Welcome to the inaugural weekly update for my friends and family who have generously contributed to the Michael J. Fox Foundation in support of my marathon and in honor of my Mom, Merrie Boone.
Yesterday, I completed Week 8 of my 18-week training plan. Up to now, each week has consisted of 3 casual mid-week runs, a cross-training day, and a long run that has ranged in distance from 6-12 miles. Nothing to sneeze at, but nothing I hadn’t done before. I was in a routine and was feeling pretty confident.
But now, we’ve stopped playin’. The marathon is getting serious. My Wednesday run this week was 6 miles, which was the same distance as my long run during Week 1. However, it was the Saturday long run that took things to a new level. I ran my new PR of 14 miles in 85+ heat. It took me close to 3 hours, and it was not pretty. However, I managed to limp my way to the finish, and I took away some valuable lessons for the week.
- Don’t try to keep up with the next slowest runner in the Running Club, because she is faster than you, and you will be sorry.
- Just because food is provided at the Running Club’s support stop, it doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea to eat ALL of it before running another 7 miles (apparently, sports drink, watermelon, strawberries and a handful of gummi bears was not a great mid-run choice for me)
- When you reach out for support to friends and family, cherish the ones who are first in line to help.
All of you receiving this email will always have a special place in my heart, because you were the first to give. This week, each of you responded quickly and gave generously to this amazing cause. Thanks to your enthusiastic support, I increased my fundraising goal twice. I am overwhelmed, humbled, and incredibly inspired.
With your support, I am excited to take on the challenge of Week 9.
Best,
Meredith
Week 8 Miles Run: 26
Cumulative Miles Run: 154
Donors: 49
Dollars Raised: $4,635
Weeks to go: 10
Merrie Miles 