In the Name of the 26.2 & A Quick Boston Friendly Giveaway

Regardless of the fact that I have been downing tea and nuun (speaking of which, giveaway on this to come), I have not been 100% with it.  I am hoping that these past two days are my sick taper time and that I will get through this and be ready for the marathon (knock on wood).  In talking to others about this, it seems like I am not alone in crashing after their big 20 miler or other long run (whatever that number may be).  While I never want to hear that others are sick, I am glad I am not alone.  But this little blip on the radar has made me sit up and take notice.  Lately, I have been juggling a million balls in the air and have been waiting for one of them to drop. I am managing VP of Programming for my Temple Sisterhood (with two big events coming), Christmas in the City (more on this later), a large house party on Saturday night, a full time job, and oh yea, lets not forget about marathon training.  Besides all this, I have kept our social calendar full. 

Coming back from our trip to NJ this weekend, I knew somewhere down deep that things had to change, at least for the next few weeks.  I spoke about this earlier on my blog, but I am committed to my 26.2.  And as much as I don't want to send selfish or snobby, that is my goal right now and if it means giving up other things in the meantime, that is how it is going to be.  I am not going to shy away from my responsibilities and commitments that I have already but there are other things that have had to give.  Thus last night's massage, no matter how much I wanted it, had to be canceled.  Tomorrow's dinner date is tentative and our temple Sukkah event Friday night is a no go.  Yup, I had us scheduled going out doing something every night this week. So far I am 0 for 2.  Pretty good hmm?  Tonight, I am suppose to go to a meeting.  I feel bad because I have missed the past few meetings but if I go I will get home pretty late and I am just not feeling so well.  These sort of things just get to me.  I want to be responsible, make sure I do what I have committed to but on the flip side I am pretty much married in commitment to 26.2 and thus I may just not get there.

It is pretty much my fault that I have been a little bit overly ambitious lately and excited to have all this time post law school, but now is the time to readjust and realize that getting to 26.2 is not just about logging miles or spelling out nutrition plans or making play lists.  It is also about changes in your own life - it is making sacrifices, staying in, sleeping more.  I knew this was true all along.  But this point, the changing your other normal commitments in your day-to-day world has just really started to hit home...so I am sorry to everyone who is suffering because of me, I promise I will resume some sense of normality (whatever that means soon enough).

Speaking of which, I am running the Bay State Half Marathon on Sunday.  Genuis that I am, I have a party at my house with ooo 40 people the night before (no problem).  I also have scheduled myself into this awesome blogger brunch at 10:30 a.m. after the race and a trip to a megamaze the day of the race.  Uhhh...Steph, really? Have you not just read your own post?  Needless to say, I have known for some time that I may not make the brunch but I have been putting this off because I really really really wanted to go. This thing is going to be amazing.  Today, cemented it though, I just won't be able to do both.  I can't get to the brunch by 10:30 if the race starts at 8:30 - I am just not that fast people.

But what is bad news for me, is good news for you!!! I am giving away my brunch ticket. 

SUNDAY'S BOSTON BRUNCH GIVEAWAY

So this is not just any brunch, but a Boston Bruncher Brunch commerating their one year event.  Do you live in Boston? If you do and you have not heard of this, you are doing yourself a disjustice. This group is the coolest - mainly you meet other bloggers, go for brunch and get to try out the must eclusive restaurants and many times for free. Ohh and there are lots of other free prizes and goodie bags too.  The one coming up is going to top it all.  It is at the Island Creek Oyster Bar, on Sunday October 16th at 10:30.  So for free you get this amazing brunch (french toast, yes, muffins, yes!) and by the way you get this amazing goodie bag and have the chance to win a ton of prizes!  This thing is sponsored by everyone - Boston Ballet, Eversave, Pretzel Crisps, Pinkberry, Stonyfield Farm and more!!!  Seriously, I am sooo bummed, but then again, marathon training!

