Tampons, Moo Cows & Sweet Tea: A Race Report from the NC Marathon, Part II

Well hello there! I see you guys were intrigued by Part I of my race report and the cliffhanger at the end! I'm a little bit sneaky, eh? So without further ado, I present to you the remainder of this (really long) race report from my first marathon last Saturday.

The Race: Miles 14-21
After I made my first short walk break at 13.5, I knew that more walk breaks were in my immediate future. I hate, hate, HATE to walk during training runs, much less races, and I had already let myself down by taking this first short one. Everyone around me seemed to be taking walk breaks and when I wasn't getting too much further ahead of them I thought, why not? No one was around spectating/cheering/pushing me to keep going. It was just me and the moo cows and about 10 other racers (most of which were considerably older than me) meandering through the sparse farm land of NC.

I know I said that stopping at 13 was my "first big mistake of the race" but actually, I think my first mistake was eating those Sport Beans before I even started! My stomach had been cramping up the entire run, not debilitating cramps, but cramps that just annoyed me and made it that much easier to stop when I was getting spent.

So from about mile 13.5 on it was a walk/run kind of race for me. I don't know why, I have run plenty of runs further than 13 and never walked a second, but for some reason in this long & lonely race I was allowing myself to stop. It was a good run up until that point, I was feeling strong, I was making my way past other racers--all while sticking within my target pace. But after mile 13 my pace started to suffer and for some weird reason, it was okay with me.

I don't know what mile it was, but it had to be around mile 17ish when we were making our way out of the country and started to wind through a neighborhood. It was really strange because here we were, this small trickle of marathon runners, coming through this average looking neighborhood with no fan fare, no course markers (don't get me started on this), and I was wondering what the people who lived there were thinking. They were mowing their lawns, blowing the excess grass into the street, going about their Saturday as if this huge race didn't even exist. I would have given anything at that point to be mowing a lawn.

So it was sometime on this never ending road through this neighborhood when it started to spit light rain again. Welcome rain that was my only saving grace at that moment. Then, something strange happened.

I felt something hit the back of my leg. Hmm, that was weird feeling. I turn around and what do I see?

A TAMPON. A Tampax Super completely free from it's wrapper, AND its applicator.

Marinate on that for a second.

Said tampon in my back pocket. This was at the 4 mile marker when my dad hopped in with me.

At first I had the horrific thought that MY tampon had fallen out (if that is even possible. Sorry for the TMI there). But I quickly realized after reaching around to feel for my extra pal in my back pocket, and this little guy had become so soaked in sweat/rain that the paper wrapper had basically disintegrated and somehow, SOMEHOW the tampon itself had wriggled out of it's applicator and broken free onto the streets of this suburban neighborhood.

Of course there were runners directly behind me. Of course they were looking at me quite strangely. But I avoided their curious/scared glances and kept on truckin. At least this would keep me amused in my thoughts for a few miles. Note to self: make sure to only carry tampons in plastic wrappers on super long runs or in races. Got it.

After that little incident, we started to (finally) make our way back into town. I was hoping that there would be some spectators to help me out because I was beat. I had made a deal with myself that I could walk through every water station from mile 16 on. This worked out pretty well although a few times, I had to walk between stations (they came about every 2 miles).

My stomach was still giving me fits but I was trying to ignore that. My left foot hurt pretty bad and my right calf was starting to get really tight. My socks were rubbing weirdly against the bottoms of my feet and I was just so ready to be done. How I made it to meet up with my family at mile 21 I don't know.

The Race: Miles 21-26.2
At around mile 20ish there was a water station at the bottom of what I thought was the worst hill of the course. I stopped and drank my water + Gatorade (excuse me, G), walked for a bit up the hill, and then started running again. As soon as I got to the top of the hill I could see my people there waiting for me. It was like an oasis in the desert!

They were hooting and hollering and yelling for the cops to stop the traffic and it was JUST what I needed.

(Please watch this, my Nana yelling at the cops is priceless)

Before the race I had asked Eric if he would run the end of it with me. He said he could do that. Then, the morning of the race he was like, "Yeah, I don't think so Kristin, I don't really run." I am sure I said something smarty pants like any older sister would do. Something like, "Well fine then! I hate you too ass whipe." You know, something nice.

