Marathon Journey: Week 7

This week felt pretty good overall, despite a few hurdles. I got my period on Monday afternoon, and since I struggle with bad cramps (especially back ones), I had to listen to what my body was telling me.

On Tuesday, I took a rest day even though it was originally supposed to be a walk/jog day. I spent the morning with a heating pad, resting in bed until midday. It was absolutely the right choice. Because I gave myself that grace, my evening work shift went smoothly, and I felt physically capable again. I took care of myself, and I was still able to meet my financial goals for the day.

Adjusting the Plan

I’m committed to this journey, so I simply adjusted my schedule. I moved my walk/jog to Wednesday and followed it up with another on Friday.

I didn’t do any weight training this week. My sole focus was getting back into a consistent jogging rhythm. I’ve learned that I can add new things slowly, one step at a time. On Friday, I actually felt like I could push my jogging more—I felt amazing! But I chose to take it easy. In the past, I’ve been impatient with my goals, wanting results now, but this training won't let me do that. My body is my guide, and I’m sticking to that theme.

Week 7 Log (3/29 – 4/4)

• Sunday: Rest

• Monday: Walk (3.0 mph for 25 min) — 1.24 miles

• Tuesday: Rest (Cycle Day 1)

• Wednesday: Walk/Jog (20 min total). Intervals: 4 min walk (3.0 mph) / 1 min jog (4.8 mph) — 1.36 miles total

• Thursday: Walk (25 min at 3.0 mph) — 1.24 miles

• Friday: Walk/Jog (20 min total). Intervals: 4 min walk (3.0 mph) / 1 min jog (4.8 mph) — 1.37 miles total

Feeling Better at 42

I am so grateful for what my body is capable of. Even though I’ve gained weight since my last running journey a decade ago, I feel better today than I did in my 20s. Back then, the weight gain from having kids and the hormone shifts felt heavy and dramatic. Today, I might weigh the same (or more), but I feel stronger, more flexible, and more at peace.

My relationship with myself has changed. I love my body exactly as it is. I’m doing this because I want to accomplish a goal I set years ago, but also because I want to be healthy and show myself I can do scary things.

Trusting the Process

Thinking about 26.2 miles is still scary, especially since I can’t run a full mile without stopping yet. But I’ll get there. I’m being patient. Whether you’re a runner or not, I hope this inspires you to show up for yourself in a new way.

My Win for the Week: I showed up for myself every day, whether I walked, jogged, or rested. I am proud of this week of completion. I didn’t give up, and I adjusted to my needs. That is the best win of my journey so far.

Don’t just do the work—share it. Your journey might be the thing that makes something "click" for someone else. We all deserve to inspire and be inspired.

I love you.

This is Love