I have not at all been keeping up with a blog like I said that I would. What is really more important though? Talking/writing about what I am going to do, or truly being about it?

I’m just going to take a quick guess that the first step to training for a 100 mile ultramarathon is to just shut up and run. Since my blog has been silent, I believe that step one has been accomplished.

I lost track of the days of my training somewhere around Day 40. It was “cute” to my close ultra buddies, so when I just plain lost count I felt that I failed on the entertainment while hoping they just knew it was moronic for me to even try. The plan is a 26-week training program logging over 1300 miles. I pulled up my training spreadsheet yesterday and discovered…BAM! Today is Day 129.

As of today, I have 760 miles logged with 6 weeks left in the training program. Honestly, I don’t think it is enough. I don’t believe that I fully understand the nutrition behind this no matter how many books I read. I don’t know how my body will react in a 100-mile race. But I do know that if I don’t get it right this time, I’m not going to quit until I do get it right. Besides, what in the world am I going to do without a Saturday marathon every week once this is over?

Over the past 20 weeks, the following is precisely what I have been up to:

I’ve put in maybe only 100 treadmill miles this season, but in a flat city like Chicago, sometimes the only incline training I can get is on a treadmill…unless I go find stairs…

A good friend, Scott, has termed this workout the “Waterbear.” It consists of 60 flights up and down of stairs, an eight mile loop, and repeat. It’s pretty awesome, actually…

There has been enthusiastic company kept by my other half…

Some snow trail hiking and running with good friends…

Below zero temperature adventures…

Saturday 30 mile runs with friends…

Ample donuts for fuel…

Quitting after five miles and hopping on the CTA…

Windburnt legs…

Fresh snow runs with my best buddy…

More negative temperature running…

Sightseeing tour long runs through Lincoln Park Zoo…

And Navy Pier…

A Turkey Trot from Milwaukee to Millenium Park…

Girls day…

An event I hosted at a local park…

Trying out the new track…

Frozen eyelashes…

Team in Training besties…

…and this is just a part of it.

Wow. I had no idea the miles and smiles that I have covered. This training has been an amazing journey, and there is still so much left! In writing this, I learned that whether or not anyone besides myself reads this, I needed it.

I am proud of myself. Just keep on enjoying the ride, Jen.