I'm not even going to look

at this catalog. I'm not at all tempted by this adorable top.

Positive thoughts... positive thoughts... positive thoughts...

I'm just doing speedwork and hills this last week before the race. I don't have any injuries bothering me right now, so I think I have a good chance of doing pretty well on Saturday. I would be happy with a 3:40, even happier with a 3:30. I'm not sure if that's achievable for me but I'm trying to think positive. If I get another 3:50 I'll be disappointed. Come on 3:30!

The cure for all ails.

I've been in an especially bad mood lately. Sorry everyone. My brain is tired. That's the only way to describe what I've been feeling. Overwhelmed maybe. Stressed out. I forced myself to the gym today even though I really would like to stay in bed for a week, and now I'm fine. Exercise is magic. Running is the best kind of exercise (I think) because putting one foot in front of the other doesn't take a lot of concentration or skill and you can let your mind just go somewhere else and meditate. I came home feeling like I can now face my life, which is, by-the-way, pretty great. I have nothing to whine about. I feel so sad when people say to me, "I don't know how you do that. I could never do that." They so totally could! And if I could get them to come with me for a few weeks, they would see how easy it is once it's a habit. Anyone can be a runner, excepting those that have some kind of injury. You just have to decide you are and do it. I think the world's problems could be solved by our leaders just taking a long jog together before any meetings or policy decisions are made. Maybe I'll send a letter to someone and see if I can get that put into law. If anyone reads this blog that doesn't run, I challenge you to try it for 21 days straight, except Sundays. They say that's as long as it takes to make it a habit and get over the hump of starting something new to where you enjoy it and see benefits. 21 days... you have been challenged.

P.S.

Going through the carwash.

Marathon Madness

"Marathon Madness" was the name of the mixed tape that Ron made me while we were training for the St. George Marathon 13 years ago. Yes, that's right. I said "we." Ron ran it with me and never put on a pair of running shoes ever again. Gotta love a man that will make a mix tape! This will be the first time I've run this marathon since then. I was signed up to do it last year, but at the last minute decided to go to NYC and watch a taping of SNL, which turned out to be the funnest time of my life. The marathon last year was pouring rain and cold, so it was a good choice.

So, now I need to put together my "marathon madness" mix for this marathon. I'd love your suggestions for the playlist. I'm going to put some of my choices on the Project Playlist that is playing on my sidebar.

17 mile monday and new goals.

Mini Chi giving me a low "five" at mile 4. I think that's the last time I'm going to make her run with me. She broke my heart today when I put her in the jogger. That was the last longish run I will do until the marathon too.

So last year I was thinking about trying to do the Iron Man St. George in 2010, but since I don't own a bike and don't really want to train for three sports, I have decided that a triathlon is maybe not for me. Smart, huh? After the marathon I've decided that I am going to start training for the Wasatch 100. Doesn't it look like a beautiful running trail? I'm not a fast runner, but I really can go as long as I have fuel. It's exactly a year from now. Think I can do it? I kinda think I can. I like that no one I know (except my old neighbor, Kelly) has done it. Every runner I know is doing Ragnar and the Iron Man and I've never liked being trendy. So a hundred mile race it is!

JOY

20.5 and more favorite things.

DMSO, check. Lots of water, check. Hammer Gel (bleh), check. last two packets of GU, check. Bottle with Perpetuem, check. Tissues, check. Diapers/wipes, check. Blankie, check. Binkie, oh... forgot the binkie. Go back home, add half a mile to the run. Binkie, CHECK. Sunscreen for Mini Chi's legs, check. Body Glide, check. Foam knee strap thingy, check. Nano, check. Phone, check. Garmin, check.
I always feel kind of bad doing this to Mini Chi. She cries when I put her in the jogger because she knows she's going to be stuck there for quite a while. She always calms down when we get started though. She looks back at me and smiles every once in a while and grabs the cord to my headphones to listen for a while. I'm going to miss her during the race.

We did 20.5 today and felt mostly good. 12 miles right on the button my knee started hurting. The same mile marker every time. I was even wearing the knee band too. Race day will be a crap shoot if that acts up. The pain went away within a few minutes. I hope if I baby it until then it will be okay.

On to some favorite things...
Athleta has formed a dangerous business relationship with GAP. I have a GAP card, which can be used at Banana Republic, Old Navy and GAP, and now Athleta. This means that you can use the rewards at any. one. of. those. stores. This is dangerous because now I can justify buying the things from Athleta that I like for me and tell myself I will use the rewards at GAP for the kids. (They have to have clothes, right?)

This hat calls to me.
These boots do too.
This hat... this HAT!!!

I ate a whole wheat bagel before the run today and I think it was just the thing that helped me feel good the whole way and after.
The K Swiss Running Skort. It is really light weight, the seams are thin so there's no chafing, more breathable than the Nike one that's twice as much. I can't wear a running short after being spoiled with this skort. I need a few more.
This Under Armour jog bra is different than any other. It's kinda silky and super thin seams so no under arm chafing. That is the spot that always kills me after a long run in any other kind of top, even when I use the body glide. I really hate running with my tummy showing so I wish they had this in a full yoga style top. They don't, so I'm going to be crossing the finish line in my underwear. Sorry.
I am 10 pounds heavier and one size bigger this year than this same time last year. Thus, this is my lunch every day. Cooked greens (this one's kale), onions (sometimes leeks), fresh tomatoes, some chicken, white balsamic vinegar, salt and pepper on top. If I feel rebellious I'll sprinkle some parmesan on top. I know, it's an acquired taste.