No Bull About It...

My long run this weekend was TOUGH! I was scheduled to do 12, but only did 9. I didn't get started on Sunday until around 11am, which is WAY too late for summertime running. It started out as an overcast 80 degrees, and warmed up to a HOT hot clear day. I ended up sunburning the tops of my ears and scalp. Luckily I sprayed sunscreen on my arms and back before I left the house. Lesson learned, I am NOT a hot weather runner. I had to have my boyfriend pick me up when I had about 3 miles left. I was out of water and dropped half of my energy bar on the trail. Boo. All in all a pretty awful run.

But, one of my coworkers gave me some great advice that made me fight to get through this run. She told me, "Sometimes your run isn't going to be perfect." How true. There are going to be some days when you didn't sleep enough, ate something spicy the night before that bothers your stomach, or when it's warmer than you would like it to be. What are you going to do on race day if you don't have ideal conditions?

You've gotta learn to do what you can and get through it. On to 13 miles next weekend!

Tons of Long Runs!

Miles 8, 9, and 10 have flown by! I must say that the 9 mile run kicked my butt. Although, 10 felt great. It was a nice cool overcast morning so that helped quite a bit. The weight is still coming off SLOWLY. I weigh in tomorrow for the first day of our new session for Weight Watchers. We'll have some new faces in our group, I'm hoping to get re-inspired by their enthusiasm and set some new goals for this session. (Aug 17th - Dec 14th)

I'm starting to feel really confident about the marathon! I printed out the full course route and posted on my wall. I started to realize that each piece of the marathon is coming together. I think running the relay for the Route 66 is a good way to get familiar with the course, learn how to navigate the day of the race, and to know how far each "section" is. One day with the Runner's World training group we did the first 6-8 miles of course and ended at Veteran's park on 21st street. Last year, this is where my relay stop was, so for the next 6-8 miles across the Arkansas River I've actually been in the race so I know the terrain. Then, once you loop around 2nd street it is basically down Riverside and back. And if you run in Tulsa you know Riverside well!!

All of a sudden the marathon seems VERY real. All my training is coming together.

A lady at my office ran a marathon in 2006 and she gave this newbie some advice. "Just get out there with your iPod and do it! Have fun and keep going, it's something that no one will ever be able to take away from you." It gave me chills how she described crossing the finish line. She said it was the biggest sense of accomplishment, pride, and happiness.

I'm ready!!