Crossing Lights...who knew?

Today I almost died. Seriously. I know I often get dramatic, but this is legit.

I was on Mass Ave near Boylston and ran across the street. At the same time a car came flying toward me. Breaks squealed, horns blared and f bombs were flying. Luckily I am still here and alive to blog for all of you. But this whole situation made me question yet another safety concern(this has been on my mind for a while) . Cars have horn, so do bikes. Some bikes even have the little bells, but runners only have profanity. That's right I protect myself and alert others of dangerous situations through my curse words. Luckily, this little runner girl can swear with the best of them.

But as I was saying, lately I have been thinking a lot about my safety when I run. This all began last week when I ran without my ipod. Actually I was holding my ipod but it was dead so I had to entertain myself. Now the photographer told me that I can entertain myself by "singing songs in my head." As I told him, that doesn't work when you are running more than 3 miles. So I decided to obsess during my 6 miler. During all this, I realized that if I were to be attacked I have no identification on me, and the only numbers I know by heart are my mom's cell in Arizona and my two bosses. Let's be honest, the bosses are not exactly who I'd like to see if I were just jumped. Not that I don't think they'd show up to claim my battered body (if for no other reason than to make sure I was in the office the next morning to do their bidding), but really you want to see your friends, your Boston family. So that's when I decided that if anyone got scarily close to me I should scream out my roommate's parents' address (hoping to God that they are listed in the phone book) tell them to instruct their daughter to save her friend. Or that I should start writing my I.C.E. contacts in my underwear. I've yet to do either, but I do feel safer now that I have 2 pretty awful plans in place.

But since I haven't blogged in a while, I feel that I should discuss one more thing - the 20 miler. This weekend I did my longest run ever (at least until the marathon) and it was kind of a wake up call. Now all my other long runs have been challenging, but this was hard. I was sooooo tired, and just waiting for it to be over. I got no euphoric "omg I'm almost done" high, and I just felt like death. I finished in exactly 4 hours (this includes 3 drink stops and two chomps) so I am pretty much on schedule to finish the marathon in 5 hours. But really it was just so hard. I was so tired, so dead and I'm concerned to add another 6.2 miles. At first it sounds like nothing. 6 miles psshh, but if you think about it, that is another HOUR of running. I just hope that I am distracted by the new city, the whole racing aspect and of course co-blogger Sarsh to get through it as painlessly as possible.

2 weeks 3 day and 10 hours. Let the craziness begin.

Orange Sauconys

Good news first!  I purchased new running shoes tonight at the specialty running store, where there are people specially trained to fit for running shoes.  Now, up to this point my typical routine for purchasing running shoes was to head to Famous Footwear and see what felt decent and/or was part of a "Buy One, Get One Half Off" promotion.  But after Ange's life-changing trip to Marathon Sports, I decided to see what a proper fitting could do for me.  

And whaddya know?  I needed a shoe with some more support due to slightly overpronating on my left when I run.  So here are my new babies.  They're orange.  I'm convinced it's a sign that Ange and I will rock this marathon.

Now on to actual training.  Yesterday was the day of my 20 miler.  I started off by running from my house to the shuttle point for the 10k I was running.  So I had 2 miles in before I even began the race.  I ran the 10k, and did respectably.  I didn't want to go too fast because I knew I had more to run, and if I pushed myself too hard there was no way I could finish later on.   I finished in 1:00:13, which was SO frustrating, because my only goal was to finish in under an hour.  I think after the marathon my goal is going to be to improve my 5k/10k times.  I know my times aren't embarrassing by any means, but I am a complete Type A personality and constantly feel the need to be good at whatever project I'm working on at any point in time.  Even if I'm in yoga class at the gym, I have to be the person holding the pose the longest or stretching the deepest.  And yes, I know that yoga is supposed to be the complete opposite of that.  Whatever.

So after the 10k, of which the last 5k was in the POURING rain, I crossed the finish line and looked for my friend Michelle, who did amazing and finished almost 7 minutes faster than me.  I couldn't see her anywhere, and they were herding everyone in the direction that was opposite of where we had planned to meet.  All of a sudden, a volunteer with a bullhorn behind me booms, "SARAH SARAH SARAH YOUR GIRL IS CALLING FOR YOU SHE'S GOT WATER."  Sure enough, Michelle was to my left with a cup of water for me (god bless).  As we're walking away towards the fruit, I shoved my ipod in the pocket of my zip-up.  And then once again the volunteer with the bullhorn saved the day: "SARAH SARAH SARAH YOU DROPPED YOUR IPOD."  Thank you man withe bullhorn --- part of me wants you to follow me around all the time.