So what do you have to win this thing...I am not going to make it hard for you all. This is a quick giveaway. I have to pick someone by Friday morning.  Just leave me a comment.  Tell me some good hydration and fuel tips as I bonked at my last attempt and your in and that's it.  Also, if you want to increase your chances or just want to chat with me, tell me have you made some sacrifices in the name of 26.2?

Part II - Hugging the Pavement

So where did we leave off...oh right, turning that dreaded corner.  Well, I got lucky, no hill, but we did make our second turn and it just seemed to go on forever.....  Soon enough, but not really that soon, I saw the finish!  Geez the finish line could not have been farther away. In reality, it had to be only .20 of  a mile but it seemed like foreverrrr!!

Here I go! Look at me shuffle!

Then it was over (not to be mellow dramatic or anything like that).  I crossed the finish line and was ready to pass out, I started to walk and pretty much keeled over, holding the rope for support...There were great volunteers and one boy (who was probably 13, not that I should talk I got carded for buying a lottery ticket last weekend) started walking with me, asking me if I was ok, and what did I need - this was awesome.  I managed to gasp water.  I then shuffled in a haze over to a white tent (one tent away from the medical tent, way to go Steph you could not have made it two more steps?) except this was not the medical tent but the massage tent (what can I say...I live for massages?) and proceeded to lie down, yes lie down on the pavement.  I felt soooo bad.  I thought I was going to pass out (don't worry Grandma, I am alive, did not pass out, stop freaking out. It is ok).  I must have stayed there for ooo 45 minutes during which I laid on a pillow full of ice (amazing) and had ice chips.

'

Can you click on this and tell me what is on my nose?

Eventually, I made it the two steps to the medical tent and they hosed me down and gave me a sugar cookie, which I ate while being hosed down (probably not the wisest of things to do).  This resulted in the best soaked sugar cookie ever! I was soo sad when there was no more.

Wet!!

From there, I made my way back to my "bed" (i.e., the floor) in the massage tent and waited, oh just an hour plus for a massage (told you I live for them).  But  I could not move, I could not stretch and it took me like two hours to eat two bags of pretzels so I could care less as far as I was concerned, the pavement was a Westin bed.  I did, however, feel awful that my dad and Aaron had to wait, but I was no shape to get in a car anyhow, unfortunately.

As I started to come back to life, I realized how bad the heat had hit others. It seriously looked like a war zone.  I thought I was bad, but there were so many people worse off around me getting hosed down, getting treated by the paramedics, suffering from awful cramps...I asked my dad later who the hell thought of starting this race at 10:30 anyway, he remarked "A non-runner."  True Dad.  Very true.

Ultimately, I got my massage, well worth the wait.  Started to become normal again, and we jumped (also known as my waddle) in the car for a grueling, traffic filled ride home. Upon arriving home, I knew I had not eaten nearly enough, so we order a silician pizza and went for icecream.  I was stuffed, but given the days activities probably really needed more, which is why as of yesterday at 9 a.m. (a.k.a "the day after") and I have already eaten my 10 a.m. snack with breakfast at 8 a.m. ooops?!?  I also, uhh, how do I put this, missed the whole shower thing.  Are you offiically never reading this blog again?  Yes, I am totally the grossest person ever and fell asleep before showering after the race..  Its not my fault I promise, just like the stretching, sometimes other things like lying on the pavement, come first.  You know how it is.  I am all showered now, don't worry!

So what can I take from all this? I realized after the race that for most of the end of the race it was not the pain that killed me but the lack of hydration.  My hip actually cooperated pretty well and it was only my quads that hurt most on race day as well as a side stitch, I will take it...?  Hydration I can and will learn from.  This was probably the hottest day I have run all summer minus the 15 mile humidity day with Liz in D.C.  So if I did not learn then, I have learned now - hot equals hydrate hydrate hydrate, and then when you think you are hydrated, hydrate some more.  Also carry Gatorade.  While I love nuun, it does not give the carbs you need when you just can't eat anymore.  At Mile 15, I tried more Shot Bloks but my body was not having it. Had I had Gatorade, it would have provided much needed relief, I think?  They did have Gatorade on the course, but Lemon-Lime and ugh that stuff makes me want to puke. 

