Category Archives: Running

Race Report: Houston Aramco Half Marathon

16 Monday Jan 2012

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June and I around 5 am, pre-race.  Wow, my bib belt really cuts me in half!

Course:  Reminded me of Dallas, lots of potholes and un-even.  I started in the “A” corral with the half marathoners.  Within the corral, there was suggested areas for paces.  I started behind the 1:45.  The start was on-time which was fabulous. It was so crowded, pretty much to the split for the full and half.

The weather was the best distance weather I think i’ve ever had.  Caution low was the best thing I saw all morning!

Crowd/music/cheering:  Was good in spots.  Wasn’t as high energy as I would have thought.  I didn’t hear much music at all.

Aid:  Very hard to move in and out to get water and/or Gatorade.  Streets seemed to be narrow in the aid areas.  Guess I have been used to courses with aid on both sides of the road.

Swag:  packet was full of useless stuff, as are most.  The race shirt was ok, but then again, I hate white shirts.  Finisher shirt was nice (although also white) as was the medal.

Here I am with my running buddy AK, who somehow found me twice on race morning.  She found me afterwards and ON the course!  I lost her during the race, which was fine, I don’t race with anyone.  We ran 3 miles together in Dallas (she slowed down) and a little over a mile on Sunday (she sped up).  I think she finished around 1:40.

I did well in the race, despite having issues sleeping because of my gluten issue the night before.  I didn’t really feel it was a strong race for me mentally or physically, so it must have been the perfect weather that allowed me to have my 4 second PR.

Facilities:  Port-a-potties at the start had no toilet paper in 1 section which was sad.  Bag check was quick and easy on both ends.  Everything post-race was inside which I LOVED.  And it was well organized and spacious.

Refreshment:  I guess for most people, it was probably awesome (sponsored by HEB grocery).  For me, not so much.  They had bananas (which is all I usually want).  The rest was gluten-laden: prepacked snackfoods, biscuits and gravy, breakfast tacos, etc.  They did have a nice area for the drinks with coffee, cocoa, sodas, chocolate milk, water, HEB sports drink, etc.  Needless to say, I only got a banana, which I did not eat (I had one as my first breakfast).

There were also additional booths outside the food area that had Honey Milk and HEB creamy creations ice cream.  Tempting, but I know how that story ends, so I avoided it.

There were probably a million bananas, i’m not even kidding.  Like 5 LONG rows of them!  I thought that many bananas was beautiful, it’s my #1 post-race food.

B1: banana, GF bar
WO: half marathon.  Gel, water, gatorade on course.
S:  mini rice krispy treat, turkey jerky
L: Harvest chicken salad, apple, almonds
S: cooked carrots, cinnamon, and coconut oil
D:  Mighty Fine bacon-jalapeno cheeseburger without a bun.  Brought it home to have on half my cheddar-jalapeno GF bun (because I forgot it at home).  Still haven’t brought myself to eat a burger without some sort of bun.  Dan and I shared an order of fries (which I ate most of before I could grab a photo).


S: Perfect Fit Gluten Free cookie, chocolate chip.  I’d never tried that flavor before, not really a fan.

I graze a lot after races, because I am not really hungry (this is really the ONLY time this happens), but I know I need to eat.  I wasn’t hungry at dinner, but it was necessary.  If you are wondering how many Weight Watchers Points Plus this was (~62).  And no, that’s not unusual for me to do 1 weekend day a week. No deprivation here.  I have at least one really high day a week and have for the last five years, it’s what works for me.

If you are wondering how many calories I burn running a half, not as many as you’d think.  Roughly 850.  I’d venture to say that most WW members would earn more than that.  I have a low RHR and a low burn, I roughly burn 65 calories a mile.  Most people burn around 100 per mile.  Based on that, most people would burn over 1300 calories in a half.  Calories burned has ZERO to do with why I run.

I’d consider the race a success, but it wasn’t one of my best.  I’m still proud of my effort even if it didn’t feel like my best.

Speedster Saturday

16 Monday Jan 2012

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Talking about the people running the trials, certainly not me, lol.

Attended the 2012 Olympics Marathon trials Saturday morning. This was very cool, big thanks to my buddy June for letting me come with her, help set up the volunteer food and drink at the red aid station.  We were super excited, but June was like a kid in a candy store as demonstrated below ;-)  We were right past the 5K mark.