So after the race, we went back to my house, I dried off/changed clothes, ate some chomps, hydrated and mentally prepared for the rest of my run (still had 12 to do).   I had to stop at 8, for a total of 16 for the day.  Needless to say, I was frustrated and disappointed.  If you've been reading my posts, you can guess the culprits (shoes, butt, knee).  And I'm sure getting completely cold after the race and then trying to start back up didn't help the cause.  I'm hoping the shoes will save the day, along with Fabolous' "Make Me Better" on the ipod and Ange running by my side.

I've Got 99 Problems and My Butt is One

Yea I know you're probably sick of reading about my right buttock at this point.  I'm sick of talking about it.  But let's discuss this last week in running.

-Saturday: went out for my long run, my butt and knee and shins were bothering me so badly that I decided it wasn't worth possibly injuring myself...only got in 12 miles.

-Monday: great run, did a morning 7 mile run.

-Wednesday: I have never had a run where I am physically unable to run.  Until Wednesday.  My butt flared up, and I think I overcompensated in my stride and started hitting my left side too hard.  This resulted in my knee completely locking out.  And me wanting to cry.  

So since Wednesday I have been taking it easy, putting Dr. Scholl's inserts into my running shoes (yea I need new ones and don't get paid until early next week so welcome to the poor man's solution) and riding the bike at the gym.  BUT.  Sunday = 20 miles.  And part of that is the 10k race I'm running.  So fingers crossed this works out.  Because otherwise you may be reading about my nervous breakdown on Monday.

How Sarah Got Her Groove Back

In the words of George Costanza, "I'M BACK BABY!" 

I was starting to forget what it felt like for a run to feel good.  For it not to be all about huffing and puffing, counting down the miles until I arrived home, or rubbing my butt as it cramped up a mile into my run.   And damn was this run good.

It's starting to get cool by the time I get home from work, which is my absolute favorite weather to run in.  I started off in a long sleeved t-shirt and running shorts and early on I knew it was going to be great.  I had the Blueprint 3 on my ipod, and Jay-Z was definitely doing his part to keep me motivated.  Toss in a little RFYL and you have the recipe for a great time.  By the time I was almost home, I was running fast (I would estimate a 9 min mile....which sadly is fast for me) and wasn't even out of breath...I probably could have done an additional mile or two at that pace if necessary.  

I'm so glad that this kicked in at the right time...I was really starting to worry that I was losing my running mojo and that I wouldn't get it back before the marathon.  Now I'm so excited for the Great Race next weekend [which will also be the weekend of my 20 miler eek] and even more excited for the marathon.  

Blah

There are days that no matter how hard I try, I cannot motivate myself to go faster or push out the negative thoughts.  My legs felt like lead at the beginning of my run thanks to my brilliant idea to add some extra weight to my normal pre-run weight training (what the hell is wrong with me?).  I was just not feeling my run.  Passing my house was painful, because all I wanted to do was go inside and lay on the couch and drink wine.  

Then I was about halfway through, and I was outrun by a person of indeterminate gender who was a foot shorter than me.  And I was not just passed.  Oh no.  This possible hermaphrodite KICKED my ass.  And then the butt cramp flared up again.  I've stopped having any shame in this.  I now rub my ass on the streets of downtown Pittsburgh, no matter how many people are around.  And it's normally so painful that I'm making awkward facial expressions. So my apologies to anyone who has seen me and thinks I'm enjoying this process and that I should do it in private.  

After four miles of misery, it just seemed like one thing after another was making me annoyed.  My music mix just wasn't doing it for me anymore, not even "Getting Jiggy Wit It" could make me motivated.  I finished my six miles.  But I was frustrated.  I desperately need a really good run so that I can get back on track.  I'm getting into "screw it" mode, and that's the last thing I need five weeks out.  Here's hoping that putting the Blueprint 3 on the music mix will help turn things around.  

