Marathon Training: Weeks Six and Seven.

I'm combining these two training weeks because they're so off-balance. I took almost a full week off of marathon training in Week Six to focus on swim practice for the upcoming Iron Girl, and hence there was nothing to report on the run side of things (except for a short run in the blazing heat in South Georgia on Monday of Week Six). This week, I'm back on the marathon wagon and have completed all of my short runs. I'm preparing for my long run tomorrow morning bright and early, before the heat sets in.

Last week's open-water swim practice went GREAT! I say that now, of course, since I made it through and survived and so forth. :) But I really did fare better than I expected to. Before my wave, I was terrified. I mean, so terrified that I wanted to run back to the car and sit there to wait for Denise to finish. But I hopped into the lake anyway. And you know something? The physical part wasn't hard at all. The mental part was the tough bit.

And I've worked through that bit now.

It's the best feeling in the world to face one's fear and come out the other side stronger and healthier than before. I feel -- dare I say? -- almost relaxed going into next weekend's tri. I know I'll still be nervous, of course. But this time may be the first time I truly enjoy race day without all the anxious accoutrements. What a victory.

Onward!

:)