So, I ran my last ‘long run’ this morning-8 miles. Really, it was nothing. I’m running two, six mile runs a week now, so this was just a little bit extra time. i didn’t carry my water pack or gel packs, I just hit the streets as I normally would do and the only issue was that an hour in I got pretty hungry. But then the run was over and I realized how much I love those long runs. I think I’ll start doing a 6, 8 and a 4 as my weekday runs from now on, and hang on to those long Sunday morning runs at 11 or more  miles once this marathon is over.

And it is going to be here soon! one week and one day! Next Sunday I will be finished. ALl of this training, early morning runs, three pairs of running shoes in the last 5 months . . . all done. I can’t believe it!

I’m excited but afraid. I’m worried about the weather the most. I can’t run int he heat, under the sun. that’s why I do such early morning runs now. But, I know it is only one day, four and a half hours, and I can do it.

I was thinking about it like this today: I typically run two, six mile runs a week. The marathon is just four, six mile runs, plus two additional miles.

On race day, I will think about it like this.

First six miles, just three to go.

Second six miles, halfway there.

Third six miles, just get through it.

Last six miles, just an hour left.

then I’ll have about twenty minutes, but by that time I’ll be so stoked that it is almost over that nothing will stop me!
I can’t believe I’m so close now.

My stomach has butterflies just thinking about it!!