My Secret Fantasy

For the past six months or so my life has revolved around the marathon. I have been preparing for the marathon, trying to figure out my plans for the marathon, imagining what it will be like to run the marathon, what I want waiting for me seconds after the marathon (these items include but are not limited to G2 in at least 2-3 different flavors, muscle milk, water and a place I can wash off, a towel, a new outfit, and in an effort to not be completely sappy - Sarah and the photographer). But the thing is my mind kind of goes blank from there. I haven’t quite figured out what comes next. What will my life be like A.D. - after [marathon induced] death?

Will I still run, or will excuses take the place of my die-hard attitude? Will I still challenge myself or start slacking? Will I still do long runs every week or will I be happy with 6-7 milers? Will there be a next race? That’s when it came to me. A.D. begins a life of running for fun. A.D. marks the beginning of my lifelong journey as a runner. I will no longer just be “training for a marathon.” I will be running because that’s what I do, that’s what makes me happy. And with that a fantasy was born.

The weekend of Ange (or even the weekend after) I will do what I have been dreaming about, pining away for. I will run without mapping before, without preplanning my mileage, without an agenda. I will run for fun. Wherever it takes me, whatever I want to see. I will go to the places that I’m not sure exist (like the part of the river that comes after the Longfellow Bridge or random bodies of water in Newton and J.P.). I will run until I feel like going home, until I feel satisfied. I will stop for water when I am thirsty (not when I feel I have run the appropriate length to require hydration). I will change directions when I get bored, run faster when my favorite songs come on and slower when emo h.s. jams shuffle into my headphones. I’ll run when I want and how I want. It will be amazing.

And with the thoughts of this perfect run on my mind I will return to work. Happy and slightly more motivated.

Hugs, kisses, and beautiful runs for all!

Wetter is Better

OK maybe that's a lie. Wetter didn't actually feel "better" yesterday, but F it because I splashed my way along for 18 miles. And while things weren't exactly "better" they weren't all that bad either. I walked into my door dripping wet with wrinkled old-man toes, but I felt great. Tired and amazing.

I started the run an hour later than I had originally planned because of the torrential downpours. By the time I left my house, I had given up on on the idea of being dry, which was probably a good call considering the forecast. It started out with a steady drizzle, then things dried up a bit. I actually thought I was going to have a good dry run from there on out, then the downpours began. Puddles became unavoidable and my clothes started dripping. Thankfully I had made a quick City Sports run the day before and got some sweet running tights that wick away moisture, leaving me pretty comfortable, or at least as much as one can expect.

All and all the run was amazing. I was tired, and pretty damn slow, but who cares- ran 18 miles. I often refuse to drive somewhere that is 18 miles away(although in defense of the distance I hate driving because of the lack of parking that usually awaits my return, plus my less-than-stellar driving skills). But regardless I am pretty pumped about my accomplishment. Only 8 miles away from a full marathon and guess what - I didn't die - I didn't even get sick. I just banged it out in the rain and collapsed in my living room when I got home. If the worst part of the marathon is me collapsing on the ground, I'll be pretty pumped. (sidenote: Photographer, can you please make sure I collapse somewhere cushy and not on like a rock or in the middle of the highway? Thanks babe. Oh and do the same for Sarah too).

Anyway, I only have one more super long run (a 20 miler in 2 weeks) then it's downhill til the marathon. It's kinda crazy, very scary, but sort of exciting too. I can't wait to have it all be over and behind me, although I will probably miss this. The training, the nervousness, the new challenges, the feeling I get after running an absurdly long distance, the feeling I get when I only realize the absurdity of the distance when others point it out to me, the "let's eat the world, I just ran 18 miles" feeling, the text messages to Sarah post-run, the search for new pre-run foods and drinks, the feeling I get when I run through all parts of the city, everything.