This was likely a once in a lifetime experience.  It was totally worth the early wake-up time and being cold.

And completely worth the heat-rash I got from the propane heater that I parked in front of between the athletes passing.  Likely due to the synthetic fiber tights worn under my jeans getting too hot.  It was gone by Sunday morning, but this photo was over 6 hours later, I had bright red leopard spots!

Each athlete had a number, which corresponded with an aid table.  It was interesting to see how each athlete marked their aid bottles and containers.     Some were really flashy with glitter, bright colors, etc. The bottles had specific places on the table where they were staged but not until it was almost time for the athlete to come through.  This photo was before the bottles were placed out by the aid volunteer on the dots on the table, which marked the placement.  What I wouldn’t give to have my aid this way, lol!

The athletes were amazing.

Watched them on tv in the afternoon to see what actually happened.  I was happy with the results, looks like we’ll have a strong team.  Not sure if they will be able to medal, but we should have a good showing.

Saturday eats:

B1: banana and almonds
WO: none
B2: 2 bacon and egg on corn taco
L: Tropical Ahi salad at Cedar Creek (still drooling over this one!)
S: apple and peanut butter
D:  chicken kabobs, greek salad, and red potato salad (mayo free) at Zoe’s Kitchen


S: Lara bar

I hadn’t eaten at Zoe’s in a while, we only have one in Austin and it’s not convenient to work or home.  I originally discovered them through a Groupon a few years back and I eat there when I can.  They do have a gluten-free menu, which is nice.  I tried the kabobs this time which were good, as was the greek salad.  I’d never had the mayo-less red potato salad, so I got that as my other side.  Big mistake :-(   After a few bites, I found pasta in my potatoes.  No idea how it got there, guessing the cook was sloppy and got some of the pasta salad into my potato salad.  Not sure how much I actually ate, but it was enough to make for a reaction.  It never even crossed my mind how to deal with a reaction the night before a race.  A race first for sure.

My friend Nicole was my dinner date and I really enjoyed catching up with her.  Wish I’d had more time to visit with her.  She’s another gal I am super proud of.  She’s made great strides with her health and I’m thrilled she’s been so successful :-)

Travel, turkey, trials, and tuna

14 Saturday Jan 2012

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Trip to Houston yesterday was easy and effortless.  Fueled by a $8 bag of Buccee’s turkey jerky.  It was tasty and GF, but not really sure it was worth the price.  And it only had 4 ingredients, turkey breast and 3 spices.

Got in just in enough time to go to dinner with June’s training group at Patronella’s.  Good dinner.  Luckily I could order off of the menu, the whole entire meal that everyone else had was gluten with the exception of the salad.   I had delicious Salmon with even more salad and vegetables.  It was gorgeous, but I forgot to take photos because I was too busy feeding my face.

Ran errands and had girl chat the rest of the evening.  Probably stayed up too late for having to get up at 4 am.  We got up on time and got our rears moving to pick up Starbucks, tacos, and the rest of the food and beverage for the red aid stop for the 2012 Olympic Marathon Trials.  We were around 3, 7, 18 mile markers.  Very very cool.

The trials were awesome, will post more later, I didn’t bring the adapter for my camera to upload photos, so cell phone is best I have for now.

Now to enjoy the rest of the Saturday after a fabulous lunch at Cedar Creek.  June and I both enjoyed some killer salads.  She had a mexican inspired salad.  I had the Tropical Ahi (greens, red onions, grapefruit, pears, avocado, mint, and grilled Ahi Tuna).  I’m totally remaking this at home but maybe with another source of protein, since I don’t usually cook tuna.

 It’s a lovely day in Houston :-)

Running-Best of 2011

31 Saturday Dec 2011

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MissZippy and Amanda at RuntotheFinish posted a great list of questions!  I thought they were fun, so here are my answers.

Best race experience?  TEXAS INDEPENDENCE RELAY.  203 miles of fun.  My first long distance relay (more than a marathon relay anyhow)

Best run? GOLDEN GATE BRIDGE, SAN FRANCISCO

Best new piece of gear? BROOKS TRANCE SHOES.  I finally broke down and tried something new.  Hated them at first because they were SO different than what I was used to.  Now i’m in love.  Thinking about putting away the Asics Kayanos for good.  Can’t wait for the new ones to come out.

