Guess what? I’m ahead of schedule.
I didn’t expect to say that. A month ago, I was coughing up a lung, feeling like I’d fallen off the training cliff. But something shifted after my six-miler on March 16th. It was like a switch flipped. I stopped doubting whether I could go the full 13.1 miles on race day. That fear- the one that had been whispering, You’re too old, you’re too slow, this was a dumb idea—quieted down. Not completely gone, but definitely muffled.
To make sure that six miles wasn’t just a fluke, I ran the same distance again the next weekend, March 23rd. Not only did I finish it, but I felt stronger than I had the week before. That gave me a little boost of confidence, the kind that says, Maybe this isn’t just a phase. Maybe I’m actually doing this.
Then came a surprise. On my schedule, I was supposed to run seven miles. But I was feeling good, so I went for eight. No plan. No pressure. I just kept going. That might’ve been the first time in this whole journey that I felt like a runner. Like I wasn’t just out there trying to survive each mile—I was owning it.
Fast forward to Saturday, April 5th. Nine miles. NINE. It still blows my mind when I say that out loud. I ran nine miles, and I didn’t collapse in a heap afterward. Don’t get me wrong—I was tired, and yes, I hurt a little the next day. But I also felt… accomplished, like I could really cross the finish line of this half marathon with my head high.
But here's the part I’m not so proud of—my pace. It's slow. I mean really slow. I’ve got this lingering fear that if I push too hard, I’ll gas out and not have anything left for the last few miles. So I hold back, probably more than I need to. I don’t even check my splits most days anymore because they mess with my head. I tell myself it’s about distance, not speed—but still, I worry.
On Saturday, I tried something new (and kind of ridiculous). I started talking out loud during my run, just to see if I could hold a conversation. Not just phrases, complete sentences. And I could. I’ve never been able to do that before. Usually, I’m gasping too hard to say much more than “hi” to a passing runner. But this time, I was chatting to myself like a lunatic and breathing just fine.
Which got me thinking: If I can talk while I’m running… am I not pushing myself hard enough? Am I playing it too safe? Maybe. Probably. I think I’ll hold steady at nine miles for the next couple of weeks, let my body get really comfortable at that distance, and start focusing on picking up the pace just a bit. Because right now, I feel like I’d be just barely ahead of the cone truck—the one that follows the slowest runners. That thought alone lights a little fire under me.
Physically, I’ve been surprised. Sure, I was sore after Saturday’s run. My knees complained, my hips weren’t thrilled, and everything felt a bit heavy. But by Sunday afternoon? I was fine. Not exactly springy, but functional. I could’ve run if I really needed to. That feels like a win in itself.
This week’s a little tricky—our kids are in town visiting, and I can’t quite bring myself to ditch them while I disappear for a run. So I’m planning to hold off until Wednesday to get back out there. I’ll still get my three runs in, including my long one on Sunday. It’s all about adjusting, not quitting.
I’m still in awe that I’m doing this. That I’ve made it this far. There are still moments of doubt and aches that make me question everything, but overall, I feel good. I feel stronger. And more than anything, I feel like I’m on the right path.
I’m not just training for a half marathon—I’m proving to myself that 67 doesn’t mean I’m done - far from it.
Now… let me tell you about the arsenal that’s helping me get there.
Brooks Women's Adrenaline GTS 24 Supportive Running Shoe - A Requirement for Me
I have been running in these shoes for thirty years. They provide great stability and cushioning. I wouldn't be without them.
Naked Vanilla Pea Protein Isolate
Naked Pea is vegetarian and vegan protein powder. It has only three ingredients: Yellow Pea Protein, vanilla, and organic coconut sugar. It has no artificial sweeteners, flavors, is gluten, soy, and lactose free, non-GMO, and has no artificial colors. It has maximum nutrition with 25g of protein and 5.6g of BCAAs (branched-chain amino acids) per serving. I have a dairy intolerance so I did my homework and found Naked Pea to be the best protein powder for me.
Garmin Forerunner 55 GPS Running Watch
This is my second Garmin watch. Lost my first one. I love this watch. It provides reliable distance and pace measurements: The built-in GPS accurately tracks your routes, distance, pace, and elevation, providing reliable data for each run. The display and menu are designed for easy navigation.
- Electrolytes in the perfect ratio.
- #1 in sports nutrition electrolyte replacement drinks.
- No sugar, gluten or fillers and comes in a variety of flavors.
- I love this stuff. It's a life saver.
- The advanced lens technology helps deliver exceptional clarity and contrast, ensuring you see details accurately in a range of lighting conditions.
- Enhanced optics mean colors appear more natural and vibrant, which is ideal for outdoor sports or daily wear.
- Oakley typically uses innovative materials (like their proprietary O-Matter) to create frames that are both strong and lightweight.
- The robust build is designed to withstand the rigors of daily activities and high-impact sports without adding extra weight.
- 100% UV Block: The lenses are engineered to block harmful UVA, UVB, and often UVC rays, reducing the risk of sun-related eye damage. Consistent protection helps prevent long-term damage to your eyes, making them a smart choice for prolonged outdoor exposure.
- These are the best sunglasses I have ever owned. I wear them for running, playing golf, and anything outdoors.
These little gu packs have branched-chain amino acids to reduce muscle damage, electrolytes to maintain proper hydration, caffeine for focus, and carbohydrates for ready-to-use energy.
The Gym People: Thick High Waist Yoga Pants with Pockets
These running pants are thick and very comfortable. They stay put and don't roll down at the waist.
4. Ecowise HCL Creatine
- Type: Creatine HCL Gummies
- Why It’s Great: Ecowise HCL is the most Bioavailable form of Creatine, 7X more concentrated than Creatine Monohydrate and 59X more absorption than Creatine Monohydrate.
- Best For: Athletes who require rigorous quality assurance.
- Ecowise HCL contains turmeric root, which helps reduce inflammation, boosts gut health, provides immunity support, and accelerates recovery after intense workouts. It also contains black pepper, which is known to enhance the absorption of turmeric by up to 2000% and speed up metabolism.
- Creatine is a must for active people.
Baleaf Thermal Fleece Tops
Very comfortable, warm, and wicks moisture. Love them.
Natural Vitality Calm Magnesium Powder
- Why It Stands Out:
This best-selling magnesium citrate powder is derived from natural sources and helps promote relaxation and muscle recovery. It’s available in various flavors, including Raspberry Lemon and Unflavored. - Key Benefits:
- Eases muscle tension and stress.
- Easy-to-dissolve powder for quick absorption.
- How to Use: Mix one teaspoon with water and drink before bed for optimal recovery.
I was having painful leg and foot muscle cramps until I started taking this.
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