Life Continues

I had intended to only do this blog while I was training for the marathon but I have had a couple of people tell me they have enjoyed it and so I may occasionally do an update.

After the marathon I was incredibly sore, even more so than I expected to be. The week after I did minimal running, some walking and some on my stationary bike to try and recover. The Saturday after the race was the Scott County Steps for Pets 5k. It was the first race I did last year, the first I ever did in my life, and I really wanted to do it again this year. Considering my legs and the fact that I had just done a marathon I was not sure if I could do it. I decided to go and at least start, my time last year was 38 something so even if I didn't really try I should be able to beat that time. Chandler decided to do it with me so we lined up at the start line together. We stayed together for just a couple of minutes, I could tell that my legs felt strong so he told me to go ahead and off I went. It felt great, I felt great. Strong and my leg didn't hurt at all. I finished in 28:40 which is just a few second shy of taking 10 full minutes off last years time and was good enough to win my age group. Chandler also won his age group.

After that I knew I was going to be fine and I started thinking about the Iron Horse Half Marathon I am signed up for at the end of the month. I pulled out the training schedule Ernie gave me for the Lex Half and on Monday went out on my first training run for the Iron Horse. The runs went well so on Sunday I met Cherri for our long run of 13.1 miles before we start tapering. I like this, one week of training and now I am tapering again. The 13.1 was harder than I thought it would be, my legs began to yell at about mile 8 but I got thru it and feel pretty good the day after.

So there it is, I finished a marathon and kept on running. After the Lex Half I had a let down feeling, all that training and when it was over I didn't know what to do. Having another race to prepare for I think has helped me just keep going and so my next one is the Flying Pig Half Marathon in May in Cincinnati.

till next time

C

I am a MARATHONER

I did it. I can't believe it and I am sure those of you who have known me longer since before January 2009, when I started the diet, also can't believe I did it.

When I ended last weeks post I wasn't sure if I was even going to be able to do the marathon and all week long I was worried about even being able to start. After consulting with all my running buddies I decided to go to Akron and at least start. If I couldn't do it I could always pull out and not finish but I had put in to much work to at least not go see what I could do.

I took the whole week off, I didn't run, ride my bike or anything. It was very hard and I was worried I would lose some of my conditioning but everyone told me it would be ok and I needed to rest my knee and leg. By Friday my knee was not hurting at all but the lower outside of my leg was extremely sore. My trainer figures that when I ran on Sunday I was compensating for my knee hurting and I changed my stride and made a muscle sore.

Friday morning we headed to Akron. Everyone had told me the course was hilly but the drive up thru Ohio is flat. I kept wondering where are the hills, let me tell you that they are all in Akron. Our hotel was downtown, a few blocks from everywhere I needed to be so it was very handy. There were signs all over the hotel and downtown about the marathon. After we arrived at the hotel David and Chandler went to play in the pool and I iced my leg. Then we headed to the expo. The expo was really great. I picked up my packet and jacket and then we went to the pasta dinner. It was a buffet, set up in a conference room, come and go as you wanted. The food was ok and they had speakers while we were eating. After we ate we went back up to the expo to look around better. It was crowded but I think everything you could want running related was there. I was able to meet Dana Casanave. She is an amazing woman who is doing a marathon a week to raise money for Aids Orphans in Africa. I also bought a pair of compression sleeves for my legs. David thought they would really help my leg so I tried on a pair and they did feel pretty good so I decided to try them. Then it was back to the room for an early night and hopefully a good night's sleep.

I did sleep fairly well, considering, but 5 am is still early. Chandler didn't like the 5 am at all. We got up and I started to get all my stuff together and get us packed up. I was plenty nervous and I had hoped to get to the finish line around 6 but it was a little later and I think it was better because I didn't have as much time to stand around and fret. When we got down to the lobby it was packed with people doing the race and it was fun to be in that atmosphere and all of us be in the same boat. After David and Chandler packed the car we headed to the start.

There was so many people. In total there were 13,000 runners. (Not all of them were at the start line because there were relay teams in the race but there were several people at the start line.) I started trying to find the 5 hr pace team. Dana had told me the night before that she was leading that group and I felt like that with my leg still sore that would about be my pace.

I have to tell on myself here. As I was looking for the group I decided I probably ought to go to the bathroom one last time and I started looking for the porta potties. David could see them over everyone's heads so we headed towards them. It was dark and as we arrived I saw people coming and going from them so as someone came out I went in. When I came out David asked me if Iknew I had just made alot of people mad. I asked him how and he told me that there had actually been long lines for the porta potties and I had just cut in front of a whole bunch of people. I was really embarrassed, I didn't do it on purpose, I swear I did not see the lines but there wasn't anything I could do about it then. (Lesson learned, next time look and see if there is a line.)