Best piece of running advice you received?  You know your limits.  Use your regular brain, NOT runner’s brain

Most inspirational runner? This one is hard, because there are so many.  Really, I am thinking Lisa at Early Morning Run.  I didn’t discover her story or her blog until late in the year, but she has a great spirit, despite her injuries and obstacles

If you could sum up your year in a couple of words, what would they be?  CHALLENGING.  The health issues this year have been a learning experience.  Somehow by the grace of God, I have not had my health hinder and of the races.  But there have been a few where i’ve held back and been cautious (like RNR San Antonio and Run for the Lions half).

I am optimistic that 2012 will be a good year mentally and physically.  I am determined to figure out my health issues and improve myself all around :-)

Retake

30 Friday Dec 2011

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Half marathon with my mom and sister….take two. 

Hopefully better weather conditions than Dallas Whiterock a few weeks ago.   Although the last 2 years haven’t been favorable.  Last year was unseasonably warm and humid with muggy drizzle.  Two years ago was the high winds that kept delaying the race because all of the barricades were blowing over.

I am surprised my sister wanted to do another, I am thinking my mom conned her into it ;-)   1 month from tomorrow!

Race Report: Dallas Whiterock Half

05 Monday Dec 2011

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Let it be known that I am grateful for every drop of rain that Texas has received and will get.  We are still in an exceptional drought with no end in sight.

However, I am NOT a fan of cold and wet together.  I’d hoped for a 2-4 hour break in the weather for Sunday morning.  This did not happen. 

We got dressed dark and early for the race.  It was going to be slightly warmer than originally predicted (thank goodness).  I wanted to wear shorts but discovered i’d only packed 3 pairs of tights.  I rarely run in pants, how the hell did I forget shorts?

We hopped on board the shuttle to the start.  There was a break in the rain, but it was pretty cold (low 40s and did not warm at all).  I had a singlet, a long sleeve tech shirt, tights, gloves, headband, and a rain poncho on (thank you Metro PCS!).  The weatherman said the rain would be at 9 am and then again at 11 am.  They lied.  It started pouring at 8:30, when I was a little less than 3 miles in.

I ran the first 3-4 miles with my running buddy AK.  She’s running Decker half on the 11th which is really hilly, so she wanted to preserve her legs some and wanted me to go ahead later in the race.  However, I lost her on one of the turns, I figured she smoked me and changed her mind about the pace she wanted. 

So I just kept swimming…err, I mean running.  When I got to Turtle Creek near all of the pretty houses the sky just unloaded.  I could barely see with all of the rain in my eyes. It was impossible to jump over puddles and streams without splashing others or breaking your neck.  Pointless anyhow, everyone was drenched.

I don’t remember much from the course except rain, rain, more rain.  Twisting my ankle in a hole (it’s ok).  And smelling a ton of fried food at Cafe Express before the rain (I hate food smells when running).

What I DO remember is the underpass toward the finish because it was a temporary relief from the rain, trying to get my heavy tech shirt off at mile 12 because I didn’t want it on when I was done.  The finish had a lot of turns and winds which I didn’t care for, I was worried I’d slip and fall.

I was so glad to be done.  I don’t remember seeing any photographers and I don’t even care.  I am pretty sure I look like a drowned rat, because I WAS!  I’m glad all of the post-race food, awards, meeting areas were inside.  BEST IDEA EVER!

I went to the Centennial building and got my bag, finisher shirt, medal, and a little food.   So I got to have my banana (which is my #1 post-race desire) and a bag of Pirate’s Booty snack mix.  I ditched the 100 pound wet running shoes for flip-flops at this point.

I walked to the Automotive Building where they had the family meeting area.   This was a BAD idea in flip-flops.  My shoes kept falling off, plus it was pouring rain and windy, and was slowing me down on getting to warmth!  Met up with AK’s hubby and found her right after that.  She finished 3 minutes behind me. 

I changed into dry tights, my finisher shirt, and a long sleeve.  Really wish I’d had a towel or dry socks.  I tried to get back outside, but there was no way for me to see the finish.  So I sat inside, result stalked the Whiterock page and waiting for mom and sister to finish.  Even though I was indoors, I was uncontrollably cold for hours. 

