#strugglebus

It's been forever since I blogged, as I haven't had much positive to blog about. About once a year I hit my wall and nothing seems to go right in my training world. But I know instead of saying poor me, I need to get tough love on myself.

My biggest hurdle has been my recent bout of GI issues going into week 3, which was diagnosed as likely Irritable Bowel Syndrome. No matter what I do or eat, I CANNOT finish a run without a bathroom break. Which leaves me scared to eat before and during runs, which has me running on empty and making the long runs straight #strugglebus. Thankfully, I'm blessed with some pretty awesome running partners that are understanding. ☺️ But understandably, freaked out about running a marathon in 2 weeks and questioning PR hopes.

Skipping a workout here and there is happening more frequently. Often I justify it by telling myself I need sleep, I need to save my legs, or I'm running so much so it's ok. Or it's "just a recovery day," (which is sort of one of the most important.) But this should seriously not be that deep. Because a missed workout is just that. A missed workout. It's over. You missed it. Get over it and move on.

I feel like my body is falling apart and I blame myself. I never stretch or ice like I should. Again, probably the most important thing, but I tell myself I don't have time. My right IT band is a hot, hot mess and I have been disowning my foam roller. And let's just say I carry around Biofreeze in my purse with its importance right up with my wallet.

Thank you for those who listen to me to take the time to vent. And f you know me, one of my pet peeves is complaining about something without a possible solution. So I will put on my big girl pants and do something about. I will log my foods and avoid what irritates my stomach. I will stretch and foam roll. I will get it together and not skip workouts...and when I do, I will not beat myself up for missing. And when I feel good on a run, I will give it everything. I will stay positive, and have fun, because when this stops being fun, it's not wort it.

Only 15 DAYS to #BeMonumental...and I will be, somehow, someway.

Merrillville Mini

Merrillville has a Mini Marathon?! That's what I said. And the timing was perfect to work on my full pace, so why not head home and try a new race.

First off, I hate change. I run the same races EVERY SINGLE year. So I told myself, one different race a year, so this was my newbie. It was advertised as flat and fast, and a reasonable price. So it was a no brainer to run. So here's a quick and dirty on the Merrillville Mini:

• The race course was never posted online. This freaked me out. Like the race didn't exist.
• But....the course rocked. Flat, no hold ups. Country roads, trails, neighborhoods. Plenty of scenery. 
• Only two port-o-pottys at the start. And if anyone has went to a race with me, you know how  important the pre-race bathroom situation is to me. I think I saw one along he way, but plenty of wooded areas : )
• Water and Gatorade stations were ample.
• They had pacers...for a small race, I was impressed. And with me trying to work on my full pace, I knew not to let the 1:50 pass me and not to pass the 1:40.
• It was ran in the region...home....so 3 Floyd's was easily found at a liquor store for post race!

Overall, great local race, and would definitely recommend it for runners. As for myself, I was partially rested, looking to run a 1:50, my goal full marathon pace. I finished at a 1:49, but was hoping it would have felt a little easier. Regardless, I'll take it...less that a month to #BeMonumental!