Magic ponytail

This summer, Meaghan asked me what the source was of my newfound “fire” lit under my running butt…I wasn’t really sure.  I’m still not sure, but I know I’ve had probably the best training season in ten years - both physically and mentally.  Here are my thoughts on the topic:

I’m drinking more/better

I discovered PowerAde Zero by way of Scott.  I’m not overly worried about calories, however this drink gets me the fluids I need without all the sugar and calories.  Considering how much I loathe water, this has become a perfect antidote to my previously consistent state of dehydration.

General nutrition

I’m always more focused on nutrition when I’m training for a marathon.  However I have recently tried to pay closer attention to portion control.  I do realize that marathon training does not give me license to scour the cabinets and countertops as if at an all-you-can-eat-buffet…..

Improvements lead to confidence

When I ran Mohawk Hudson River Marathon on 10/10/10, I pushed – for the first time in a marathon.  It hurt and I slowed at times, but for the most part, I felt like I shifted into some new gear.  That marathon remains my marathon PR to date at 3:56:36 and the memory has served as a reminder during all my training runs and races since then.

Scott’s been motivated

Let’s face it, when your husband is motivated and also training for a Fall marathon, it’s catchy.  Scott’s been a great help to me in pushing me to test my limits, supporting me, and coaching me.  In addition, I supported him during his 50 miler (which took place 2 wks post Mohawk Hudson River Marathon) and was amazed at true endurance in the making.  
Even though I'm not quite ready for a 50 miler and the 18 miler several weeks ago pushed my Achilles limits a bit too far, running with Scott was another confidence booster for me.

Remained fairly injury-free

Other than the testy Achilles issue, I’ve been injury-free….

Magic ponytail

My final thought is the magic ponytail.  For the first time in decades (maybe since I was in 3^rd grade), I have long hair.  The kind of hair I can easily scoop up into a ponytail.  A magic ponytail  (yes, those are my natural curls).  In fact, I’m giddy at the thought of wearing a ponytail elastic around my wrist – cuz isn’t that what all the cool girls do?  And the idea of being able to don a baseball cap and have a decent length ponytail to stick through the back?  Priceless.

So yeah, it’s totally the ponytail Meaghan.