Marathon Training: A Run I Want to Remember

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Bear with me, it's yet another blog post on running. I try to keep them to somewhat of a minimum but, as my October 11th marathon draws ever closer, I find myself thinking more and more often about physical strength, mental reserves, and race day strategy.

My 20-mile long run yesterday is one I want to remember for a number of reasons.

First, it was my fastest 20-miler to date, clocking in at a breezy 2 hours and 57 minutes, which is an 8:58/mile pace, a full 7 seconds per mile faster than my scheduled pace for the day. That alone deserves a big wa-hoo. 

Second, I did the run on a day where it was already 72 degrees at 6:30 am AND the humidity level was off the charts. We were dripping before we ever took our first step. 

And third, I want to remember this run because I was pretty sure by mile 5 that I was going to have to quit

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He IS Going to Make Me Get In The River

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Lucy_Cat considers whether she's up for a tubing tripAfter yesterday's post went up, I called Blair at work. 

"Anything you want to tell me?" I asked.

"Um... no?" he answered.

"You're sure," I said. "Nothing at all on your mind.... that you'd like to say now... of your own free will...?"

"Where are you going with this?"

"Pull up my blog."

He did and I heard a groan on the other end of the line. 

"Did they come like that?" he asked, the dismay evident in his voice.  "They weren't even wrapped?"

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Uh, Honey, Anything You Want To Tell Me...?

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Uh HUH. So. I'm sitting at my desk this morning, tap-tap-tapping away on my keyboard when the doorbell rings. Cats go flying under beds and as I walk to the front door I see a man in a brown UPS shirt walking back toward his truck. Yea, a delivery! Deliveries are always such fun. But hmmm.... I don't remember ordering anything as of late. What could it be?

God give me patience. I open the door to find these on the front porch:

Why doesn't he WARN me about these things? The other day I came home to find a 6-foot wrapped pole leaning against the mailbox. Fishing pole? No - bow and arrow set. I don't know whether to be happy he's got a hobby or - frankly - a bit concerned. 

So I don't know what Conan thinks we're going to do with these inner tube things. I'm hoping the word "River" on the box is misleading and maybe he's booked us at some 5-star resort where we'll sip organic pina coladas as our tubes are guided through an air-conditioned tunnel of chlorine-filled, chemically altered crystal blue pool water. I KNOW he doesn't expect me to set foot in the humid, buggy, mud-entrenched Dan River outside our home. Does he? DOES HE??

I swear, if snow shoes or a hang-gliding kit show up at the door, I'm having him evaluated. 

I think it's revenge for all the vegan meals. I SAID I was sorry about the $75 hemp-protein pancakes already... please, honey, let it go.

ADOPT ME

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Meet Almost JackMy friend Dawn, a dog trainer, found this sweet little face staring up at her from a highway. He needs a home - permanent or foster. In Dawn's words:

On Thursday, August 13, 2009 I was driving home from a client's house and saw a dog in the road up ahead. I thought it was a min pin or other small breed. I stopped the car as I got closer, and he came around to the driver's door. I opened the door, and was face to face with a starving puppy. I scooped him up and put him in the car, and took him to a vet as soon as I could.

Bio:
I've always heard when you name a stray is when you get into trouble, but I kept thinking of him as Jack. I told a friend of my reluctance to call him Jack, and she said he was "Almost Jack". So that's his name now. Almost Jack.

Quick Bio:
-mutt -dog rescue -ADOPTABLE!

Likes:
To be held. Food.

Pet-Peeves:
Being left alone, going hungry.

Favorite Toy:
He hasn't experienced toys yet, but I'm getting him some.

Favorite Food:
Anything. He appreciates anything he gets.

Favorite Walk:
He hasn't really experienced this yet. He seems fearful that he will be left when I take him outside.

Best Tricks:
Being cute. Washing your face.

Dogster Id:
1024686

Age: 4 Months Sex: Male Weight: 11-25 lb

Expected Adult Size:
Medium (26-50 lbs.)

You can visit Almost Jack's Profile on Dogster.com. If you can offer this sweet boy a home, or even a foster home to keep him out of the shelter, time is of the essence. Please pass Almost Jack's info along to anyone who may be interested.

Thank you! (And puppy kisses from Almost Jack.)