Marathon Journey: Week 2

This week was hard. I did not sleep well; I kept waking up at 1, 2, or 3 in the morning. Even though I’ve been waking up at 5:00 AM and going to bed between 10:00 PM and 11:00 PM, my rest felt fragmented. On some of those early mornings, I did my walk/run or just walked, then went back to sleep for about an hour afterward.

On Tuesday, I was supposed to run but didn't. I felt nauseous and my legs were sore. My body was telling me "no," and I am all about listening to my body now. That is the main reason I started this journey so early—I wanted to give my body time to adjust. Taking a rest when I don’t feel physically well is important. In the past, I’ve worked out when I was exhausted just because I felt I "had" to, and it was never a good workout. It always left me disappointed. This time, I decided not to push myself.

Even though my sleep was off, by Thursday I felt good enough to do a bit more than usual. I wasn’t sore, and my energy was up, so I was right to trust that feeling. This week was a great lesson in learning what I’m feeling inside and working with what I can handle. I’m proud of my progress. It isn’t just about the distance, the time, or the pace yet—right now, tuning into how my body reacts is much more important.

Saturday, I ran outside in 40-degree weather. My lungs did not like that transition after being in the gym all week! I still made it through, even though it felt more tiring. I didn’t push too much; I kept my run about the same, but my walk was slower. I tried to jog slower, but I felt like if I went any slower, I’d just be walking. I’m naturally a fast walker, so finding that "easy jog" rhythm is a work in progress.

Weekly Log: 2/22/26 – 2/28/26

• Sunday: Rest Day (worked a short shift).

• Monday: 20-minute morning walk. Distance: 1.0 mile.

• Tuesday: Scheduled run – Skipped. (Listened to my body due to poor sleep and soreness).

• Wednesday: 20-minute gym walk (3.0 mph). Distance: 1.0 mile.

• Thursday: 20-minute gym walk/run. 3.0 mph walk. First run was 5.0 mph (felt too fast). Runs 2, 3, and 4 were 4.7 mph. Extra 3-minute cool-down walk. Distance: 1.26 miles. * Strength: Leg press (80lbs x10, 100lbs x20), Abdominal crunch (40lbs x10, 50lbs x20).

• Friday: 25-minute walk (3.0 mph). Distance: 1.24 miles.

• Saturday: 20-minute outside walk/run. 4-minute walk / 1-minute jog intervals. First jog 4.5 mph, others 4.7–4.8 mph. Distance: 1.4 miles.

No Timeline, No Comparison

I am excited to share this journey. It isn't perfect, but what is? Life happens, and I had a very busy week, but I still made this a priority because it’s a goal that helps me mentally and physically.

I believe in myself. I believe I can be a marathon runner, a mom, a blogger, a crocheter, a writer, and a fashion designer. I started with the "mom" piece and have built myself up one season at a time. The fashion designer piece is next, but first, I need to find my rhythm again.

What I do might seem like a lot to some, but it doesn’t feel like work because I love it. You don’t need to be doing "a lot" to be successful, either. For 19 years, I was "just" a mom. I only recently discovered these other parts of myself. I’ve been interested in fashion and writing for years, but I never thought I could actually do them—let alone receive money for them. Crocheting was something I only tried last year, and it took me two months just to figure it out!

My point is: There is no timeline. I might be doing a race in October, but it will be at my own pace. I’m not trying to keep up with anyone else. You have to do what is right for you. Never compare your Day 1 to someone else’s Year 10. I’m starting this in "less than peak" physical shape, but I’m still hitting my wins. It is so important not to rush. That is the energy I’m taking into this training.

Disclaimer: I am not a doctor. If my journey inspires you, please consult with a professional before starting your own. I want everyone to be safe!

Whatever your "marathon" is, I hope you are successful.

I love you.

This is Love