Then I hugged and kissed my guys good bye and got in line. By then I only had to wait for a few minutes before the race started. I was so far back in line that just as I got to the start line I heard them announce that the lead runners were already past mile 1. Thank goodness for chip timers. And then we were at the start and I set off on my first marathon. I don't even know how to tell you about the 26.2 miles - here are some thoughts:

- at first I was really worried about my leg but after a few steps I could feel that it was going to be ok, sore, but if I stayed in my stride and was careful I could handle it.

- I started off in a jacket(I bought it at Goodwill so if I needed to shed it I could and they donate the shedded items to a local charity). It was 58 degrees when we started and somewhere between mile 1 and 2 I had to come out of the jacket. I tried to drop it off the course so no one would trip over it behind me.

- the early miles went by incredibly fast. In fact we got to mile 1 so quick that I looked down at my watch thinking I must be going faster than I needed to but I was at 11:30 per mile which is a good pace for me and my leg. Until about mile 7 or 8 I couldn't believe how fast each mile seemed to come up but after that it seemed more normal and by the time I got to mile 23 I didn't think the last 3 were ever going to be over.

- about mile 4 I realized that my leg was going to be ok, sore but doable, and I was going to be able to finish the marathon that I had worked so hard for and I have to admit I was in tears and there were a couple of times along the way that I would think to myself that I was going to be able to say I did a marathon and I would get teary again.

- the first miles were downtown and not anything real interesting, although I did see a dead snake in the road. At about mile 11 we turned onto the tow path along the Erie Canal and that was gorgeous scenery. I didn't like the surface, crushed packed limestone but it was great scenery for about 4 miles. As we came off the towpath we started up a hill in a local park and I mean a hill. It went up and up and up for a little over 2 miles. It was a pretty run, lots of big trees and a creek running alongside the road but it was a heck of a hill. Then we were into neighborhoods. The people were great. They would cheer us on - many of them would look at our bibs and call us by name. Some of them had music set up and were partying as we ran by.

- Except for one cranky driver, who was yelling about not being able to move, the people were all great. The volunteers were also terrific. There was lots of water stations and plenty of volunteers at each one so that you could just grab water and go. The whole city really supports the race.

- Chandler did the Kids Fun Run while I was running and really enjoyed it. He got a finishers medal also. After he did the run he and David found some breakfast and then they stood near the finish and cheered on the runners.

- At about mile 25 I began to believe that there wasn't going to be a mile 26, we were just going to keep running and running but then I saw David and Chandler by the side of the road yelling for me and they told me that I was actually very close to the finish. They were yelling for me to finish strong so I mustered up what I had left and ran into the stadium and across the finish. The race organizer, Jim, stands there and shakes everyone's hand. He is a really great guy. Then I got my medal and my photo taken with it and a space blanket. Then it was time to find some water and something to eat. They gave every runner a bag with a bagel, banana, pretzels and bar in it. I think that was the best banana I have ever ate. Then a cold chocolate milk, which is actually a good recovery drink.

- I cannot even begin to tell you all my thoughts and emotions. As I was running I thought of family and friends who were pulling for me. I sang to myself. I tried to imagine my running buddy Cherri there with me, helping me get through. (She doesn't feel it but she ran the marathon with me in my thoughts). I really didn't feel bad until about mile 23 and then I began to feel tired and like those last 3 miles would never be over. But I just kept putting one foot in front of the other and before I knew it I was done.

- I didn't do as good time wise as I wanted. I had hoped to beat Oprah's time of 4 hrs and 30 minutes but considering the problems I had with my leg and the fact that I had a wreck just a week and half before the race I am telling myself that I did ok. (A gentleman I made friends with on facebook told me instead of trying to beat Oprah's marathon time I should try and keep my weight off and beat her there, something she hasn't been able to do.)

- Am I going to do another one? I can't believe I am saying this but yes I am thinking of doing another one. I am really disappointed with my time and I would like to find a flatter course and if my leg is 100% see what I can really do.

So there it is. I did it. It's been an interesting experience from start to finish and I am so proud of myself and glad I did it.

Cyndi

PS - afterwards - the word of the day for Sunday and Monday was SORE. Sunday worse than Monday and now today, Tuesday I feel almost normal again and hope to get a run in tonight.