Otherwise, the big thing I am still trying to learn from is post-race how to recoop the best.  Post-race does not lend to my massive stretching, ice bath, and relax routine which means today I am totally out of it and still sore.  Hmmm...yea...any advice?

Final stats: 20 miles - 3:16 mins
18 miler: 2:58:27
Age group: 23/58
Female: 125/357
Overall: 371/798
Ok, is that enough? Are you sick of me yet?  How were all your runs and races this weekend?  How do you all manage your routine post race to ensure a good recovery?

20 Miles to Taper - The Day I Was Like Dean (Part 1)

Well, I made it, 20 MILES AND TAPER! Take that Marathon! ;) I'm not going to lie though, it was not easy to get there...let's just say I feel I have earned this taper.

Now, for those of you who want the full on report here is how I made it to TAPER TIME (can't believe taper time is here already).  Yesterday, I ran the Long Beach Island 18 miler (and made it 20 for the epic 20 to taper). I had signed up for this race back in August when I found out Keri and her dad were running it too.  Sure, I knew I would be hours behind her (that amazing speedy lady, clinched first in her age group and 8th female, amazing) but I could not help take on the challenge.   And a challenge it was.

First off, to actually run this race we had to travel from Boston to NJ and then to Long Beach Island, NJ.  It only took an awful 6 hours to drive from Boston to NJ Friday night and another 2 hours to get to LBI on Sunday. But enough of the driving and complaining.  Let's get to the race, which started yesterday morning at the awful time of 10:30.  Maybe 10:30 on October 9th is usually an ok time for a race, but yesterday it was not.  Because yesterday, as my dad noted, felt like a day in mid-August.  Long Beach Island, is in fact a beach and this race was one straight shot.  Literally, one flat paved street for 18 full miles.  It was not boring though, it had great fan support for a small race and a bunch of fun shops to look at and amazingly tons of butterflies (I think I counted 20 over the race - one for each mile).  The only problem was it was HOT - it was about 83 degrees out, but felt hotter given the fact that you were on the pavement, right by a beach, with absolutely NO shade.  Add in some wind and some salty air and you have a recipe for the disaster.

So what was the plan and how did I become like Dean? Well, besides the fact that I felt like I was running in Death Valley, I also had a complete support team and boy did I need it.  Aaron rollerbladed next to me. I love when he is able to do that as he encourages me, keeps me going, tweets for me, and of course provides me much needed nutrition and hydration!! My dad drove alongside in the car and would stop and give extra water and take tons of pictures.  It was a dangerous job, some jerk almost hit him.  But he told him, whats what - Go Dad! Thus I was just like Dean plus to add some good measure, I downloaded Dean's 50 by 50  book and listened for the first 20 minutes for my warm-up two miles.  Ironically, or in my favor, Dean talked about running a marathon on a very hot 80 degree day and the need to adjust your time - this absolutely helped me not beat myself up mentally later on in the run.

Ok, so finally, get to the point, Steph!  At 10:05, I was off (after lots of water, stretching, and too many bathroom stops),  my plan was to do 2 miles before the race and just have to do the 18 (just 18, you know) after, so off I went.  Before I knew it, two miles were over and I was at the starting line.  I saw Keri at the starting line and wished her good luck and moved to the back of the line, and then with a lot of hooting from the runners, the race began.  The reason Aaron and my dad could easily follow and help me was because the race was on one street that had two lanes on both sides.  Only one lane was closed to runners and with about 1000 runners, this was enough.  There was more than enough room for Aaron and my Dad drove along in various spots.  Thus, soon after we started, I saw Aaron, he just rolled up besides me and I was all smiles to see him.  The plan was to have water or nuun every 2 miles and a Gu or Shot Bloks every hour.  Seems smart, right?  Uh, not in 85 degree weather.