So when I came through the intersection where they were waiting I didn't expect to have a running partner. Especially since Eric was in his khaki shorts and heavy leather belt. But as I ran by screaming, "This freaking suuuucccckkkss!" he hopped right in and said, "I'm gonna run with you!" I was elated, overjoyed. Perhaps saved.

So I took off my headphones and gladly started chatting. "Yeah we just ate at Biscuitville and I had a biscuit and a Mtn. Dew so I'm ready to go!" He said. I knew that would come back to haunt him in a mile or so.

I was telling him about the fat girls who were beating the pants off me, the miles and miles of desolation in the country, of seeing the winner run past us and then seeing the guy who was in second about a mile back. I started chatting - between huge gulps of air - about how I felt like crap and my feet hurt. I told him that I would want to stop but not to let me.

So we kept running and chatting and it was nice not only to catch up with my brother but also to have someone to motivate me. He kept telling me that I had run so far and it was okay I was going slow, that all I had was a few more miles and we would done, that I could do it. It was great. Although I was a little bit embarrassed about how slow I was going, I couldn't help it! I had never run with Eric before and I knew he wanted to go faster (especially since he doesn't ever run). I looked at my Garmin and realized that a sub 5 hour finish was the only thing I could hope for, and it was within reach. But as the last miles started to tick by I told myself that I didn't care about my time anymore, I just wanted to finish. So I didn't look at it again.

We kept running by all these cops who would tell us, "You're doing great! Only one more hill!" and then there would be at least 4 more hills. But it was just comical at that point.

Eric's biscuit started to come up. I told him I burped peanut butter for at least 5 miles at the beginning.

We got to mile 25ish and were on the home stretch. We could see the building downtown where the finish line was, and there was this one long road between us and it.

"Ok that guy up ahead is a douchebag because he just stopped," Eric said on one of the last hills. "We can beat him." Then later, "Actually, let's try to beat all 4 of those people ahead of us. Then you will be motivated to finish strong."

"Whatever...want to be done" I mumbled. But I was trying as hard as I could. We kept picking up the pace and one by one we started passing. We were almost there as we rounded out a left turn into the downtown area. We passed one more. I could hear the music from the finish line. We were to a corner where we were about to turn onto our final street and I saw the 26 mile marker, with my dad jumping up and down on the corner yelling for us and telling us we had only 2 more blocks to go. We turned on the heat and passed the last person. I started sprinting and he followed.

"Wait a minute, wait, what are you doing! This is too fast!" He was whimpering.

We turned into the finish and he ran off to the sidelines letting me run through the finish line on my own. It was probably one of the happiest moments of my life. I heard my family and Matt yelling for me and I looked to my left and saw my best friend Meredith waving to me. She had wanted to run this with me but couldn't due to injury, and it meant so much to me that she had driven all the way there just to see me finish.



I ran through the timing mat and collected my medal. They handed me a wet towel and I got some water. I stopped and tried to catch my breath and walked over to where everyone was gathering. I stopped my Garmin and looked at my time, 5:01:XX. That was okay by me.

Many sweaty hugs were shared, tears were shed, and I was just so utterly happy that I had finished. Eric was a bit disheveled and exhausted ("I think that was the furthest I have ever run...hmpfh" he told me afterward) but I hugged him and thanked him for being the sole reason I made it across the line as quickly as I did.

Sure, I was a little but disappointed in my time. Sure, I felt like I could have pushed myself a little bit harder. But in the end I was just so proud of myself for running a freaking marathon, that all of my doubts about my performance were overshadowed. It was a great feeling. I knew then that I would have to do it again, there was no doubt in my mind. I wanted a rematch with myself!

Then I did what any good southern girl would do after a race, grab a big fat glass of sweet tea and relax :)

Meredith, me and Matt and my sweet tea...sitting...this was necessary.

Me and my medal after we arrived home :)

Tampons, Moo Cows & Sweet Tea: A Race Report from the NC Marathon, Part I

Since Blogger hates me and doesn't want to post, here is the abridged version. (Which is still pretty long, so hang on tight!!)

Friday night I got lazy and didn't make pizza. Instead I made a quick pesto pasta, had a small portion of steak and called it a night. I had everything ready for my 4:30 AM wake-up call.

Race Day: I woke up before my alarm even went off. I lay in bed for about 10 minutes then got up to get ready. I ate 1/2 bagel with PB and 1/2 a banana. I had some coffee. I visited the ladies room. I had 4 GU's and 2 Sport Beans tucked into my back pocket of my tank. I was good to go.

