TwentySixPointWhat?

Awake at 4:00 AM to shower and be out the door by 4:45 - not a bad way to start the day. The temps definitely dropped so much so that it 'felt' like 38 degrees according to weather.com. I did something unusual today, I ate and then showered, a reversal of my norm - I puttered too long and was very glad that I'd packed last night. I tend to move slow this early in the AM. Caren arrived and drove us up to the stadium with perfect timing. The colder than expected temps caused us to make a decision to use the 'Bag Check'. It was too cold to relinquish our warm clothes at the car. After making the usual pit stops, Caren was good enough to pin my pacer sign to my back. Her and Art walked me to my corral like it was my first day of school. We had a group hug and parted ways. I felt a bit awkward being so far back from the start; my preference for marathons is to start in the 4:00-4:15 group, not the 4:30 group. Today I didn't have a choice and the sign on m

This morning it was 65 degrees at 7:30 - not ideal for a nice easy pre-marathon run. But run we did and we threw down 4 easy miles. My right calf is still tight and I'm a bit concerned about the marathon tomorrow but it's nothing serious so it should be fine. The temps are supposed to come down and for that I'm relieved. I don't know how my body would respond trying to run a marathon in anything over 50 degrees.

Ran 6 easy miles tonight - Trying to re-acclimate my body for running. It's amazing how little the body forgets. Feeling good; very little pain in my feet. I noticed a couple weeks ago that if I wear my shoes loose then I don't have foot pain later. It's a no-brainer but it took me a long time to put tw0 and two together. Running an easy 4 in the morning to prepare for National. 1/2 up Hanover 1 loop through town, down canal path and home

For the first time this week I've not been chained to my desk until 11 and have been able to run! Yahoo! Ran 8 easy miles tonight in anticipation of running National on Saturday. It was terribly hot and I'm so not looking forward to summer training. 1/2 up Hanover 2 loops 5 through town

Ran 8 solid miles today... eight easy miles for Easter. For the first1/4 mile I was afraid that I'm overtrained.. my legs still felt like bricks and my whole body ached. Jenny is quick to remind me that I've just run a marathon, a pretty darn good marathon...and I should be resting myself but rolling stones gather no moss. I walked up the hill and then resorted to singing to myself to keep pace. I'm thinking that the loneliness of a long-distance runner is settling in. Thank goodness for running partners and friends that are in the same boat and can commiserate. 1/2 up Hanover 9 loops 1/2 home

Still feeing tired - but I'm guessing that's what tedious desk work does to you. After another 12 hour day yesterday, I woke up feeling fogy this AM and so decided against running with the group. Instead I puttered around the house for a bit and then set off for an easy 6 miler. It was another beautiful morning - but it sure did take a bit to settle in. Tomorrow will be better! 6 down Canal path to River and around town

Tried to run my usual 8 mile loop tonight but I just couldn't seem to settle in. I realized that I'm tired, just plain tired and let myself off the hook with 4 easy, lallygagging miles instead. But oh it was a glorious night for a run. The full moon was out and the temperatures were just about right. I was definitely in my element - it was a cathartic run and some days that's what running is all about. I played on the balance beams and skipped my way home. 1/2 up Hanover 3 mils on track 1/2 Home

Somehow work is getting in the way of life.. and I'm bogged down again this week... maybe I'll catch a swim. That's a BIG FAT MAYBE! Grrrrr

Ran an absolutely amazing marathon today. Finished with a PR of 4:25:26, taking 58 seconds off from MCM, and taking 5:25 off from GW. When I decided to run this marathon last year I had thought that it would be a great way to celebrate both St. Patrick's day and to honor my Irish grandmother that passed away, quite coincidently, on 17 MAR. My horoscope for yesterday read something to the effect of focusing on my goals and not allowing other's stresses and worries to become my own. It's funny that I needed a horoscope to give me permission and remind me to be true to myself, but no more introspection for now. I followed my instincts and kept my head on MY marathon and it really paid off. Race conditions were horrible - 20+mph headwinds and temps in the mid-50's. I was on the dangerous pendulum of being overheated and absolutely frozen, fighting a wall of wind. Needless to say, the muscles were working overtime to compensate. I learned a lot about myself, my body a

So, work has been kicking my ASS lately - I don't recall that I've been home before 8 PM even once and lunch breaks are about as extinct as the Woolly Mammoth. This has certainly thrown off my already cavalier training schedule. But I did throw down a nice 4 miles or so this AM in preparation for Shamrock tomorrow. It took a bit to settle in but so I know that it was a very good thing to have run and remind my body what's its been trained to do.

Ran 8 good miles tonight - It sure felt like more as I pounded the pavement in an acrimonious fashion. Nothing like a good disagreement with your boss to get your blood flowing. The air was heavy, but the temperatures were just right, if not a bit warm. Somehow it doesn't feel like I'm running a marathon on Sunday - which is a good thing 1/2 up Hanover 9 loops/7 miles around loop 1/2 Home

Ran the Mesa Trail today, what was I thinking?! Seriously, it was an incredible trail run, which left me feeling quite exhausted and pretty damn proud at the same time. My body aches in a new way, muscles that I thought were adjusted and in prime running shape are letting me know they exist. It was a good day, absolutely gorgeous and demanding!

Ran 8 fookin' sucky miles tonight! I'm going to take this opportunity to blame it on the weather; all 62 degrees - ......grrrrr...sleep

Ran an easy 5 this AM and then threw in an hour and a half of yoga this afternoon. Feeling less and less like an old lady in the mornings, if at all. My body is adjusting and acclimating. 1/2 up Hanover 4 loops 1 on track 1/2 home

Knocked off 20 Miles today - and it felt amazing! Kicked 8 solo downtown before heading up to Lee Drive to meet with Dylan for 12 on the trails. It was a glorious morning - no aches, no pains, just pure endorphins. Feeling ready for Shamrock!