Halfway to JFK!

Not much to report, but it felt important to note that I am HALFWAY through my JFK training! Crazypants! Today marks the end of week 15 of my 30 week training program.

Last week, week 14, I ran 50 miles equaling my highest mileage week ever. I ran a 50-mile week leading up to the NYC Marathon in 2011...and I believe I ran one leading up to whatever marathon I ran before that. The difference this time was that it wasn't the culmination of my efforts. In fact, it was just run of the mill. I ran the miles and got them done without any drama. The longest run was a 20-miler, and though I definitely felt it, I completed it at a decent clip and felt pretty great at the end. This is good news. It was by far the easiest 20-miler I've ever run.

This week, week 14, was a step-back week. I ran 38 miles and it felt like nothing. Really. It did. I put a wee bit of speedwork back into my training and really enjoyed that. It felt great and I'm not feeling any lagging effects. On Wednesday, I did a fartlek. Today, I ran a couple miles at tempo/half marathon pace and did some 100-meter strides at the end. It all felt invigorating and none of it felt strained. Again. Good news.

Looking at my schedule, which Wendy just updated for me (I get it weekly on Sunday night), assuming all goes well next week will be my highest mileage week ever: 55 miles. It will be a challenge. I am psyched.

Fundraising update: I've raised over $500 towards my goal of $3500! A big fat thank you to those of you who have donated thus far. It takes me a while to get updates on my fundraising...so if I don't thank you immediately, that's why. I get reports from the school every one or two weeks. Hopefully they will start updating my fundraising page soon so that it shows both how far I am towards my goal and who has donated to my efforts. Again, to all of you: thank you! I'd love for any and all of you to "join" me, virtually, on my 50-mile/$3500 journey. You can do that here: https://www.facebook.com/events/493045564117335/

If you'd like to support me financially, you can do that here! http://jacobsladdercenter.com/50-for-35-fundraiser/

And again, thank you, in advance!

Training Mileage Summary
Week 1: 30
Week 2: 31
Week 3: 36
Week 4: 36
Week 5: 27
Week 6: 32
Week 7: 40
Week 8: 34 (Grandma's Half)
Week 9: 43
Week 10: 44
Week 11: 40 (trail marathon)
Week 12: 33 (5-miler)
Week 13: 49
Week 14: 50
Week 15: 38