Start of last week

Well I have been late in posting because there is nothing good to say about last week. The horse sales started at Keeneland which is always a busy time. I woke up on Monday with a very sore knee. I debated about going to the Dr and realized that to be on the safe side I should so off I went. Luckily my Dr is a runner also and she ordered an MRI although she thought it was inflammation she wanted to be safe. Tuesday I went to get the MRI and was told to wait 48 hrs for result. I did go for a run Tuesday evening to test my knee. It was painful but I did manage to about 3 miles.

Wednesday did not start good at all. Not a mile from the house I pulled out in front of a SUV and totalled my Forerunner. I have thought and thought about it. I would swear I looked and didn't see him coming but as I pulled out there he was. I took a pretty good lick to the head and had to ride in an ambulance to the emergency room. Which anyone who has ever had that experience knows how much fun that was. So the rest of the week was recovering and figuring out what to do about a car.

Friday afternoon I got a good report from the MRI and was feeling pretty good about life again.

Saturday night we went to Toyota in Nicholasville and bought a real pretty little red car.

Sunday I did get up and meet Cherri at the horse park for a run. After about 3 miles I was really hurting and was thinking of stopping when I guess I got used to it and was able to go on and did a little over 7 miles but I paid for it the rest of the day when I could barely walk. Not sure right now whether I am going to be able to do the marathon or not.

Tapering!!!!

Several of you have heard me say that my new favorite word is taper. The hard work is done, now I just need to maintain my fitness level and allow my body to recover to put in a good run in less than 2 weeks.

It's been a good week. One thing I have done differently this training period from the Lexington Half is not be such a slave to the schedule. It has taken some help from my running buddy Cherri and it's not easy for me. Monday was Labor day and we were traveling home from the family reunion. I think the combination of the stress of worrying about my final 20 and the reunion, the not sleeping good in a strange bed and the not eating like I would normally eat, all ganged up on me and as we were driving home Monday I was ill. When we got home Monday night I took it easy and gave myself the night off.

Woke up Tuesday feeling better and so off I went Tuesday for the 5 miles I was supposed to do Monday. Stayed in the neighborhood and didn't push it. I did about half of my hill route and half of my speed route and had a really good run. There was one point in the run where I really felt good. It felt like I had perfect form and was just breezing along. I even thought to myself now this is what running is supposed to feel like.

Wednesday night is the run clinic at John's. Cherri had a family committment but Chandler decided to go with me. As usual it was really good and I really enjoyed it. Chandler did pretty good considering he hasn't done much running and he says he wants to go back with me next week.

Thursday was the long run of the week, 7 miles. Had a nice run around Georgetown, thru the cemtery, uptown and all around. During this training period and all these miles I have really seen alot of Georgetown up close.

Friday was rest day AND new shoes day. I had been hoping to get new shoes before the big race and Friday night I was finally able to make it to John's. Good news was the guy there said that from the wear and tear on my old shoes it looked like I don't have any bad running habits. Enjoyed a nice dinner out with my guys and then some shopping.

Saturday David had to work so Cherri met me here in Georgetown and we did 12 miles together. We did the new run I have been doing that includes the long hill out on the bypass and had a pretty good run. I wore my new shoes and about mile 8 they began to bother me a little and by the end were bothering me alot but hopefully I can get them worn some more so they will be ok for the race. The rest of the day Saturday was shopping for the Keeneland sale for the farm.

Sunday morning I got up and met some of the Striders at John's for a run to see the Horse Mania horses. (Lexington has an art project this summer for the equestrian games where local artists took life size horses and painted/decorated them to display around town.) It was a great run. It took up about and hour and a half to do a little over 3 miles so we weren't getting in a hurry. I don't know how many horses we stopped and looked at but it was fun. It was really nice to run just for fun, not worrying about pace or distance or anything except enjoying the morning, the scenery and the company. In the afternoon I went with the scouts to the new Legacy trail and did a 15 mile bike ride. There are two different merit badges it can be counted towards. It was a really nice afternoon. Love the trail. It was a little crowded, being opening day and some people were not very nice but all in all I had a great time.

Last 20 miler done

This week was the last week of lots of miles, after this it is all tapering, my new favorite word.

