All I do is run, run, run no matter what, what what...

My training peaks account was pulled out of the cobwebs a month ago and I have to say it feels so good to be working towards a goal again. First up is the Chickamauga Marathon on November 14th followed by Rocket City in December. I ran Chickamauga in 2010, it is one of my favorites due to the small size and the lovely course through the Chickamauga Battlefield (so much history!). It was not my best marathon performance and this feels like a bit of a do-over for me. I had some kind of hip issue right after the half marathoners split off the course and basically just hobbled from there to the finish line. Obviously, I am hoping for a better outcome this time.  No hobbling!

I am working with a coach this time around. Not because I think I need a coach to finish a marathon as such but my motivation has been so on again off again this year that I felt like I needed someone to be accountable to this time around. (and who knows, maybe I will get a little faster in the process - fingers crossed!).  The accountability thing has definitely worked.  There have been a couple of times where I thought "this is normally where I take a little walk break" but didn't because I didn't want that to show up on my training peaks log when I uploaded the file from my watch. So I keep running. Accountability for the win. #holla

I have run pretty much every day for the last three weeks. A lot of zone 1 & 2 with some speed work and hills mixed in for good measure. Honestly, besides accountability that is another reason a coach is good for me because every other marathon I have just built up mileage without regard for the "fancy" workouts.  I actually enjoy the speed work. It is kind of fun to run fast even if it is only for a few minutes at a time.

Up until Sunday, I started to wonder if my coach had a thing against rest days. I know I personally enjoy a day off once in a while.  :)  Just when I was wondering if I had someone been signed up for one of those Runner's World Run Streaks, I saw this magical sign on my log for this week. It feels a little like spring break up in here!

4 weeks down, 15 weeks to go!