Running in the dark

I need to start and get over my fear!  Winning this great giveaway would help me out!!
Great giveaway!

Weather Stalking!

I am 9 days from the marathon and I can officially start stalking the 10 day forecast!  Sunny, 55, and 10% chance of precipitation.  I know anything can happen but that is PERFECT weather for a 26.2 mile run! 

Now I can seriously start to figure out my outfit for the race.  I have been raising money for the Susan Komen Foundation.  I am waiting to get the shirt in the mail and then will try it out.  If that works for a few quick runs and I am confident with that shirt, that will be the one!  I am also thinking my running capris will be good for that temp.  It will be chilly before the race starts but I will warm up right away!

Trusting my training

Or at least I keep telling myself that!  I registered for the Philly marathon on April 1st, the day registration opened.  I started to seriously consider it in January, February I was about 60% sure I was going to do it, and by the end of March I was about 95% sure.  Everything I have done fitness related this year has been for and because of the Philly Marathon!  I did not focus much time and energy on triathlons like I originally planned.  My main goal and focus for the year was 26.2!

I followed the training plan.  I made modifications as I had to but I ran the miles.  I need to trust my training over the next 10 days!  I just wish it were easy!

And the taper begins!

I just finished a 10.2 mile run this evening.  Running at night is no fun but I had to do it today.  I can't believe I always worked out at night up until a few months ago!

So....

12 days until my marathon
25 more training miles
7 more runs
and hopefully lots of rest!!

Back from vacation!

John and I got back from New Orleans last night!  We had a fabulous time but missed the boys like crazy.  I ran two of the days we were there on the hotel's sucky treadmill.  We walked all over the place, ate some good food, had a few drinks, and enjoyed each other.  We even saw Ellis Marsalis perform Friday night.  I had no idea he is one of the top jazz performers until my father texted me how jealous he was about 10 minutes before the show.

Philly marathon is in 2 weeks and was in the back of my mind the entire time we were in NOLA!  I need to sit down today and check out the plan for the week ahead of me.  I am also running 8 today.

My lucky number?

#12051 will be my bib number for my first marathon!!!

20 miles and 20 days left

My first marathon is 20 days from now.  I still can't believe it is coming up so quickly. 

I ran 20 miles yesterday and felt great!  It got a little sucky around mile 20 but I told myself to HTFU and I pushed my way through it.  Once I hit 15 miles, the last 5 miles flew!  I ran the whole 20 miles other than 2 quick 15 second walk breaks for a decent drink of water.  I went through 16 ounces of water, 16 ounces of Gatorade, and 3 gels.  I tried the Roctane gels at the suggestion of Julie from Hot Legs Runner and liked them.  I did not think I would like the flavor but it was not bad.  I think I will be hitting up the running store before the marathon. 

After my run I drank chocolate milk but could not even think about food.  The thought of food made me sick to my stomach.  I made sure I stayed hydrated and I still don't want food today. 

I am confident that I can physically run 26.2 miles!  Now it is all mental. 

I am going to head to the basement to run an easy few on the treadmill today.  I took a rest day a few weeks ago after I ran 17 and I think it slowed down my recovery.  I am the kind of runner than needs to run a few easy miles the day after a long run to loosen up my legs.  I may run/walk a few miles but I feel as though I need to do it.  Tomorrow afternoon I am heading to a friend's chiropractor office for a nice massage and I cannot wait!!

I am hoping for a good run in the morning and then again Wednesday morning.  John and I head on vacation Wednesday morning for a few days but I plan on running at least one day!