I am going to start this blog with the end of week run, my last 20 miler was Saturday, because this was a stupendous moment for me. When I was contemplating a marathon it was the 20 mile runs on the training schedule that scared me to death. How would I ever do one 20 mile run, much less 3 of them and I knew that my usual running buddy, Cherri, didn't want to do a marathon at this time so I would be training by myself and would be doing the runs by myself. It was only after I found someone else who was doing the same marathon and we could do the runs together that I decided to do the marathon. Unfortunately after I signed up the other runner was injured and had to back out so there I was - committed to a marathon and no one to do the long runs with me. Since I had already put my money on the line and there are no refunds I had to go ahead. That first 12 miler, by myself, wasn't to bad. After all, in March I had done the half marathon, 13.1 miles by myself. The first 20 miler was hard. Cherri came and did the first nine with me but I did the final 11 by myself and by the time I was done I was hurting but I did do it. The second 20 miler was a little better. Again, the best running buddy in the world, Cherri, came and did the first 9 with me and I finished the rest by myself, while she rescued a bunny rabbit. I was a little stronger and my time was better. This week was the last one and everything I have read advised that if you were going to do the marathon by yourself you should do a long run solo so I told Cherri she was off the hook and Saturday morning at 6am I started off by myself.

I chose to stay in Georgetown and using gmaps mapped me out a route. At the last minute I changed it. Friday night as we were on our way home I realized that part of the bypass is a slow gradual hill that seemed very similiar to the one on the marathon route so I changed my route to include it. I wanted to say Georgetown for two main reasons. One it is best to run where you are comfortable and since I was going to be myself I knew I would be more comfortable here in town and the main reason is that I would be starting in the dark and I knew that if I started in my neighborhood there would be street lamps to light the way. It was a big moral victory that I started off in the dark by myself. I really am afraid of the dark and I have to admit to some major nerves until it got light. Since it had begun to get light when I left our neighborhood I ran over into the cemetery. So calm and peaceful but no ghosts to run with me. Then I headed uptown and out to the bypass and my hill. I was doing pretty good, staying around an 11:30 minute mile and not to cold. (It was mid to high 50's when I started off. Most people think this is perfect running weather and it really is but my hands get so cold.) I handled the hill, no problem, and was feeling strong. As I started down the hill I passed a field of cows who mooed at me and didn't run away. On my first 12 miler in Georgetown the cows ran from me as I ran by. I like to think they have gotten used to me and was mooing hello but my loving hubby thinks they were mooing at me that I am nuts. Anyway I continued on and began to feel my hands be really cold. I was planning to go by the house and refill my water bottles before I set off for the finish and by the time I got to the house my hands were like ice cubes, almost to the point of being painful. I got to the house and I changed my shirt and added gloves. I am sure people must have thought I was nuts, a running singlet and gloves but oh my gosh my hands felt so good the rest of the run. As I started back out I was at 11 1/4 miles and still feeling strong. With about 9 miles to go I headed out to Cherri and my regular run, out to the interstate and back. I felt good till about mile 13 and I had awhile there that I was really hurting and thinking I was out of steam. I was supposed to try and do 5 miles at my race pace and I was trying to speed up and I did, not sure I hit race pace, but I was definitely faster, less than 11 minutes a mile at that point. I got past that hurting point and at the interstate I turned for home and the last 4 1/2 miles. Whoohoo I was thinking, I am almost done, feeling ok and knowing that tapering is 4 1/2 miles away. I began to feel a little fatigued again and there is a pretty good hill on the way home and I was afraid it would slow down my time but I got home still at a sub 11 mile. Feeling strong, a little sore and tired but DARN PROUD of myself. I wish I could articulate all the thoughts I had while running 20 miles by myself. From the fear of the dark, to looking for ghosts in the cemetery, to the beauty of downtown Georgetown, conquering the hill, the cold hands and the final 9 miles, it was a great run that I am so glad I did. I missed my running buddy, I almost called and begged her to come do part of it with me and I know she would have been there for me but now I know I can do 20 miles by myself at a pretty good pace and I feel as ready as I can probaby feel for the marathon, which is after all why I was doing it.

Now to how the rest of the week went -

Monday night my running buddy Cherri asked me if I wanted company. I told her sure but Mondays are hill work. She doesn't really like hills so I wanted to warn her but she said she was up for it so she came over to Georgetown. We started off with David and Chandler. Chandler wants to start running to get in shape for basketball. David and Chandler did about 1/2 to 3/4 of a mile with us and then they turned for home while we went on. It wasn't as cool as it has been so we didn't try and set a terrific pace. It was a good run and we handled the hills really well. I really don't mind running alone and sometimes I prefer to but I must admit sometimes it is good to have a partner and Monday nights run seemed to fly by with Cherri there with me. Unfortunately she got eat up with mosquitos. She must be sweeter than me because I only had a bite or two but they really got her.