At 11 am I freaked out.  The plan was for sister to get her bag and call me before she got her food and walked to the family meeting area.  Mom was to get her goodies and go to the family meeting area (she didn’t check a bag, I put all of her stuff in mine).  There was no sign of either of them.  I then became a worry wart.  I even texted Dan because I was scared one or both was injured or worse.

Eventually my sister appeared in the Automobile Building, she finished exactly an hour after me.  I almost cried when I saw the medal around her neck.  The weather sucked and I was so scared one or both of them wouldn’t finish.  Apparently she made some friends in the other building and wondered around for a while.  She somehow missed half the post-race food, so I gave her the random bag of chips I snagged.

10 minutes later, mom appeared.  She looked like hell, but also had a medal around her neck :-)    She’d finished 15 minutes after my sister. I immediately got her out of her wet shoes and top and put her in dry clothes.  Funny coincidence we all brought the same shirt to wear after the race (from the bargain bin at RunTex).

Guenther House/Pioneer Flour mills (based in SA) was there trying to set a World Record for serving pancakes.  Those just happen to be my mom’s FAVORITE!  Fate I think :-)  

The experience was wonderful.  I can’t say that I really enjoyed the race itself or that my mom and sister won’t have nightmares of wind, rain, and cold for months, but I believe it was worth it.  I am SO very proud of both of them.  I know it wasn’t easy for me.   I really have no words for how awesome I think they are.

I wonder if my mom and sister are secretly plotting revenge on me now?

Mexican Food overload

15 Tuesday Nov 2011

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Here’s the only photo of me running on Sunday.  My mom isn’t the best action photographer.  That’s me on the far left, running through the King William historic district of San Antonio.

And a photo of me in the flowers at Paloma Blanca during lunch.  Yeah, I ate Mexican food twice that day.  I’m never hungry after a race, but I knew I had to eat, so other than my post-race banana, I ate a fajita taco off of their celiac menu.

I found my new favorite soup, yes, it’s Mexican too.  Other than the chopping and cubing, it’s an easy recipe that doesn’t take too terribly long to make.  In fact, I made it Sunday night after my dinner date with Dan at Vivo which was followed by an exciting trip to the grocery store.  I actually branched out and tried something new at Vivo, which was a first (I used to always get chile enchiladas), this time I tried their fajitas, which were awesome.

I’m not going to say it’s an attractive looking dish (cell phone photo and office lighting don’t help either), but it’s very flavorful.

Caldo de Pollo (Mexican Chicken Soup)

20 oz chicken thighs cubed
1 small chopped onion
1 bag cabbage slaw
3-4 small  red potatoes, peeled and cubed (optional)
3-4 carrots, peeled and sliced
2 zucchini, diced
4-5 garlic cloves, peeled, smashed, minced
1 (14 1/2 oz.) can stewed tomatoes, undrained or fresh tomatoes, diced
48 oz chicken broth
sea salt and freshly ground pepper to taste
1 TBL cumin
1 TBL chili powder
½ TBL smoked paprika
Crushed red pepper, to taste
White pepper, to taste
Garlic powder, to taste
1 cup rice, cooked (optional)
1 tbsp. fresh cilantro, chopped, stems removed
Lime wedges, avocado slices, to garnish

In a ramekin or small dish, make your spice blend. Start with about ½ – 1 TBL salt and add garlic powder (not garlic salt) and black, red and white peppers to your liking. Add cumin, chili powder and paprika. (adjust to your liking)

Season cubed chicken with a pinch or two of your seasoning blend- as desired.

In a bit of butter or oil, brown and cook chicken over medium heat in a large Dutch oven or stockpot until chicken is tender. Add onions and sauté lightly. Add a touch more fat if needed.

Add cabbage, potatoes (if using), zucchini, carrots, garlic and tomatoes and the remaining seasoning blend from the ramekin. Stir to coat all evenly and cover to sweat the veggies for 10-15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking/burning and add a touch of chicken broth if liquid from veggies is not sufficient. You don’t want to add too much or the veggies will boil and not sweat their flavors.

