The Last LSD Before Race Day!

My long run this weekend was brutal...but that's exactly the reason I did it. After running 9 miles Monday and cross-training mid-week (I was so exhausted from being back at work that I didn't do any other runs), I knew getting in 13 miles would remind me that training is a priority. Especially because this is my last long, slow run before tapering begins.

I am so lucky to have a group of women to reach out to for runs like this. I was surprised so many said yes! Kristin, Tracey, and Sarah met me at 7am to begin our muggy, winding 13-miler. It was already in the 70s when we began, and by 4 miles it was nearing 80.

We stopped at mile 6 - McDonald's - to stuff ice down our bras. We paused at mile 9 - the park - to run cold water over our arms. I was so glad to have company and to be wearing my water belt! I don't think I fueled well enough and I started out too quickly; the run took us longer than we wanted, but there's no such thing as a bad run.

I already miss our cold snap. Here's hoping it returns for race day!

A tough run, yes, but not bad. This run conditioned us, reminded us that we're capable, and helped make us mentally stronger.

Matt and I saw The Secret Life of Walter Mitty that evening, and I highly recommend it. It was insightful and poignant and funny! It struck a personal chord with me that I'll need to keep tuned, because it would be a shame to forget the messages the movie instilled in me.

As you can see, people fell off their boards a lot today. It was super choppy!

Today, Matt had a SUP sprint race. He placed second, despite the choppy conditions. We finally fulfilled my cravings for Chipotle, and we stopped for cupcakes on the way home.

When discovering gluten free options, get both! (Butterfinger cupcake and mint chocolate cupcake, both GF.)

OMG it was filled with peanut butter!!! HEAVEN.

How much pressure do you put on yourself to keep a certain pace on a long run?
How do you make adjustments to your plan based on fatigue, weather, or other conditions?
Thoughts on wearing a water-belt on race day? If it's hot out, I want to wear it to avoid a repeat of the FMB half.
How was your weekend?

ABK 

PS: I got new shoes this week! Amazon had a code to save $15, plus a sale on my favorite shoe, plus I had a $25 gift card. I can't wait to take these babies for a spin!

Asics Kayano-19...my sole-mates.

She's Alive!

This is a non-post post because I realized that I wrote a rather downer post earlier in the week and then kind of disappeared.

I've been running and crosstraining this week as planned, but I've been SO busy with work and getting back into my school schedule that I haven't had the time (or energy) to write. (And my runs are so rushed I haven't had time to take any pictures!)

Hopefully next week things will settle down and I'll truly be back!

Here's a picture of me barely hanging onto my sanity less than 24 hours before students came back. 

(They've since actually returned and now that I've met them I'm VERY excited for the year...Although I do really miss my kids from last year still.)

And here's what I've been up to running-wise:

How was your week?

If you could send me your usual go-to pick-me-up/energizer, what would I find in my mailbox?

ABK