“If you want something, formulate a clear intention and then commit to it with all your heart. That commitment will guide your every decision and action.”

I love this quote. With 13 weeks of training remaining to the 2012 marathon Olympic Trials in Houston, TX, I am going for it once again. I know what I want, I know what I need to do and I am committed with all my heart.

A couple of days ago I arrived near Lake Tahoe where I will spend the next three weeks training before flying out to compete in the NYRR’s Dash to the Finish Line on Nov 5th, the day before the NYC Marathon.

Tahoe is a very special place for me because this is where I always get inspired. The mountains allow me to gather the training momentum I use once I get down to sea level and start focusing on marathon specific workouts. I thrive on what the mountains have to offer especially in the fall….water rushing in the creeks, leaves changing colors, the crisp morning air and occasional encounter with a bear. I am excited to embrace all of it. I get reminded of how lucky I’m to be a professional runner, doing what I love to do and in the meantime I train a ton and get rewarded with a chance to compete. 
 
To combat the loneliness of altitude training this time around I have my Bay Area Track Club teammates to train with. It is our first team training camp and I have a feeling the next 3 weeks of training will go by way too fast. My first 2hr long run yesterday in the mountains flew by with great company and the magic of altitude. I don’t think I looked at my watch until 75 minutes into the run.

This trip has reminded me how grateful I am for the friendships I have developed over the years as an athlete. With some special people I have created experiences that cannot ever be taken away. As Phil Wharton always reminds me “We have become family forged through the pure joy of harnessing talent in the quest for excellence. We have tasted many roads and enjoyed the process while having fun sharing it”.

After an amazing run from Spooner Lake to Marlette Lake this morning, I am ready for a good nap!
 
Happy Training!
Magda