Recovery is going well today. My knees are a bit ouchy, but not nearly as bad as I thought they would be! The rest of me is fine, though, so I've got to say that Hal Higdon's Novice 15k training plan really set me up for success. I had remembered that way back when I ran my first half marathon years ago I had followed his training advice, and it went well. So, despite the fact that someone talked me out of it a few years ago, I gave it another shot this time around. I have zero regrets and will do it again. I think the reason it works for me is because it's so simple. It's written out in black and white. I just copied it down on my calendar(adjusting as needed to fit my schedule) and then checked off the days as I went. You can call me old fashioned. I don't mind at all.

If you're curious, you can check out the website. There are plans for several other distances, as well. Here's the link: https://www.halhigdon.com/training-programs/15k-10-mile-training/novice-15k-10-mile/

My mantra today was, "I've done the work." I have been struggling with feeling imposter syndrome and wondering what the heck I was doing lining up for this race. It's been so long since I've tried to race anything longer than a few miles. Whenever the doubts started to sneak into my mind, though, I would push them out with my mantra. The first half of the race went well, and I was able to run most of it, only stopping for a pit stop and water breaks.

Unfortunately, the second half was more difficult as the sun really started to beat down and it got hotter than anything we saw in training. I made sure to stop at every single aid station for water and Gatorade, even if I wasn't thirsty. My tired body began arguing with me, but I continued moving forward, until finally reaching the finish line in Kingfield. I met some great people and had so much fun enjoying a gorgeous course with them! 

After I finished, I hung out at the finish line and waited for Ed. Despite some challenges, he finished in first place for his age group! We got to hang out with a few of our good friends, and start resting and refueling. Shout out to Rob who also placed in his age group!

Once we were back at the mountain, it was morbidly entertaining to watch everyone hobbling around. At one point we were approaching a set of stairs at the same time as a group of young men. They politely indicated that I should go ahead of them, which I declined, telling them that my knees were seriously slowing me down. They laughed and exclaimed that they weren't feeling much better; lamenting all their many aches and pains as they gingerly made their way down the stairs.

Other than my knees, I don't hurt. The rest of me is just tired. I need to go back to the drawing board and work more diligently on building up the strength in my posterior chain to protect them. I work a desk job and it shows! 

In the meantime - F YEAH - I did it! Thank you all so much for cheering us on. We really appreciate it!!

This is what we've been working towards - The Sugarloaf Marathon & 15k. Ed's running the marathon, and I'm running the 15k; bright & early tomorrow morning! 

It's been a gorgeous evening up here. Quiet and relaxing. So nice listening to the babbling brook behind Angus. We got here early in the afternoon to pick up our bibs and then settled in to enjoy. You know I do love going off grid, but I was grateful for technology for a li'l bit tonight as we watched the Preakness. Another great race!

Then I turned it all off again to visit, and watch the sunset. Ahhh...now to try to sleep through my nerves....

My grandmother grew up in this house in South Windham, Maine. So much history there!

My run this evening was without a dog and felt very lonely. This li'l guy was cheering me on though. It helped me to finish strong!

The other day I shared a story with Ed about an encounter we had on the trail. I guess he didn't like it any more than I did. Unfortunately situations do happen, so he decided I should be more prepared. Just in case. Hopefully I will never need to use these!

It was cool enough this morning that George could join me! He started right out at a lope, then looked back at me, realized why it felt like he was pulling against a tree, and switched to an easy trot. He thought for a minute there that maybe Mama had gained some speed, but nope. Oh well. I do think he does like to run with me, it's just not as much fun as racing with one of the guys! 🤣 Although he did pull these tired ol' legs to a speedy time - 2nd fastest this year. Not bad after that long run on Sunday, if I do say so myself!