I did have one worry, however. I had my period. (Thanks Mother Nature!) But it was on its last legs so I was hoping it wouldn't be an issue. Of course, I only had one tampon left for the day and I had forgotten to pick any up at the store...so just to err on the safe side I was planning on popping into a grocery store for some Pearl Mini's I could hide somewhere on me during the race . If only I could get my family out of the house in time....we were supposed to leave no later than 6 AM for the race start at 7 AM.

5:31 AM: Younger bro Eric is still asleep on the couch. I start screaming at him to get up. Eventually he did. Then to my horror, I HEAR HIM TAKING A SHOWER. Luckily for him he is a boy and that takes about 2.5 seconds.

5:47 AM: I am not-so-patiently waiting at the door for everyone to leave. I was regretting not driving myself. (To clarify, Matt and my Nana were perfectly ready to go.)

5:51 AM: We start loading into Matt's truck, as we (Matt, me and my Nana) were under the impression we were all riding together. Doors are open and front seat + one in the back is emtpy for Eric and Dad.

5:55 AM: I sit with my mouth open in utter disbelief when I see Dad and Eric pull out of his complex's parking lot in Eric's car, turn the corner, and are out of sight while we all sit there wondering what the hell just happened.

5:56 AM: As we scramble to move spots and shut the doors and screech out of the lot Fast and Furious style, I scream into my cell phone at my dad, "Whereareyougoingithoughtwewereridingtogetherimgoingtomissmyraceidontknowtheway!!"

5:56 1/2 AM: "We are right here waiting on you, it will be okay." -Dad

5:57 AM: Mini-heart attack averted. We leave, and are following them (I dont know the way).

5:58 AM: We pass the Food Lion I had previously instructed them to stop at. I make another frantic call. "Okneverminddontstopnoooootimeee!!" and then "OHwaitstopatthisgasstation!!" So we did. I hopped out and picked up the cheap Tampax Super's in the paper wrapper. Will have to do in a pinch. I stick one in the back of my tank along with my GU's. Yes, it was sticking out and was very noticable.

5:59 AM - 6:34 AM: "OMGGGG this is not the right waaayy! Ithinkdadhasuslost omg he betternotbetakingthescenicroute!!!!!" (My dad is known world wide for taking the long way every where. Once it took us an entire day to drive from my Nana's house in VA back to his house. It normally takes three hours.) Also I was debating whether I should wear my hat (that came in the race packet) in case it rained, or my cute new green headband. The hat won.

6:35 AM: We arrive in High Point with plenty of time to spare, we find the starting line, and my family drops me off to go park and wishes me good luck. I was at this point, calmed down.
We also took some pics.


6:40 AM: I have to pee. I find the port-a-potties only to scowl at the ridiculously long lines. I mumble something about "crappyorganizing" and "idontwaitinlines" and "bushsomewhere." I get some strange looks and an awkward chuckle and scramble a block or so away to pee behind a building. I also start eating a pack of Sport Beans. But not at the same time.


6:43 - 7:02 AM: I'm looking around for the starting line (it was not very clearly marked) and see Matt and crew through the (minimal) crowd. I was thinking that this race is way too small for me to find my posse that easily about 5 ft from the starting line.

We make small talk, listen to the national anthem, take some more pics, I give Eric the rest of my Sport Beans and my other pack and happily let him and Matt know that "I peed behind a building and now I feel like I need to poo again." Eric takes the Sport Beans. Matt laughs and looks genuinely worried. I tell him that it's ok "they have port-a-potties on the course should the urge strike."


Then I look at my Garmin and realize it's go time. I set that baby up, put on my headphones (the most awesome headphones ever, review to come this week) and I'm off!

My goal for the race was to be consisently running between a 10:00 and 11:00 pace, bringing me in around 4:30-4:45. But I told myself that if I finished at all I would be proud. My only strategy was to think of my remaining miles as, "Only 14 more to go...I can do that in my sleep" rather than, "Holy hell 14 freaking miles to go!"

The Race: Miles 1-4
The weather at the starting time was 62 degrees F, 80% humidity with a south wind of 6 mph. Although it sounds really humid, I didn't notice it at all. At points throughout the run it was gently spitting rain to cool us off. Mother Nature was trying to make nice. The weather was perfect.