Tuesday night is 4 miles and usually speed work. I started off feeling good and strong till about mile 3 and then it was like I hit a wall. I had hit a walk period and when it was time to run again I didn't think I could do it. I really had to push to keep running but after a few minutes it went away and I finished pretty strong.

Wednesday was supposed to be another running clinic but I got an email late in the day that Gary was having sore legs and was canceling. I had 10 miles on the schedule(my longest midweek run) and Cherri and I decided to run at the horse park. We haven't ran there in awhile, they are really busy getting ready for the World Equestrian Games. We agreed I would go do 5 miles and then meet her for the 2nd 5. It was a little warm, the heat had come back this week, which I love, but I started off and did pretty good. I was right at race pace and it is just so great to run over there even with all the activity. One kind of funny incident, there are ducks on the ponds at one of the bridges. As I approached I saw 3 ducks in the middle of the road. I was wondering if they would even notice me. As I got close a truck came up behind me and the ducks started to run towards my side of the road but then they noticed me and they started back the other way and here came another car. The poor ducks just went back forth for a few seconds till the cars and I got by.

Thursday afternoon I got sick and since I knew the 20 was coming on Saturday, on the advice of my coach, Cherri, I took Thursday off to rest.

Friday was a scheduled rest day and I even gave myself the day off from cross training and rested up for the last big 20. We went out to Fazoli's to carb up and then shopped for the family reunion on Sunday.

So that is the end of the intensive marathon training. I am now in what is called taper mode. I know to non-runners it probably doesn't make sense that 3 weeks from the marathon you actually start decreasing your mileage but that is how it works. It gives your body time to recover from the strenuous training and be fresh the day of the race. I cannot believe that I am at this point.

I know this is a longer post but it was an amazing week.

till next week

Cyndi

4 weeks to go

Monday - the nerves hit. Monday afternoon at work, printing pedigrees, which doesn't take a lot of concentration I got to thinking about the race and ended up thinking to much about the race. Before I knew it I was in a full blown panic, tears and all. I was asking myself what was I thinking and I was dwelling on the fact that I won't have done a full 26 miles before the race and everyone says the last 6 is the hardest. I called the best runner I know, Carol at the gym, and she talked me down. She has done lots of races, she is very fast, and I knew she would know what to say and she did. Felt better after talking with her.

Monday night is a 5 miler and I have been doing my hillier run on Mondays so off I set. Probably not my best idea, my legs didn't bother me during the day but as I got to running I could feel them, fatigue. Probably not smart to do a hilly 5 after a 20 miler on Saturday. I pushed ahead, told myself not to go for a fast time, just finish so that's what I did. When I got home I iced both of my knees and went to bed early. I try to remember that rest is as important as running.

Tuesday I woke up very sore, especially my right knee. I went ahead and got on my stationary bike and did my stretching and then after I got dressed for work I iced my right knee again. During the day it seemed to ease and I was feeling pretty good when I got home. I had been telling myself all day that I should give myself the day off and I had decided that was what I was going to do BUT... When I walked outside to leave work it was an absolutely gorgeous afternoon and my first thought was "I have to get out and run in this". When I got home I did a short little run on the sidewalk and decided I would be ok. Tuesdays are 4 milers and I told myself I would take it easy. David tried to talk me out of it but I promised him I would take it easy and if I got to hurting I would turn for home. It was a good run. I didn't push to hard and for the first time in months I didn't wear my Striders Singlet but went for a shirt with sleeves. I did think of wearing a long sleeve shirt because I thought it was that cool but of course once I got started I got warm and was glad I didn't put on long sleeves.

The running clinic at Johns was on Wednesday night. It was only me so I got a one on one session with Gary and it was great. I think I can really tell an improvement in my running just after two weeks of working with him. The form tips and the strides really help.

Thursday was a busy day. I needed to do a 9 mile run but I had to work all day and get to a meeting at 7 pm. I rushed home, changed my clothes and got started. Ater I did 8 miles I decided to stop and get home. That way I had time to ice my knee and eat my supper without rushing around like a chicken with my head cut off. It was a good run. I stayed in the neighborhood and set a really good pace.

Friday was a rest day and I needed it. My legs were feeling fatigued and tired. David and Chandler were off camping with the scouts so I got a manicure and had the night to myself.

