This is my training updates page. And here’s the beginning of my training story:

Update, day two of training: Running with Elk

Completed the scheduled three miles! I had my appendectomy just over a month ago – and haven’t run in well over a month. Even before the appendectomy, I had fallen off the running wagon for a few weeks.

Today I took my run in the cold rain. (Not cold at all after the first half mile, though!) Something super cool that I just learned form my new favorite magazine, Runner’s World came in handy; chocolate milk is apparently the best after run drink – better than those sports drinks. Mmmm, hot cocoa after a wet run! And then a bath. Nice.

An added bonus from my lovely country home; on my run this evening, I saw seven elk. The largest had a 7-prong rack, the smallest two. They ran with me. Stopped when I stopped. Ran when I ran. We stared at each other. Eye contact with animals that huge is cool.

So I looked up the elk Totemic meaning here and here. Some relevant bits:

Elk are seldom seen alone, preferring to live in large herds. (I prefer to train with large herds!) This does not mean they don’t need some personal space. (I love running by myself, too.) An elk’s incredible stamina enables them to run for long periods of time, while their strong reflexes allow them quick response to anything in their path. Elk’s regal demeanor reminds us that if we are confident, we can claim our Empowerment. It teaches us to maintain and protect ourselves by taking time out. Elk realizes it is important to remain closely connected with community, and be observant of subtle energies.
-AnimalTotem.com

Stamina, Strength, Nobility. An Elk totem teaches you how to pace yourself.
You might not be the first to arrive,
but you will arrive without burning out.
Don’t try for quick and easy;
long and steady is the key to reaching your goals. If you have an Elk totem, you will feel the need for companionship
or group support.   You do not have to do everything alone,
help is out there waiting for you if you just ask for it.
-LindsDomain.com

Some excellent medicine for the beginning of training for my race! Thank you, elk!

Artwork courtesy of Jim Stuart (copyrighted)

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Now that the elk have made themselves known as the guardians of this training and race experience, I am sure I can do it. I only have to pay attention to my body, keep it slow and steady, and share with my community. That’s YOU!

Come here to check out my (ideally daily) training reports in the comments area. Some will have stories lie this one, some will be very grounded in the physical, like weigh-ins, measurements, and half marathon and full marathon training program adherence reports.
Are you also training? Feel free to post your progress reports. It’s always more fun with a group – the more the merrier!

If any thing is sacred the human body is sacred.

Walt Whitman