The first four miles wound through downtown, some historic neighborhoods with huge houses with expensive cars parked out front, and then back into the downtown area. There was a group of three sort of overweight women all dressed alike who were running for a few minutes and then walking. This thoroughly pissed me off because although they seemed to be walking most of the time, they were keeping up with me perfectly. Hmm. I consoled myself with the thought that they were probably running the 1/2. Since they stayed with me until the two races parted at 8 miles, I found out that they were indeed running the 1/2. That didn't really make me feel better.

It was hillier than I had expected/hoped but I was feeling strong. I rounded out the end of mile 3 and was pleased to see my crew waiting for me at a corner, screaming my name, waving cameras. Matt was so graciously carrying around my mom's huge camera we were borrowing since mine was broken.



My dad hopped in to run along side me for a minute and asked how I was doing. I told him it was pretty hilly and he assured me I was doing great. Even my brother looked happy! This was a shocker.

The Race: Miles 5 -13
Eventually the course moved towards the major roads and was heading out of town. At around mile 8 the two races split and a (very) few of us went to the right towards the "MARATHON" sign. I teared up because I was so proud of myself because I was going to finish a marathon! Then I shocked myself back into reality and realized it was only mile 8 and I had a crap ton left.

Big hill at mile 9.

Mile 10 started us winding through the country. I was almost alone on the course with only a handful of runners ahead of me (I tried not to look behind me to see who was most likely about to pass me), miles of farm land, a few tractors and a good number of moo cows. I was lonely. It was desolate and not that pretty. Up until this point, I had been keeping within my target pace. My left foot was starting to really hurt and I could feel a nasty blister on my pinkie toe forming. There were NO spectators cheering me on.

I took my first walk break at mile 13.5 for about 30 seconds. It was at the bottom of a pretty long hill. I was bored, so I walked. It was my first big mistake of the race.

To be continued....

A Stroll Down Memory Lane & Big Announcement!

The past few days have been kind of, ugh, blah for me. Why? I don't know. I think this training is starting to get to me! After my long "run" on Sunday I took a much needed rest day Monday. Tuesday night I set out after work to run a quick 4 miles and then did some calisthenics outside. I don't have my times but I know each mile got faster, with the first in the 9 minute range and the last under 8.

My new calisthenics routine:

3 sets of 12 lunges
3 sets of 12 squats
3 sets of 12 side leg lifts
3 sets of 12 wall push ups (I'm a weakling, what can I say?)
60 jumping jacks

I know this sounds pretty lame, but I am just glad that I am doing any of these at all! I also add in some stretching before, during and after to break it up. I like to partner these with a short 4 mile quick run and then some sprints, but unfortunately Tuesday I just wasn't feeling any sprinting! Too bad, because sprinting is a great way to speed up your metabolism for days after your workout. Remember my workout on Saturday? That thing left me sore for days!! That's when you know you worked some muscles you don't normally work out.

Last night I was scheduled to run an easy 8 miles. I was still feeling pretty run down, tired, crappy whatever after work yesterday and I figured it would be a slow run. I did not figure that I would only have the energy to run the first 4 mile loop and then call it a night! Surprisingly, I was okay with that and not too worried about my long run this weekend.

So after my week of interesting runs, I decided yesterday that I might just need to take it easy this week in preparation for my last long run of my training before taper time, my 2nd 20 miler next Saturday. I have a meeting after work today so I won't be running (besides, it is raining cats and dogs today in Charleston, I almost flooded my car out on the way to work!) but I will be plenty busy cleaning up and preparing for my mom and younger brother to come visit this weekend!

I know I have been talking up the Cooper River Bridge Run 10k for some time now, and I really have been planning to run in it. Matt was even supposed to run it with me, but he has since decided he is not in shape enough to run it. I have a few friends who will be participating, but I just don't know if I want to spend $40 to run a bridge that I already run twice a week. What do y'all think? Plus, I spent a lot of money this week on other running related things, like.......

I finally took the plunge and REGISTERED for the NC Marathon on May 2nd!!

I have been waiting as long as possible to register, just in case my training wasn't going well or I got injured, but since the rates were going up after today I went ahead and did it! So there is NO turning back now!

The race fee was $70, which is quite a lot for me these days, and I also just spent over $100 on new running gear (which should be arriving today!!! woo hoo!!). So I just don't know if I can justify the 40 bones for the bridge run. I will keep ya updated!

I leave you today with some pictures of us from the past two years bridge runs. (I have lost a ton of weight since the 2007 race! That's always nice :)

30th Annual Cooper River Bridge Run 2007

All the ladies at the finish line!
(This was all of our longest run to that point!)