After 10-15 minutes, the veggies will have reduced by about half the volume. Add the remaining chicken broth, stir, add rice (if using), stir and cover and simmer for 30-45 minutes.

Add cilantro during the last couple minutes of cooking. Garnish with a lime wedge and serve with avocado slices if desired.

*This can also be made with leftover chicken or turkey. Just add chicken after sauteeing/sweating veggies

I made this into 6 servings, 3 P+ each.  I skipped the potatoes and rice, but I think next time I make this, I may try one or the other.  Wonder how leftover Thanksgiving turkey would taste in it?

Race Report: RNR San Antonio

14 Monday Nov 2011

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This was my 4th Rock and Roll San Antonio.  I ran the full the first 3 years.  Registered for the full a year ago, but opted late in the week to downgrade to the half.

After an emotional struggle with my decision, I woke up feeling ok with the choice I made on race morning.  I ate my mocha brownie oats, laced up my shoes, and drove through super thick fog to SA to be dropped at the start.

The start seemed easier to navigate this year, which was nice.  I went and dropped my bag after hitting the port-a-potty line.  I then set out to find AK, who I never spotted (apparently she moved to corral 1). 

RNR really needs to police those corrals a little better.  They really did the first 2 years.  I noticed before we started yesterday, there were people that should have been in corral 30 or further with no bib-change tags.  That’s a HUGE difference in pace.  I am glad none of them were in front of me.

The new start was nice, diverted us completely away from the train tracks and past SAFD command and station #1.  Loved seeing the firemen and EMTs cheering the runners with their cups of coffee in hand.

The on-course music was good, water stops were good, the congestion wasn’t bad on the course (but I started closer to the front than I ever have).  I drank at every single water station to be on the safe side.

I saw friends from Austin cheering at miles 0, 4, 9, and 13.  My parents were at mile 9.5 (dad didn’t want to break their Guenther House breakfast tradition).  I don’t think i’ve ever done a half with many people I knew cheering on the course, this was uplifting.   My parents said they were very worried about me, but after they saw me round the corner they were cheering at, they knew i’d be fine :-)

I felt good the whole race.  Had to slow myself in the middle, because I was speeding up too much and I wasn’t sure what the weather was going to do.  I was dripping with sweat at mile 2, but it remained overcast until mile 10, when mother nature really turned up the heat.  When she turned it up, so did I (with caution).

I find it amusing that the Mission that is on the medal is one that the half marathoners don’t even run by on their course.  The only Mission on the half course is the Alamo.

What is more San Antonio than taking post-race photo in Bill Miller’s dining room?

I met my mom (who walked over from mile 9.5 to meet me after the finish) and my dad, who drove to pick us up there.  And yes, I had a tea.

We eventually went to Central Market to browse, then mapped a route for my mom to do her longest long run of the season next Saturday, then off to lunch.  Paloma Blanca, which is where we’ve gone every year after RNR SA, now it’s tradition :-)   Mom says she wants to keep the tradition next year when it’s her decision where we eat.

I’m usually showered before lunch, but because I didn’t stay at a hotel, I had to settle for some wet wipes and changing in my car on IH-35 while my mom drove.  That was interesting, but I didn’t have a choice, my race clothes were sopping wet.

I’d have to say, this is one of the most enjoyable race days i’ve had (minus the weather).  I ran comfortable and happy most of the way.  I am not sure how I remained so calm and collected the whole time, after being stressed all week about having to downgrade.  I am content that I decided to run the half and I gave it my best effort.

Where are the glitter and rainbows?

12 Saturday Nov 2011

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This weekend has not been anything like RNR SA marathon weekends in the past.  Some of the differences are good (like lots of family time), the way i’m feeling is not :-(   Fingers crossed I at least feel good enough to run SOMETHING tomorrow.

Friday morning I tried to sleep in, since I haven’t been sleeping at night, but my body just said no and I got out of bed before 5 am.  My mom went to the gym about 7 and at 8:30 we left for San Antonio.  Ran errands first, getting supplies for Girl Scouts, work, and this weekend.

Then over to the expo.  We got there right as it opened.  I picked up my packet, got a corral change, and we headed past the race merch (it’s pricey and I don’t need any of that stuff).  Let me say, super early is the only way to go!  Even though Friday was a holiday, mom and I were able to look for 2 hours and not be swallowed up by the hoards of people.