Hills was word of the day for Saturday. Cherri and I wanted to run part of the Iron Horse half marathon course so we planned to run in Midway on Saturday. I had 12 on the schedule but I was staying flexible till I saw how I handled the hills. Bob and Chris met us at 6 and off we started. It was a great run. It is a really pretty course, going thru town and by horse farms. We saw some weanlings running in a field and a bunch of geese. We ended up doing 11 miles and both Cherri and I handled the hills. No problem. (This also helped calm some of my marathon nerves, the marathon course is hilly and I handled the hills ok so I am hoping that means I will handle the marathon hills also.) Afterwards we all headed to IHOP for a good breakfast and good talk. Cherri and I then headed over to check out the Swim, Bike, Run shop. Really neat store. I really think if I was a stronger swimmer I would have to try a triathlon.

Sunday is another rest day and I was glad. I had thought of taking a bike ride, it was so pretty outside but Cherri reminded me it is supposed to be a rest day and I have 39 miles to do this week so no bike ride.

This coming week is the hardest week mileage wise. After this I go into taper mode, which means the marathon is only 4 weeks away. I can't believe it is so close. When I started on June 7th it seemed so far away and I was terrified of 20 miles run but here I am 4 weeks away and 2 20 milers done with one to go. Keep your fingers crossed for me.

till next week

C

‎"If I can do that, there's probably not a lot I can't do."

Kenneth Feld of Ringling Bros circus talking about a marathon

35 days and counting

Oh my gosh, can it be only 35 days till I see this sign at the finish? For some reason 35 days sounds lots shorter than 5 weeks. Had a very good week. Even though I knew another 20 miler was coming it didn't freak me out quite as bad as the first one did.

Monday night started off with a good run. I wanted to do some good hills so I mapped out a new course in the neighborhood. 5.06 miles in 51:22 - it wasn't real hot and I liked the new course.

Tuesday was a 4 miler and I wanted to try for some speed. Did my usual in the neighborhood route and did 4.2 miles in 41:24. The weather was good and the run was great.

Wednesday night Cherri and I went down to John's Run Shop and attended a Running Clinic put on by Gary Ditsch of Endurance Base Camp. They have been doing them most of the summer but this was the first time I could get down there. I really enjoyed it. He showed us some great exercises and stretches along with analysing our form. It seems like I look down to much when I run. SO...

Thursday night I tried to put into use everything I learned on Wednesday night. I was supposed to do 9 miles on Wednesday and 4 on Thursday but since I had attended the clinic Wednesday I did the 9 miles Wednesday night. I headed out the bypass towards the interstate trying really hard to remember all I learned. Arms high and tight, lean forward, foot fall and of course keep my head up. It must work because I had the best run I have had in a long time. 9 miles at 9:55 per mile, that is an awesome time for me for that long of a run. I was really jazzed when I got home, felt like I could conquer the world.

Friday is an off day. We went bowling with some friends to raise money for an adoption. Some friends of ours are leaving this week to bring home their new son and we all had fun.

Saturday started at 5:30 am. Cherri met me at 5:30 and we started off, in the dark, for our 9 miles together. We ran out to the interstate and back, good run together. Just as we got back to my house we saw a bunny beside the road. It was obviously a pet bunny and I knew Cherri would go back and try and help it. We got to my house and parted ways. I filled up my water bottles and started off again. After I did 6 miles I headed home to fill up my bottles again and as I got near the house there was Cherri, police and animal control trying to rescue the bunny. They had caught it and was taking it away as I got there. I filled up my water bottles and headed out for the final 5 miles. It didn't seem that warm but the humidity was getting to me and I was drinking more than usual. With about 3 miles to go it started getting cooler and the sky started getting darker and sure enough there came the rain. With about 2 miles to go the skies opened up and poured. Strangely enough it felt good and since there was no lightening I just kept running. Was soaked to the skin when I got home but I had done it. 2nd 20 miler done in a pretty good time and stronger than the first one. One more 20 miler in 2 weeks and then it is taper time. I was pretty sore when I got done but luckily I had 2 free massages coming and I scheduled one for Saturday afternoon and so I let Nora work some of the soreness out of me. It felt so good, wish I could have massage after every hard run. One free one left and I am going to save it for after the marathon.

Sunday was about rest and laundry. I didn't sleep well Friday night so a good 11 hrs sleep on Saturday night felt good. Then the day was spent catching up the laundry and playing with my genealogy habit.

This week is about another clinic and a good run over the Iron Horse half marathon course on Saturday and hopefully breakfast out with friends.

Till next week

C