All cleaned up & ready for a night out in Chucktown
(I kind of look like an amazon woman! I promise I am barely 5'5")

2008 Cooper River Bridge Run


Veronica, Alesha, Me and Matt at the finish line
(Veronica & Alesha are going to be on our Wild West Relay team!)


Me & the boy...he was much happier at this point than when I was trying to make small talk up the bridge...

Nice stroll down memory lane...I really would like to run again this year, but I just cannot decide! Either way I have planned to do a 10k Saturday and 13 miles on Sunday. If I don't race Saturday, I will probably just do a 15 miler (or something similar) Saturday morning. Then next weekend work really hard to get in all my mileage and do awesome on my 20 miler! This time, I won't do a speed workout the day before....

(Edited to crop picture size)

The Bourbon Chase - Overnight 200 Mile Relay

Yesterday I had a new Twitter follower, @willrun4bourbon, and upon checking them out found a great race idea for this fall!


The Bourbon Chase - Lexington, KY - October 9-10, 2009
Here's the rundown:

What? The Bourbon Chase is a unique, overnight relay adventure in which teams of runners cover 200 miles of scenic byways along the famous Kentucky Bourbon Trail. Participants will experience the best of Kentucky. Starting near Bardstown, the Bourbon Capital of the World, and wrapping up with a festive finish in downtown Lexington, the Horse Capital of the World, The Bourbon Chase will treat runners to gorgeous horse farms and the rolling Bluegrass countryside.

And, as the event name implies, the featured attraction of the race will be the Kentucky Bourbon Trail which links the state's legendary distilleries.

When? The Bourbon Chase will take place October 9-10, 2009, with the starting times staggered based upon each team's estimated finish time. Beginning near the Jim Beam American Outpost & Homestead, the first flight of teams will start the 200 mile course at 8am. During the next 12 hours, every 15 minutes a new set of teams will begin their overnight journey through the Bluegrass State.

How? Teams are made up of 12 runners. Each member of the team will run three legs over distances varying from 3 – 7 miles. Each team will provide two support vans to drop off and pick up runners at designated exchange points along the 200-mile route. So, you don't have to be a world-class runner. From casual joggers to serious racers, this event is great fun for everyone.

Amenities? In addition to every finisher receiving a Bourbon Chase medal and a high-performance athletic Bourbon Chase shirt, a post-race party will be held in the heart of Lexington under the shadow of Rupp Arena. Streets will be closed to allow for live music, food and celebratory drinks.

Sounds pretty amazing, right?!

So here's the deal folks. I am 100% down to do this race. Matt's family lives in Kentucky so we would have no problem heading up that way for a long weekend. I can captain a 12-person team, and I already have interest from about 4-5 people.

Important Deets:
We would need to rent 2 passenger vans, and have 2 people who would volunteer to drive throughout the race, dropping us off and picking us up. (Boyfriends/Husbands??) If Matt doesn't decide to run, I am sure he will fill one of those spots.

We would all need to (obviously) find our own transportation to Kentucky, but we could definitely figure out a way to split up hotel rooms for those who would need to. (I believe the race organizers are still figuring out host hotels and all that jazz as this is the inaugural race.)

There is a limit of 150 teams for the race. It probably won't fill up too soon, but I would like to know sooner than later, who is committing to the race.

PLUS-if we register before March 31st, team registration is only $900! That comes out to $75 per person.

If we wait to register, it shoots up to $1200 and for those of us not-so-mathematically-inclined, that is $100 per person.

We do have the option of putting down a $300 deposit for our team, and paying the remainder prior to the race.

If anyone is interested in joining our team, please comment here and let me know how you're feeling about it.

I would like to know FOR SURE, by Wednesday, March 25th. That way you guys could get checks to me by Monday, March 30th.

This is going to be a fun event, and it would be a great way to meet some of you who I only know through a computer! :) KY is pretty far for some of you folks, but it would definitely be a good time had by all! Plus, there would be lots of Bourbon for us to celebrate with post-race!

As far as bringing along significant others, I think that would be fine! The more the merrier! But if we all don't fit in the 2 vans, some people may have to stay back (or go on their own tours of the distilleries we will only be running by!) as we can only have those 2 vehicles on the race course.

So check out the website, check your schedules, and let me know!

