108

When this "little" streak started, I really had no idea where it would lead me.  Sure, I knew that what I was attempting was something new by trying to run everyday for 60 days, 100 days, what have you, but I had no idea where my miles and paces would go.  I really had thought that my legs would eventually begin to revolt and that there would be more bad or hard days than good.  Boy, I couldn't have been more wrong!

Last week I had dreams of maybe, just maybe hitting 100 miles, and although I kind-of had my goals and heart set on meeting that, I wasn't sold on the idea that it was even possible.  Each day I'm able to run, and continue the streak, is a gift, and no set number of miles was going to make or break it.  This week though, when I started the week, I had a little bit of excitement as I thought what I could really attempt this week.  During this whole streak, aside for a few days, my legs have felt strong and fresh.  And when Monday came, after back to back races and double days, they felt great and I set out for my first run of the day with my friend Jana.  Together we tackled 10 miles, negative splitting, leaving us both feeling awesome and fresh.  When I got home, my legs were not tired, so I jumped on the old hamsterwhizzle and pounded out another 6.  Whoo hoo, 16 miles for Monday!  100 might just be possible!

And so the week went on, I continued to split up my runs and get into the double digits each day, running easy for one, and a bit faster harder on the other.  I have found that double days really agree with my legs, they enjoy the break up of the speed and I feel like they are really thriving on it.  By Friday though, after a long week of double digit days and my day job, my head had a hard time wrapping around the idea of even running one mile.  For the first time during the streak...I didn't want to run!  I know, GASP!  By the time I got home from work, it was almost six, and I was looking at the mileage I would need for the next three days to hit 100 and I was instantly overwhelmed.  13.37 miles each day minimum was needed, and staring down that barrel made me sick to my stomach.  But I changed my clothes, laced up my shoes, turned the TV on and just started running on the treadmill.  The first 3 miles were horrible, and I did everything I could to keep running.  Finally by mile 5, my legs and head warmed up, and the running high kicked in.  It was short lived though, and by mile 7 I just wanted to be done!  I lasted just two more miles and called it a day a 9.  I haven't had a hard run mentally like that in a long time.  I keep telling myself through this running streak, and all of my running, that the second this isn't fun anymore, it's time to quit for a while.  I went to bed that night thinking the streak might just be over and there was no way I was going to hit 100.

Saturday I had a running date with my buddy Punky.  Nothing like a running date to get you out of bed at 5:30 on a Saturday morning to run in 30 degree weather.  I loathed the idea of running as I got ready and shoved peanut butter toast and coffee down my throat.  As I drove I thought of a million of excuses to call him and tell him I was bailing, but soon enough I arrived at the trail and we were off in some of the coldest weather I have ever ran in.  Yes, I know, I'm a California wimp - cut me some slack though, it hardly ever gets that cold here!  Soon enough the miles were passing and we were turning around at 6.  I felt so much better on the way back.  My legs woke up, the fog of my running blues lifted and I enjoyed the run again.  When we finished, I felt great!  I felt renewed.  I instantly started doing the math in my head of what I needed to hit 100 for the weekend - 22.  22 miles stood between me and 100 miles for the week - it sounded very doable.

When I got home that morning, I changed into some dry clothes and headed out for a few more.  I had no idea what my legs or head were capable of, but soon enough I was hitting mile 10 and feeling fantastic.  I knew I had to stop though, 22 miles in one day is enough for one person, especially when those last 10 were ran at an 7:21/mi pace!  Oh, and I had my little sister's b-day cake to bake ;)  My legs and mojo were back after 22 miles - and now all that stood between me and 100 was 10 little miles ;)

I slept like garbage Saturday night - just like after I run a marathon.  Again, I made a running date with Punky to ensure I would get up and get the miles done.  Both Punky and I are training for the 50K, so back to back long runs is not a bad thing.  Punky though, has a 50 miler in just a few weeks after the 50K, so persuading him to run was not hard at all ;)  When I woke up this morning, I was met again with dread and not wanting to run.  I was exhausted, and even one mile sounded like one mile too long.  Oh, and it was even colder this morning, 29!!  Sheesh!  I'm ready for spring!  Thankfully, misery loves company, and Punky was just as sluggish as me.  We took it easy, did some great hill work and soon enough we were back after 10 miles and I hit my 100!!!  Nothing like a little run to make you snap out of it and realize just how wonderful your life is.  I just hit 100 miles and I was beyond stoked!  Thanks again Punky for meeting the milestone with me, I couldn't have done it without you ;)

When I got home from running, I was exhausted!  I told my hubbs I was just going to lay down for a second, and well, that turned into a 45 minute nap!  Guess I was tired!  By the time I woke up, I felt great again.  I ate some lunch, hung out with the fam and that old familiar itch to run crept back in.  Yes, I know, I hit my goal of 100 miles for the week.  But my legs and head still had the urge to run!  A stark contrast to the 2 days prior.  So I jumped at the opportunity to run again.  I laced up and set out into a cool, brisk winter afternoon with no goals other than to enjoy the miles ;)

Right away, my legs wanted to move.  I couldn't hold back, and soon enough I was checking off miles that I had no idea were capable after 100+ miles for the week.  I was back in love with running and just enjoying the whole run.  As you can see from my splits - my legs and heart enjoyed the run! 7:49, 7:38, 7:21, 7:08, 7:12, 6:59, 6:46 and my 108th mile for the week was my fastest at 6:24!!  Where that came from, I have no clue, but that whole run I was on cloud 9!  I didn't feel like I was pushing too hard, just enjoying a little speed and the beautiful afternoon. 

When this week started, I had a goal in mind, but I had no idea how I would hit it.  I had no idea if it was even possible, but I put my head down and just ran.  I ran though some great feelings, with some great people, and through some hard mental struggles.  I had highs and lows - which I now know, comes with the territory when you hit triple digits with miles in one week.  I had no idea that this kind-of mileage or speed was even possible with a running streak, but I'm here to tell you, anything is possible when you're a stubborn red head ;) 

Today was day 52, I ran 18 miles, and 108 for the week.  I'm truly amazed at all of that.  I will admit though, I'm a bit scared.  What's next?  What to do for an encore?  At 100 days will I be satisfied?  If I hit 115 miles in a week, will I be satisfied?  I almost can't think about any of those possibilities at the moment, I can only do what I can with the day I have in front of me.  One more day of running in the streak is a gift, no matter how many miles I hit.  Each week I run with out injury is a gift.  Each day I can get up and put one foot in front of the other is a gift, I don't intend to waste any of it.  For now, I'm going to keep plugging away.  I'm going to keep with that mantra, "one run at a time," because truly, that is all that we can control.  I will be more than excited if I'm able to hit 100 again this week or the next, or the week after that.  But I will also be excited for each day that I'm able to run.

Thanks again for all the encouragement this week!  You guys are truly motivation for me!  Reading and seeing what all of you are accomplishing is very inspiring, and I often think of all of you each time I lace up.  Thanks again to Punky for keeping me sane this weekend and believing that I had it in me even when I didn't - that meant more to me than you'll ever know ;)

I'm off to catch up with all of you!  Trust me I'm reading, but my comments may be sparse as I have a few miles to run and I'm in the thick of tax season!  Cograts to Tonia for an awesome half marathon PR this weekend!  You rock chica!
Happy Running peeps!