18 days to a marathon training plan

I am 18 days away from Grandma's Marathon. Since my last post a month ago, I haven't run more than 3 times not because of injury but dissertation stuff. Yes, I know how important exercise is at times like this but I just couldn't convince myself to let the work go even for a 3 mile jog.

Today, I successfully defended my dissertation so now I can think about something besides bones. A few minor corrections and formatting for the dissertation and I will be officially Dr. Julie.

I am still planning to jog Grandma's Marathon. I can't say run it because I am sure it will be slow and painful. So while everyone else tapers for the marathon, I will be starting my training program. I plan to chronicle the 18 day training plan here.

My kicked-off run was a 3 mile slow jog pre-defense to try to calm my nerves. I don't know if it calmed my nerves but it sure felt good and made me realize that I love to run.

Coming up this weekend is Tour de Ice Cream...best idea ever. Ride bike with friends to ice cream shop, eat ice cream, ride bike to another ice cream shop, eat more ice cream. Perfect combination - Ice Cream and Bike!

I leave you with a quote. I am not sure where it came from but a friend sent it to me when I was starting grad school...

"Being a graduate student is like becoming all of the Seven Dwarfs. In the beginning you're Dopey and Bashful. In the middle, you are usually sick (Sneezy), tired (Sleepy), and irritable (Grumpy). But at the end, they call you Doc, and then you're Happy."

Friends - Today I am Happy!!!