Woah! Where did summer go? The past few months have been a whirlwind of miles, vacation, mom's surgery, more miles, Bird Camp, laughter, miles, Bird Camp, Bird Camp, all the miles, all the smiles, all the tears, Sam's liver surgery, and you guessed it...more miles! Running hit a speed bump mid August with some knee pain and a huge emotional let down. While there was a lull in my parents health issues. I sighed, and couldn't wake back up! My mind felt like total mush and I fretted I wouldn't be able to pull things together in time for a fall marathon. So I gave myself some mental health days. I took two days off, ran for sanity, and then took another day off. I gave myself a month to see if things would turn around, and if they did I planned to continue to channel my fall goals toward the Columbus Marathon on October 15th. It only took 2 weeks to feel confident again. After a 22 miler with miles 7-18 averaging 6:07, I stopped worrying about my fitness, and began to build the mental focus I will need to achieve my goal of qualifying for a fourth Olympic Trials Marathon in Columbus. I have 6 weeks of training until Columbus! Here is a photo recap of summer!
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| Spellman Family vacation with photos early 2000's style. |
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| Volee Meet Ups! |
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| The Spelltwins turned 3! |
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| DMV Bird Camp was a blast! |
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| Prediction run at DMV Bird Camp! |
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| Corra raced 400m and said "Mommy, that made me so happy" in response to the Hilliard Davidson gals cheering for her. Cue all the happiness my heart could hold. |
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| Pre-race fun! Nolan doesn't like bib numbers! |
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| Michigan Bird Camp wins for most beautiful run of the summer! Yes I am talking about the scenery, not just all the incredible women! |
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| I met a Birthday Twin, and laugh-cried with joy! |
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| Treier wedding |
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| Haley was a stunning bride! |
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| The 22 mile workout that returned some of my confidence for my fall goals! Thank you Kelsi, and Ben for all the miles, and Ry for all the water! |
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| Great Lakes Bird Camp Wisconsin seeing old friends! |
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| And making new! |
It was a fun, challenging, and incredible summer! Meeting so many teammates and getting to follow along and cheer for them on their journey is always incredible, and very fulfilling to me. I love the support they give me as well! Thank you ladies for your kindness, love and strength. I look forward to seeing you all in 2018! My mom's mass was benign and her recovery has gone very well. My step Dad is currently in the hospital recovering from a successful liver surgery, and we hope to see him healthy soon! For now it is time to gain a few more weeks of fitness prior to taking on the Akron 1/2 marathon on Sept. 23rd, and my goal race of Columbus on Oct. 15th. Closing out the summer, and looking forward to a fast fall.