At the start, all smiles, for now

The first 10 miles were great!! I was all smiles.  My pace felt easy around 9 min miles and I was in my happy place. I realized that I just kept smiling and things were good.  I was wearing my Go Steph shirt and people loved it and kept screaming my name.  But they did not love my shirt as much as they loved Aaron's (and I can't blame them, this is my all time favorite good luck race tee-shirt).  Check it out:

Can you find me in this?? See my arm, I am totally drafting behind Aaron right now...

There were soo many comments and reactions about this:
- Who's the b*tch - I pointed to me to answer, happened a ton
-What a great team
-You said it not me
-This is a family race (oopss?!)
-A mom covering a child's eyes 


On these last two comments, we always contemplate this shirt but feel those who can read it, know what the word is already and those who are too young to read it, are in the clear)


-Some people would also remark that Aaron on rollerblades was cheating - he would respond, would I be going this slow if I was cheating.  I was like haha, hey wait, what? that slow?!? HOW RUDE lol

The best was probably this crazy enthusiastic guys who kept walking and cheering me on saying "Come on you crazy B*tch, go go you crazy B*tch."  Ok I usually do not not like being referred to such a manner, but it was hilarious yesterday.  The only thing that was hard was that I kept having to walk, yes walk, and it is so hard to walk through people cheering you on.  There was also this woman I kept going back and forth with on the run. Whenever we would pass each other, she would yell come on Speedster Steph. Thanks lady, you rock!

Ok, so back to this walking.  Yes, I admit it and I am NOT ashamed, yesterday, I had to walk a ton. I had to do, what I had to do, to finish.  And that was that.  I know how hard to push my body (at least I think) but sometimes my body says Shut up you crazy B*tch, it is freaking hot as hell out here and we will have no more.  I think my downfall was not that I went out too fast but that I did not adjust early enough (like Dean warned me) for the heat.   Ooo Dean, when will I learn?  The plan of hydrating every 2 miles was also probably not great given the heat.  I first knew I was in trouble because by Mile 10, I was all salt and no sweat plus I had no need to pee (a clear sign of dehydration for me) - at this point I immediately started to drink more and add in nuun.  But it was too late.  And it just resulted in an awful side stitch for Mile 12-14 = lots of walking and a really bad right quad cramp (which I am hoping to deal with today via the elliptical and foam roller).  Some woman suggested that if I had a side cramp, lie down on the pavement to move things around.  I seriously considered this but then was worried I would never get back up, so I opted to just stick my arm up in the air and stretch till the cows came home.

Walking & Drinking lalala

For this part of the run, I kept with the walking and running as much as I could. I had Shot Bloks at an hour (which I cut in half the day before and swallowed them whole during the race, are you proud Dean? - its not a pizza, but almost?)  By 1 hr 41 mins into it (like how I can give you down to the minute), I knew I needed more and despite the fact that a GU sounded pretty awful in this heat, I wanted the nutrition and the caffeine so I tore open a Chocolate GU and went to town again with a bunch of walking.  Each time I would stop, I would feel pretty bad about it and Aaron's skates would come to a screeching halt, I felt defeated, especially when people were cheering me on.  Aaron threatened to take the Garmin away and I fantasied about throwing it off, but it helped me synchronize walking and drinking breaks.


Anyway by Mile 14, I had settled into a decent enough walk/run pattern.  The cramp in my side had settled, sort of, allowing me to do a bit more running or shuffling or whatever it was that I was doing.  At Mile 15ish, I told Aaron that I needed my running buddy's help.  He had been tweeting along the way and was very creative with his tweets.  I told him, tell her I am in trouble and need help.  She, of course, responded rapidly with take more shot bloks, walk through the water stops.  I listened.  Well, I tried.  By Mile 15, food and I were no longer friends (not a good thing).  So I kept drinking, tried a shot blok or two, and ran on allowing myself to stop and drink water and walk about every mile or so.

