Are we there yet?

8 miler went well this morning- I test ran a new sports bra and some new socks. Yes to the bra, NO to the socks!

I did a lot of thinking on this morning's run... I actually started to think about how I would feel on race day and some of the logistics of what to pack, what I would wear during the race (I have finally decided to wear my hydration belt with no bottles but with several pouches that hold my GU, little baggies of Accelerade, lip gloss, money, etc. You know... the important stuff. I struggled with whether or not I would wear the belt and just try to stuff things in my pockets and finally decided to just have everything I think I might need on my person. My past career as an All Star Girl Scout makes me think I should always be prepared. Plus, training with the Accelerade has really helped me so I decided I would do the same thing on race day.

What is everyone else doing? Just using the aid stations? Wearing your belt?

I would love to meet up with some of yall other Chicago'ers Sunday night for a celebratory drink. We have dinner reservations at 7:45 PM but I intend to hit the bar beforehand for a couple cocktails and might even make it out after dinner for a nightcap (or 12) depending on my physical state.

I am starting to get really pumped. I am just gonna soak up the entire weekend and enjoy myself in the process. Marathon weekend in Chicago is shaping up to be an awesome one and I intend to live it up!!!

Ohhh YEAH!!

Well, I did it! I woke up, put in my 20 miles, and managed to make a noon flight to Philly. I am now a little sore, tired, and gearing up for a trip to Macy's (shopping addiction much?) and my massage.... awwww....

It feels so good to get the run in. Almost makes me want to avoid the procrastination next time! A couple things I learned from the run....

• Accelerade works! Hell, most of it might be mental but I definitely felt stronger miles 16-20
• My new running skirt is soooo cute
• Wearing TWO sports bras helps with the chaffing in that area.
• I kick butt!

Holy crap... I ran 20 miles this morning!

Well, I feel like I cleared a physical and mental hurtle in my Chicago Marathon training. I ran 20 freakin' miles... in the pouring rain. Luckily, I had 3 running partners (one of them is my boss too) who kept the time rolling with funny stories, debates, and the Kevin Bacon game.

Geez it feels good to accomplish this. I have to agree with Jess about how it feels good to reach this point and just soak it all in. It finally is hitting home that I am really running the marathon in 5 weeks and that I CAN do it. I WILL do it.

The alarm going off at 4:00 AM this morning was an unwelcome sound. I could hear the rain pouring outside and could see brief flashes of lightning. The funny thing is... I did not even consider crawling back into bed. I was DOING this run.

I usually do not eat before a run but decided to eat some peanut butter toast and a banana. BLAH! I could taste the peanut butter in my mouth as I constantly burped it up until mile 10.

Yuck.

I met my running partners and we were off... long before the sun even came up. The first couple miles were easy- I do not look at my Garmin as much when I run in the dark. I felt strong through mile 16 when I started to feel like I was falling apart a bit. I lost one of my clip-on bottles on my hydration belt... my legs started to really, really hurt... I felt like I was being tested. I kept trucking along- not talking as much and just concentrating on breathing and getting through it. Before I knew it- mile 20!

Post-run... I am really, really SORE. I also have some chafing issues from running 20 miles in soaking wet clothing, despite the BodyGlide I slathered on. I am tired, a little dehydrated, and just want to chill.

I feel good though... oh I feel good. I just ran 20 miles :)

RawwwWrrrrrrrrr rAAAAawwrrrrr RaaaWWWrrrrrrrrrrr

What is that sound, you ask?

a) A bear coming out of hibernation, ready to eat anything and everything

b) Tiff scavenging the kitchen several hours after a long run

c) All of the above

Yeah, definitely answer C.

I know 16 miles is good and everything for health and weight loss and I burned a ton of calories but then why do I eat anything and everything in sight? At least I am eating healthy stuff, as opposed to In-N-Out Burger or Sonic or something.

RAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAWWWWWWWWWRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!

16 miles this morning... a new PR!

This morning was hot, muggy, humid, and everything else you would not want on a 16 mile run day. Lately, I have increasingly questioned my decision to a) Run a marathon and b) Run a fall marathon which means summer training yeeeech. Nonetheless, I know I can't whine to all of you because many of you are doing the same exact thing... some of you even training for more challenging physical feats.

So, this morning came early with a 4:50 AM wake up call to get my stuff together and out the door to meet my group. The first couple miles were a little fast which I ended up paying for later. We talked about anything and everything and enjoyed the quiet and peaceful solitude before the sun came up. I got a little burst of energy at mile 7 from some GU and getting fired up from talking about someone that really pi$$ed me off lately... always helps while running!

I changed running shorts and my shirt at mile 10 as I was drenched in sweat, refueled, and hit the last 6 with a groan. I really struggled through miles 12-15 although it still did not pull down our average pace per mile and my running group even stated they were running faster than normal today with me there.

In the end, I finished the 16 marking a new running record for myself and I feel great- albeit a tad sore and I have some chaffing issues from my sports bra when it was wet against my skin (maybe change it, too?) despite lots of BodyGlide. I drove home feeling on top of the world and ready to tackle anything. It sounds so cheesy but I love it... running just makes me feel like I can do anything and gives me this fabulous aura of confidence.

This afternoon is our company picnic which I think I am going to skip in lieu of taking a nap in my wonderful bed, studying for the GMAT, and just enjoying NOT spending my entire weekend running around and doing stuff.

Happy trails to all!

Just how long could I procrastinate doing my long run this weekend?

Til Tuesday morning! I knocked out my (very, very late) long run of 13 miles this morning... and then went to work and had to sit at a desk all day.

Yuck!

Only 4 days til my next long run- a scheduled 16 miler with my coworkers also running Chicago. It is AMAZING that this is the FIRST time since we started training that I am able to do my long run with them! Long runs alone SUCK... so I am happy!!!

Don't you just love those fabulous weekends that you wish you could go back and relive again and again and again and again??? Yeah, me too.