Blogs : Becki Michael

a little change

Since the Olympic Trials marathon, I swore not a single fiber of my body wanted to run another marathon for at least, at least a year.  As a matter of fact, after forcing my way through 18 miles on an injured foot I didn't even want to get out the door.  I plugged away right around 80 miles a week none the less.  I ran my first race back 6 weeks after the trials. 10k but I didnt even run marathon pace, nor did I want to even be in the race.  2 weeks later I ran a 4 miler.  The simple goal was to run marathon pace for the clearly shorter distance. Again not wanting to race, I stuck to the plan, and ran the race within myself, not even focusing on racing.  I guess it is small battles that make this path worth taking.  A week later, I was in love again!  I ran this 2 mile race that I have run for the past 8 or so years, and managed a new course record in 10:56(its a hilly 2 miles).  My previous best there was 11:03, and that was the glimmer of hope I had been waiting for!  I wake up in the morning, early like I love to, and just want to get out the door.  I want to run more than I should, ahh I love chomping at the bit! 

Today the decision was made, and if the race directors will give me the go im making some big changes.  I am scheduled to run the USA 10 Mile Championships in Twin Cities this October.  I hope to be toeing the line that day, only with a much differant goal...the Medtronic Twin Cities marathon.  I am so excited about this change, and the chance to chase down a faster time in the marathon.  As I was thinking about the change, I wondered how do I get there from here? 

After running my first marathon in Feb.  and qualifying to the trials (2:43:43 at Austin), I came home with 8 weeks till my next start line.  I ran myself into the ground.  I remember thinking over and over in my head, "how am I going to get fit for a marathon in only 8 weeks".  The real question is what the heck was wrong with me.  I hammered out workout after workout, 100+ mile week after 100+ mile week as if I hadnt just run 2:43!  There was a valuable lesson to be learned.  TRUST YOUR FITNESS!!!  I have heard it so many times, but never understood it as fully as I do now.  So how do i get there from here?  With passion, patience, dedication, and fear.  26.2 miles is stronger than I am. In this race nothing is going to be handed to me, I will have to work toward it with discipline and resolve, and I will have to fight for every step.  No matter how strong or calloused I become there is one thing that will not change, 26.2 miles will always be stronger than I am.  But with all due respect, 26.2, miles, I'm coming after you!  One step at a time!

coach

12:27 AM, July 23, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous

Who coaches you?

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5:24 PM, July 24, 2008 .. Posted by Anonymous

Awesome to read a blog from a female!

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4:10 PM, July 25, 2008 .. Posted by MAC runner

It\'s great to hear that you found your love again! I remember you from when I ran in the MAC and I applaud your accomplishments!