Then we made it to Mile 17 (for me 19),  the furthest I had ever been was 18, so success already.  But I had this.  We were sooo close.  I told myself that there was no way in hell that I was walking at all this last mile.  It was only a mile and I was going to get there in style.  I thought of Coach Cane's wife (yes I am a Ali On the Run Blog stalker) and how she pushed Ali, I thought of my mantras along the way - yesterday's were "20 miles to taper" and one from a cancer walk - "blisters don't require chemo."  I snapped my running bracelet to keep me going and I put one foot in front of the other thinking about my speed work and how I have done a mile a million times.  Before Mile 19, we just kept saying this is only a 10K, this is only a Squirrel Run (5 miler), this is only a PT workout at home, this is only an episode of the Kennedy's.  And finally we knew the end was near because of this...

Can you tell that this is the Grim Reeper - with a sign saying "The End is Near" haha

And also these bright orange cones rounded us through to the end.  Now the whole time this race was one straight shot, at the last 1/2 mile you make your first freakin turn.  All I can think is I remember being scared that I was going to turn into a hill, just like Falmouth Road Race, and then we turned, and I saw it . . .

Is this post long enough? If you care enough tune it tomorrow please :)

Happy Fall Friday & First Blogger Award

Its that time again, Fall Friday!!!  I thought I would make this Fall Friday a combination with the Blogger Award I just received.  Check this out

It is my first blogger award ever!!!  Thanks Lizzy!! And the deal with this award is you have to tell three things about yourself and then pass on to five other bloggers.  So I am going to do it Fall style - what other way is there really?!?  So without further ado:

1) I love Fall.  Duh?!? And why?!?  Well so many reasons but largely because of the LEAVES!  It is just miraculous watching these leaves change.  This past weekend Aaron and I made our yearly trip up to the White Mountains to see the leaves.  I am like a kid on Christmas when we go up there, between squealling and clapping. I love my leaves!  If you can, I highly recommend going to the White Mountains in NH, there is nothing like it.

I told you, I love love LOVE leaves!!!!  But look at this view....

2)  I possibly have the best Grandparents in the world who came all the way from NJ to come hang out with me for the weekend in Massachusetts and help me decorate my house in full out fall decor (more on this next week but just a little preview).

3) Hmmm...what else? Next week is my October 15th part (more next week) and it is a big fall bash (feel free to come if you are in the area) but I need good fall food recipes.  I am a good cook, but I confess my husband is better than me these days!  Tell me some good recipes for my party please and seriously if you are in the Boston area and want to come, let me know!!!

CHALLLAHH!!

My Nominations

Samantha at Because I Can

Jess at Eat Drink Breathe Sweat

Lesley at Race it Off

Melody at Will Run for Margaritas 

Heidi at RunAroundARoo

Well, Happy Fall Friday to all!!! Let me know, what is everyone up to this weekend?  Good luck to my ladies running - special shout out to the Chicago Runners especially Mary & Tina these ladies rock.  I am doing an 18 mile race this weekend and turing it into 20.  So nervous!! Give me some encouragement and love!! :)

Dean Karnazes & Pink Berry

Last night was the night I have been waiting for since I registered for this event in oh late July.  Nope it was not an awesome night time half marathon or a wedding or anything like that, actually this was even better, well maybe not better than a wedding, but you get the picture!!! Last nigh, I went to North Face/Marathon Sports' Speaker Series Edition featuring none other than the Ultra Marathon Man himself, Dean Karnazes.

Last spring, my then running buddy introduced me to this guy and I pretty much went wild for him to say the least.  He has been my inspiration.  If Dean can run a marathon in the South Pole, I can surely run one in Washington, D.C.  I often read a chapter or a few pages of one of Dean's books the night before a big run and find myself using his words for courage and inspiration the next day.

