Tourist maps purchased: 7
New purchases: 35
Days in Europe: 43
Days in Italy: 22
Days in France: 9
Days in Spain: 12
Number of hotels staying at: 12
Number of scheduled train rides: 9+
Rental car days: 5
Number of airline flights: Bob (5); Wayne (8)
Marathon miles to be run in Europe: 78.6
Training miles (since August 23) : 1,190
Pairs of running shoes worn out: 2
Pounds lost: 8
Number of 400 meter laps run at the Dome: Far tooooo many!
To be totally honest, I am so over wanting to train anymore. I'm exhausted having to schedule hours of time to run my 13 and 20-milers at the Dome. I was lucky enough to get a few outdoor runs in the last few weeks when things warmed up, but we again have more snow and colder temperatures so it's back to the Dome. While running my 20-miler there last Friday, I was run over by a herd of high school baseball players running laps...they were totally rude and disrespectful! Luckily the even occurred at mile 18 so I only limped along for the last two miles. I have never trained so hard as I have these last few months and yet seemed so unprepared. I think that's telling me that I am super anxious about this trip and just want to jump right into it!
The Winter Olympics certainly have been entertaining and have inspired me to keep plugging along. It's amazing what some of these winter athletes have overcome to appear on the world stage. What's been real strange is that the local TV commercial I made for Providence Hospital back in March 2009 about my heart operation has been repeatedly shown during the Olympic coverage. I feel pretty embarrassed by it all because I have progressed so far from when it was produced, plus my buddies are giving me a lot of crap about it. However, I have received lots of feedback from others about how my "comeback" has inspired them to work through their hardships. It feels very strange, uncomfortable and humbling to be told that I inspire others...it does, however, keep me motivated to train hard and set a good example.
I finally have mastered some key features on my iPhone which I plan to regularly use during my trip. I'm hoping to post a daily entry on my Facebook page with a photo taken with the iPhone. I've tested it out a few times already and it'll be fun to keep in touch that way. I also loaded up some tour-related bookmarks for our lodging, train schedules, and historical references. It took forever to understand the international calling and texting features I wanted to purchase. As much as I want to keep my blog up while I'm traveling, I'm afraid I won't be able to, at least using my iPhone. I hope to use internet cafes now and then and/or if I can access a WiFi connection.
So, who's on first and what's on second? I have one more week of heavy-duty training, including a 13 and 20-miler, then it's tapering time. I also have about three pages of to-do's before I fly out of Alaska on March 15. Boy, I can't wait to finally relax on the Almalfi Coast and Cinque Terre!!!
1 comment:
It sounds and looks like you've done the necessary preparation for both the travel and the running. I'm excited for you and Bob. Salome & I are also concerned about getting in our proper training, but we'll do what is necessary to join you guys in Paris.
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