by a lot faster than usual! So, thank you to the Lakewood establishments who actually shovel and salt your sidewalks – us runners appreciate it!

This is just the beginning. I’m sure there are many more snowy runs to come this season. I can’t wait.

Do you have snow by you? How much?