Cowboy Hazel

Back in high school, I was in this Bolder Boulder training group. There was no sub-35 or -40 minute group, just a sub-45, which meant that I was lumped in with a bunch of older runners who were way, way faster than me. I remember being in awe of the fact that they were putting in 70 mile weeks. That seemed superhuman to the point that I couldn't really even identify with it. Since then, I've had many months and even a couple years where I haven't totaled 70 miles in the whole thing.

This week is going to be my first 70 mile week ever (knock on wood). It's a real good feeling to finally be there. Yesterday was off. Today was 8.9 on the paths of Central Park. Tomorrow is 12+ with hills in the Bronx and Heights. Another 10 Thursday in CP, 10 Friday, 5 or 6 in the hotel Saturday, then 26.2 Sunday morning on the streets of Chicago. Crazy. It gives a whole new spin to this otherwise fairly meaningless marathon and for that I'm grateful. I need something positive to reward myself with for all the pain that running that long brings with it.

p.s. The more miles I rack up, the more impressed I get with those of you out there doing this kind of of mileage and more week in and week out (Julie, JD, Flo to name a few). It really is amazing and I'm glad you all are out there to prove to me that it can be done.