GET EXCITED!

LifePoint 5k Race Report + New PR!

Whew! Beautiful Saturday morning (high 60s and clear, supposed to be in the 80s today!) and I already knocked out my morning 5k. The LifePoint 5k Run/Walk was at James Island County Park, which I had never been to before, and it was nice.

There was only one problem....hundreds of BUGS!

Matt went with me and we both were getting eaten alive by gnats waiting on the race to start. After it was over, I think I picked like 10 of those things off my face/neck/arms...so gross!

The race was small and they didn't use any timing chips, my first race without them! So the "starting line" was just a chalk line on the grass. Here is everyone lined up waiting to go.



The race took us through the park, winding through weeping willows and marshland on the bike trail. I didn't get many pics, sorry! Here's me pre-race:


But, I did set a new PR of 25:30!!! Matt said I was the 6th or 7th female to cross the finish line! Woo hoo!

We didn't wait around afterwards, we were getting eaten up pretty badly by the gnats. But I was so excited that I beat my previous PR of 26:17. I am so happy that I am getting faster and more fit!

For the rest of the day, I think I am going to shower and get some breakfast and then get to studying for my exam! I also need to do some cleaning. I have to make sure I drink a ton of water today...17 miles on the agenda for tomorrow... :( I think I might also work on a new route so I'm not running over the bridge...i.e. something a bit more flat :)

Also, the Charleston Food and Wine Festival is in town this weekend (and Food Network's Bobby Flay) so we might possibly check that out.

Hope everyone has a fantastic Saturday! Go outside and play!

March Goals & A Saturday 5k

Ahh, another day off running, and I don't even mind it.

I had decided yesterday that I would take today off as well from training, as much for my sanity as for my body. My long run on Saturday was so depressing, plus it did leave me a little sore Sunday and today, I just needed some time off to chill. Plus I am spending tonight studying for my life, accident and health insurance exam (that my bosses are on me to schedule to take any day now...).

But, I needed a break from studying so here I am.

I have a few goals in mind for March, so I thought I would share.

1. I have decided that I need to kick start some weight loss. I have been at the same weight for over a year now, and I need to do something to lose about 5-10 pounds. So officially, my goal for March is to lose at least 6 pounds. For me, the only way to lose weight is to just cut back on my portions, and replace a few lunches with salads. I already eat pretty healthy, but sometimes I just eat too much knowing that I will just burn it off on a run.
2. Another goal for the month (as well as a way to help achieve #1) is to to join a gym and start weight training. My boyfriend and I have been planning on doing this for a while now, and we both realized that March is our month. So once our tests are over (he has three tomorrow...ugh) we will make a final decision as to which one. I hope to weight train twice a week.
   
3. Stretch a lot more, i.e. do more yoga! I do take the time to stretch after each run (we have these great bars outside our building that are perfect stretch companions) but I know I don't do it long enough, and if I add some yoga to my routine not only it will make me feel better but will also help to prevent against injury. This will be especially useful in the coming months as I round the corner to the (gasp) marathon.

Since I am starting this weight loss thing today, I went home for lunch to make a big salad filled with veggies. This is also part of my plan to eat healthy on a budget, where I don't spend $ on going out to lunch or grabbing a $6 salad from WF or somewhere.

I started off with mixed greens, black olives, feta cheese, chopped onion, and chopped celery.


Then I finished it off with one shaved carrot, some alfalfa sprouts, Tribe roasted garlic hummus, pepper and olive oil and balsamic vinegar.



It not only tasted great, but it was a good way to get rid of some things in the fridge (half of an onion, cut celery stalks, black olives, remnants of feta and hummus...) so all in all fulfilled two goals: 1) eating healthy! 2) sticking to my budget and NOT wasting any more food!

Oooo almost forgot! I am now registered for the Lifepoint Gift of Life 5k this Saturday! This will be my first race since last November! Unfortunately, I will be running it alone, but I think the bf might get up early to cheer me on. :) I went back and forth about doing it at all since I would be by myself, but since I don't have any real running friends around here yet, I figured I might as well! Plus reading everyone's race reports have made me miss having a race of my own to brag about! After the 5k on Saturday, I hope to be in good shape for my long run Sunday morning. (Anything would be better than last weeks long run!)

Now I must get back to studying (and to my green tea) but thank you ALL for your lovely comments on our new look here, and again thanks for everyone's help on my training. I hope this week in running will be fab.