While we were there I found 2 new Gluten Free companies which was cool, bought a custom fit pair of headphones, some cute magnets for my office (I have a collection of all types on my filing cabinet), another headband, and some Nuun.  I did NOT sign up for any races and certainly did not sign up to do San Antonio again.  But, I will be back next year, as a cheerleader.  My mom took advantage of the expo pricing and signed up for 2012.  I’m happy, that gives her a long-term goal :-)

Speaking of long-term goals, we’ve known we were going to do Dallas Whiterock Half since March, been registered since June.  She’s SOOOO excited about it.  Makes me smile.  I think she tells everyone she sees, lol!  She talked the ear off of the girl working that race’s booth yesterday :-)

After the expo, we were starving.  Headed over to Green Vegetarian, which is one of my favorite local San Antonio restaurants.  I’ve been to cooking classes there before and have eaten there many times.  You may also remember me saying the owner lost weight on Weight Watchers.  True story.  Anyhow, we had a terrific lunch.

They have about 4-5 Gluten Free options on their menu.  I was torn between the Green Bowl, the italian enchiladas, or the Kale wrap.  The kale wrap had pecan hummus (new to me), sprouts, tomatoes, mushrooms, bell peppers, cranberries, and broccoli.  I had quinoa tabbloueh and broccoli as my sides.

Mom had a classic sandwich and a garden salad.  That grainy bread looked SO good.  I think her sandwich had avocado, sprouts, spinach, tomatoes, cucumbers (she gave me those), and bell pepper.  That was one of the most colorful and best looking garden salad’s I have seen, lol!

After lunch, we ran even more errands, then came home…well sorta.  Came to my parents house and realized my dad went hunting and accidentally locked us out.  I told my mom she shouldn’t take her purse to the expo, so she didn’t.  But she also didn’t throw house keys into my bag.  OOPS.   We wound up heading over to Bill Miller’s BBQ and had a pretty great dinner.  While we were eating, my dad came back and gave us the keys, then took off the food i’d ordered him, because he needed to put his deer in the cooler.

In the meantime, Dan calls.  Customs and immigration in Mexico City took too long and he missed his flight.  He had to buy another plane ticket, buy a hotel, and settle for coming home Saturday morning.

Saturday.  A lot of nothing.  Mom did her long run, I sat around and worked on cutting a million pieces of paper for Girl Scouts.

Then I took off to hang out with my dad and do really country stuff like cut meat, get flat tires from mesquite trees (better his truck, than my foot), and eat some Parisa for a snack.  It’s actually not bad on Almond Thins, lol.

Only 2 places in town sell Parisa these days, so I went to Dziuk’s Meat Market and got a quarter pound of the spicy to share with dad.  The girl looked at me like I was nuts when I only wanted a small portion.  If you don’t know what it is, yes, it’s exactly what it looks like.

Apparently my dad really wanted to go to the race or really wanted the pancakes they eat before the race every year at the  Guenther House (mile 9.5).  So we changed our plans 2-3 times.  Final decision was to cancel the hotel, spend the night here, and just let someone drop me at the start.  Then mom and dad enjoy their breakfast at mile 9.5.

I heard from Dan again.  His flights got jacked again on Saturday morning.  He made it back to Austin around 1 pm.  Last I heard, he had a date with our couch for an extended nap, instead of going to watch football.  Certainly wasn’t going to bother him.  Good thing we decided he’d stay in Austin, i’d feel horrible if he still had to drive 2 hours tonight to SA.

Tried on my clothes for the race tomorrow.  I look like heck, but there isn’t much I can do.  I am so swollen and bloated, I look like a blowfish :-(    I’ve been trying to relax as much as a I can, trying to alleviate whatever is triggering the episode. (probably my worrying that’s doing it).  The worst part isn’t how I physically look, it’s how my bib looks.  They don’t give you a new one if you decide to downgrade.  I know it’s silly, but the black marathon bib is a reminder that I’m not running what I trained for and all of the reasons why.

I’m not usually nervous, but i’m certainly nervous about tomorrow.  Vicious cycle I think.  I will be calm, I will be calm….Maybe dinner and a bath will help that :-)

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