As we begin Week 8, I just wanted to take time to thank all of you who are supporting us during our journey to the Austin finish line. So, this post is dedicated to you all, our readers, friends, family members, and supporters near and far.

I know I am not alone when I say how much I love receiving a text, Facebook, or Twitter message saying that I have INSPIRED someone to get off of the couch, put on their shoes, and give running a try. I also love bumping into new and old friends who are keeping track of our training through this blog. I’m glad our updates are helping to change the lives of others. I want you all to know that it is helping us, too. I am so dedicated to this race, and I am encouraged every time someone mentions the blog to me.

So, thank you for all of your encouragement, but most importantly, sticking with us through these twelve weeks. We really appreciate the genuine concern you all have for our training and your curiosity in running for yourself. To some, this blog may be cheesy, but it really is an outlet for us to help others find joy in living a healthy lifestyle. We love running and pushing our body through the limits we so often set for ourselves. Nothing brings me more happiness than people telling me about signing up for their first 5k or running an extra mile because they felt good and strong!

To all of you, THANK YOU, a million times, from the bottom of my heart and KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK!

Weight Loss Update:

I am down 0.4 pounds this week. I have been slightly frustrated with the scale the last two weeks, but I am trying to keep my focus on how I feel. I have received so many compliments the last few days about the way I look, so that keeps me from worrying about what the stupid red numbers on the scale tell me. Plus, a lot of my clothes are almost too big, so thinking about the new clothes I will get to buy keeps me going! Again, thanks to everyone for the constant and genuine encouragement for this part of my journey.

Last Week’s Training:

Monday  – Rest

Tuesday - 3 miles @ 29:15 (treadmill); Nice, strong run. I was happy with my pace and overall time. As much as I don’t find running indoors ideal, it really is helping me with my speed work. The treadmill and I are becoming great friends as you will see throughout this week. I did all of my running indoors.

Wednesday - Rest; I was planning to run after small group at church, but I ended up staying and chatting with two of my friends until midnight. We were having such great conversations and getting to know each other better, so I didn’t mind missing my run. I love growing and building relationships, so this was just as important to me this week (well, it is every week, but you know what I mean)!

Thursday - 5 miles @ 57:26 (treadmill); I ran after having dinner with my roommates at 9 O’CLOCK AT NIGHT. I decided on this night that I am officially, officially dedicated to this race. I was pretty energized once I got home, so I cleaned the bathroom and read a little bit. I didn’t fall asleep until 1 or 2 in the morning, but getting my run in was worth it.

Friday - Rest

Saturday - Rest

Sunday - 7 miles @ 1:19:30 (treadmill); It is on THIS DAY I realized that I can do ANYTHING. Completing 7 miles on the treadmill is an interesting feat. It seems impossible to do when you are trying to gear yourself up for it, and when you are finished, you can hardly believe you spent THAT MUCH time on what is basically a conveyor belt. But, I did it, and I did it in the morning before church so that I wouldn’t have to worry about it for the rest of the day. It was just too cold to run outside.  I don’t have the proper winter gear for my legs, so to me, it wasn’t worth hurting myself or getting sick. I am doing research on what to buy to protect me from the cold so that I can get outside more often. I also treated myself to A LOT of sushi for lunch.

To all of you reading this tonight, today, tomorrow, and the day after that, thank you! We are five weeks away and we will need your continued support and encouragement. Share your running stories with us! We love being inspired by you, too. May your runs this week make you feel strong, empowered, and accomplished!

Cheers,

Cyndi