run, run, and run some more...

So that's the name of the game. You want to run a marathon? RUN.
That's really what everyone's been telling me. "Ok, cool, go run a bunch of miles."

Its pretty true though. Its you and yourself out there on the road. Legs, feet, arms, all working one unit to get tyou through it. No team to rely on if you're having a bad day to help get you through a game, no coach to motivate you. Just you and an open road.

However, training with a team is helpful. This past Wednesday we had hill-training, something I was pretty familiar with thanks to San Fran training in 08. After the "Welcome our newest Member..." piece, (Thanks, I'm a Scorpio, I like boys with fresh cuts and long walks in the city on summer nights...lol) I met a girl who kept my pace and remembered why it was so important to train with someone. The energy of another person running (or struggling alongside with ya) helps to get you through it as well - They push, You push. You both get through. 

So regardless of all my runs on my own, I knew my mileage was low. And all the coaches said it. The "uh-ill" face came on when I said I knew I was somewhere between maybe 6-10 miles. Uh, *illface* you have to catch up. 
yeah. i know.

Saturday I was determined. Mapped out a route with my boy Newms, a Coach who runs Chainlink, a basketball based program for kids, and headed out bright and early. (Cough, I woke up, choked down some peanut butter toast, laced up and made it out the house slightly later than expected. but i DID)

Ran up and over the Manhattan Bridge, Down Bowery over to 22nd st, Down the FDR to the track at the park above Houston, back up to 22nd and then back down the same way to Brooklyn.

I never really carry my phone with me on long runs, but going by myself into the city (not with a team with a bag watch) meant it was coming with as well. You never really know what'll happen...

Map My Run says 7.04 miles to the track. Round trip - 14+. Add the mile and a half on the track, and we've made it to 15.

 At the very bottom right ... it says "Its not the Result, its the Release". Word to that.

Now, lets do it again. 

I'm supposed to be doing 7 this eve with a friend in the hood... we'll see. Tomorrow, back to Central Park training. *Stay focused...

And I've started my $100/day challenge! To Donate:: http://www.runwithtfk.org/Member/PublicPage/1012

The running is important, but without the money, I'm running no where... Keep it coming!

later...