If you are not familiar with Dean, it is time to come into the light because this man is amazing!  Not only has he run 200 person relays as a one man team, run inside the White House, and run 100 mile races, he has also run 50 marathons in 50 states in 50 days!  The man is just utterly amazing.  Now, I don't necessarily see myself running any Western State 100 milers in the near future.  But I still find so much hope and inspiration from this man nonetheless.  Absolutely check out his book or should I say books, dvds, blogs - you name it.  Its a good thing because I can't get enough of Dean K a.k.a Karno.

So anyway, Aaron and I sped drove safely into Boston last night for this event and splurged on the costly tickets - $20 each - for the special reserved seating and cocktail hour beforehand.   As we made our way into the cocktail hour, luck was with me, and in walked Dean.  I debated for a second whether to intrude or to just go for it and talk to him right then just as he was getting settled.  I couldn't help it.  This was my chance!!  So I went for it, what can I say I am not shy.  There I was telling Dean how much I loved him and essentially how obsessed I was with him.  Let us just lay it all out on the table, shall we ;).  He signed my books and even took a picture with me.

As I walked away, I said to Aaron, I just gushed.  He replied "Yea, you did, you would have pretty much slept with him."  I decided to take the high road "I never gush!"  Aaron agreed.  Then I pretty much stood around watching Dean talk to others until I realized that I did not get a poster like everyone else. And then like the sucker fan I am snuck in with my friend to ask Dean for the poster too.  I am such a wonderful running loser :)

The rest of the night went wonderfully.  We went to Dean's speech and he was absolutely amazing.  Of course.   And to end the night, we did it perfectly - hit up Pink Berry.  A perfect way to end the night.  And that's that.

Of course today was not as good, until I got home and got this....and then this...Clif graciously sent me some awesome yummy treats for training :) :)

Love Your Body

Last night, I was at PT and a woman got on the scale next to me.  She looked great but yet she looked at the number on the scale shook her head and she looked like was going to break down in tears.  I wanted to give her a big hug and tell her it was just a number and what did that really mean?

 It has been over a year since I even weighed myself and in the past year I have never loved my body - and how it looks and what it does for me - more.

Once upon a time, I was a bit obsessed with the scale.  I am sure I am not the only one out there, but if I was, I am happy no one else was a slave to the scale like me.  You know, where you are happy one day because the number is your safe place and sad/angry the next day because the scale has fluctuated two or three pounds.   In this way, the scale became way too controlling.  While it is important to maintain a "healthy" weight, whatever that means, it is also important not to go crazy over a silly number when you can maintain that same status through noticing your body - how it feels and how clothes fit etc.

And since that time, since I have completely sworn off the scale and obsessions with numbers, I have never felt better or happier about my body and life, for that matter.  No longer does a number on a scale dictate how any given day may go, but rather I have learned to love my body and trust it.  Trust that it will know how much I need or want to eat, trust that I am providing it with the right amount of physical activity, and trust that I can handle life without a scale.  I look at my body and I do not see that my stomach is a bit too big or my hips to wide.  Instead, I see strong legs, a nice stomach, and a smiling face.  Not everyone will look at me and say that.  But you know what?  I don't really care.  I am happy with me.  I happy with who I am, what I have become, and how I look.

It has taken me a long time to love my body.  To love the things it does for me - from running to walking around every day.  I was not always nice to it, if I am being honest and sometimes was even down right mean to my body. But my body stuck with me and today I try to honor it every and any way possible.

Now, I know, for many, it might be a scary thing, but I challenge each and every one of you to take some time away from the scale.  To enjoy and respect your body, and trust that it will do well by you if you are nice to it.  And if not, to just find one thing you love about your body instead of being so mean to it.

Now I know this post may seem to have nothing to do with running but then again it has everything to do with it because you can not be a strong solid runner without honoring and loving your body day in and out.

I am wondering what you all think?  Do you honor your body, what are your feelings on the scale - weigh in (no pun intended)

Facing Fears For Fifteen!!!

