Hello!

I’m Sarah Mac. I’m a writer, mom, runner. This is my original running blog, Running Starfish, started in 2009 to chronicle my first (and supposed to be last) marathon, all the way through qualifying for the 2016 Olympic Trials Marathon.

changes

The last few weeks have brought lots of changes. Actually "brought" is the wrong word. Changes don't arrive, time doesn't deliver them. Changes are made. And they start someone with decisions. So I guess I should say, I've made a few decisions/actions over the last few weeks. 
  1. Stop talking about 'getting a coach' and actually make the connection. Even if I feel like I'm not worthy of one. 
  2. Stop talking about all the extra work I should be doing, and start doing it. 
  3. Invest in weird injury prevention thingys to facilitate this 'extra work'. (Recent Amazon purchases make it look like I'm starting a small Physical Therapy practice.)
  4. Join the gym, ya know, to get the pump Arnold style. (sort of)
  5. Start Pilates again.
All of these actions could have started with "Stop talking about..." Which doesn't mean I actually talk to people about all these things, but in my head for months I've been like, "I really should , but I'll do it because ."

I'm still having a little stutter-start because I have a half marathon on the calendar (September 30) that I have a scary goal for. And so I'm kinda, sorta tapering.

When I get that half marathon tucked away, I will start my new program. Which actually means cutting my running days back. I am only supposed to run four times a week, 2 days of cross training, and lots of supplemental work like lifting, stretching etc. Which was a little frustrating to hear, but I know it's right. It's like tennis I think... you can only go so far with a crappy swing. Eventually you'll have to optimize your form and work with a coach if you want to get to the next level. Often that means feeling like you're taking a step back before you take a big step forward.

I have to get strong and balanced before I add more work.

goodbye summer

dare to look silly