Running Alone

This is something I have always struggled with. I love running with the girls. It's therapy to me. If I get a text that they aren't going I go right back to bed and usually end up missing that days workout. Last year was the first year I have run a relay race (12 people - 24 hours - 2 vans - 3 legs each). It was an amazing experience. I was stretched more than I was when running my marathon. I had to dig so deep so just get started on my 2nd and 3rd legs and force myself to keep putting one foot in front of the other with no sleep and hardly any food. I felt like the training program I did last year was great. I was running stronger than ever before and I was physically as ready as I think I could have been. But this year there is something I'm trying to add to my training. Running alone. When I got out on the road last year it was hard to put on my headphones and dig deep inside myself for motivation. I depend on talking to the girls and pacing with the girls a lot. So this year I've been trying to run a few miles here and there by myself during the training to see if helps me turn to my iPod and be mentally strong enough to run it solo. This morning we ran 6 together and then I ran another 2 by myself. It was tough to run 8 this morning. I had a bad night sleep (thanks to a crazy 2 1/2 year old who doesn't sleep well) and I didn't drink enough water yesterday (why doesn't diet coke hydrate me better????) but I put my headphones and I did it and that was the main goal. I love knowing that I can do it and I think as I keep putting in a few miles here and there solo I'll be more prepared for the race in 2 months.