Ok third times a charm for the Allied Medal Display case it is this lady from will run for margaritas  Yay! I love this lady, email me gal! I am sorry I could not wait for the other two winners, I promise I tried hard!!

Well, once again we made it - 15 miles and 2:16 minutes later we are still alive standing strong with a smile on our faces - what can really be better (except a whole lot of food post-run and a husband who stretches your legs after, oh and new Bondi Bands - make sure you find me to get one of your own!).

So remember all those worries that I had all week?  Well I ticked off, one by one today - go figure!  I was very very fearful coming into this run.  But I was also excited.  When did I start getting excited about long runs?  I used to dread them.  Now they are one of my favorite times of the week. Maybe it is running with such an awesome woman, maybe it is feeling strong and fueling right and loving my body, maybe it is all these fun races or maybe it is really all these things that just put a huge smile on my face come Saturday mornings.  But despite the large smiles there was a lot of fears but hey is was fifteen so I was going to face those fears whether I liked or not

Top Five Fears for Fifteen

5) The shoes -  So lately I have been worrying a bit about my sneakers.  I have been wearing my sneakers everywhere.  I am so nervous about wearing heels or anything else that I have chosen to wear sneakers everywhere.  Well, as much as I love my Brooks, they don't always love me back.  The left heel just always seems to dig into my ankle no matter what I do.  I have a few and by a few, I mean five,  other pairs of the same Brooks and have been starting to wear a new pair in that feels much better.  But I did not know if they were ready for 15 especially with the potential for rain.  My dear running partner dealt with me once again and we decided on the old ones, I slapped a bandaid on the back of the heel and went at it.

Result: Not perfect, but no blisters and I made it through!

4) Nutrition:  I am a Shot Blok kind of gal but the Shot Bloks are BIG, even when I cut them in half, plus I can't eat them unless I stop and walk.  So I tried a Gu today.  Those things kind of freak me out but...

Result:  At Mile 7.5 right before our long 4 mile uphill portion of the run, I ripped open one while running.  Luckily the running buddy told me whats what.  Drink water before and after to coat your stomach she said and you should be ok and your legs should feel magical soon!  But she did advise going with Pineapple GU of Hammer Gel next time.  Not the best thing I have ever eaten but you know what, my legs had this crazy spring even Running Buddy commented as such = success!

3) Hydration: Last week = major dehydration.  I am still working on wearing the Running/Fuel Belt, but running buddy let me share hers until I figure that out. I carbed up and hydrated well on Thursday and Friday and before my run on Saturday with some water and nuun.  I drank every two miles just like the Running Buddy.

Result: Success, no dehydration or lack of energy here!

2) The Need to Pee!!:   So I have yet to really discuss this on the blog but I do worry a lot about what to do about bathroom stops for running.  Do I stop, do I squat, do I just let it flow?

Result: Let it flow!! Twice in fact!! I only told the Running Buddy after the fact. Hey! I like my privacy too.  It was gross and warm and I worried about chaffing, too much information?!? Sorry, but it worked. I lived. No chaffing either = success.

1) The Rain:  Have we talked about my fear of the rain yet? Yup, if you have not gotten the message yet, I am scared of running in the rain.

Result:  When it rains and you are on a trail at Mile 10, there is not much you can do.  It was actually so wonderful and refreshing.  It was not a crazy downpour, so it was a nice ease into learning how to run in the rain.

Oooo yea, one more.  Did you forget about this one - the pain in my leg which pretty much is my IT Band.  Yup I have been feeling this all week since my last long run.  I have been stretching like crazy and my wonderful husband has been helping me stretch my legs out but the pain is still there...

Results:  The first half was not too bad, the last few miles were a little painful especially when I stopped.  But I powered through.  Running Buddy said you could not even tell.  I could tell. I am freaking out still on the inside.  But I am continuing to do all the right things - foam rolling, icing, PT, the like. And I am doing whatever it takes to get to Marine Corps.  So watch out, HERE I COME!

How was everyone's long run? Can't wait to hear about all your victories from this weekend :)