It's crazy how much of my life revolves around running. I "feed the run," "rest the run," "drink for the run," I actually say the words "the run wants ___." The other day I was commenting how I have personified the run to my roommate and she replied "oh yes, the run is our fourth roommate, and she is a whiny bitch." Fortunately, I adore the run, the run is my baby and although she gets slightly demanding, so is everyone in my life. The list of things I do for others is shocking, at least doing things for the run is essentially doing things for me. I realized this the other day at about mile 15. I was so close, almost done and then it hit me. This is the biggest thing I've ever done in my life, and I've done it entirely for me. I run alone, I motivate myself, and I do this for no other reason than my happiness. Then I went all after school special on myself and started self talking "you are almost there, Ange, so close." By mile 16 I was actually chanting "I love me, I love me, I love my body for this, I love my legs, I love my everything, I love me." By 17 I was thinking "omfg I ran 17, don't give up there is only 1 mile left, seriously you ran 17 miles." At this point I was kinda delusional so I think the words "17 fuck yeah!" were actually mumbled aloud. O well. At 18 I was in giddy, or at least as giddy as one can be when they are completely exhausted and dripping wet.

Anywayy, this is kinda weird of me to share/overshare. So I'm gonna wrap this up. Morale of the story - I love me, I love you. I'm knocked up with a run. I registered at City Sports for my running shower (haha shower as in party AND as in the rain storm I ran in - god I'm witty!).

Race Recap: Virginia Beach Half-Marathon

I know what you're thinking, avid readers of Run Til I'm Fun: "I had no idea you guys were running a half marathon."  Well, we didn't.  But my younger sister Kara did.  Here's her full report, with no pics (ahem, I made a comment and was told "people have lives, you know."  pardon me. )  Although, if you want to see her cross the finish line, she's in the second row of pics here in the white tanktop and blue shorts: http://www.asiorders.com/view_user_event.asp?EVENTID=45791&BIB=20625&LNSEARCH=1

And her actual finish time was 2:14, not 2:48....damn corrals.  And now, without further adieu, Kara's race report (warning: a bit long, but worth the read).  

 

So the Virginia Beach Rock n Roll Half Marathon is apparently considered one of the most fun half marathons in this country of ours.  Well, let me tell you, I would highly recommend it.  However, if you’re a married mother of 3, I would probably leave the little ones at home. 

Being the procrastinators that we are, we booked the room about 12 days beforehand, and what a surprise, we ended up 15 minutes away from the actual sand and water.  My friend Meredith and I decided to look up a few reviews for this lovely establishment (La Quinta) on tripadvisor.com the night before departure.  Let’s just say the “highlights” were the 7-11 across the street and the Denny’s next door.  But whatever, we’re college kids.  Right? Right. 

Upon arrival, we picked up the others in La Quinta parking lot (yes, we had low blood sugars and were slightly dehydrated and rather cranky…perfect pre-race day conditions) and headed to the convention center to pick up our goodie bags and registration information.  While picking up my number, the employee said to me, “Okay, now see this medical information on the back of this number?  Fill it out before you arrive tomorrow.  Before you pass out.”   As if I’m not freaking out enough as it is, my friend, go on and throw in a medical emergency.  Whatever, I’m a big girl.  I brush it off.  We proceed to the t-shirt area, where we all should have a size Small awaiting us.  Oh wait, they’re out of smalls.  Now this is a phenomenon I simply do not understand.  Registration is closed.  We all put our t-shirt sizes when we registered weeks ago.  We all have our aforementioned requested t-shirt sizes plastered on our race numbers.  Now explain to me how you are out of smalls?  Meredith and I are rapidly headed toward a comatose state, so we accept the size Medium and proceed to a Subway that her iPhone kindly found for us.  After paying the ridiculous fee of $20 to park in a lot, we head in the path of eating fresh.  A block into the journey I spot a sign for Henna Tatoos.  Okay, yes, it’s a boardwalk area, henna tattoos are expected.  However, this sign advertised a Family Discount.  Yep, a family discount on a henna tattoo.  We later found out this also applies to “friends and lovers.”

After playing in the sand for a little and Liz assisting me in overcoming my porta-potty fear before race day, we headed home to La Qunita.  At first look, not too bad.  However, after one shower, we realized that the drain in the shower didn’t really work.  Not to be gross, but you were constantly shin-deep in your friend’s grime.  That was fabulous after the race. Oh and when someone was in the shower, the water in the sink backed up as well.  Oh and one of the reviews we read stated that “the shower was made for someone no more than five feet tall.”  What does that mean?   Well I, standing at a mere 64 inches on a good day, had to do a backbend to dampen my hair.

Race day came quickly with a 5 am wake-up call.  We all got dressed, ate, and headed off!  We arrived by 6:25 and the race was scheduled to begin at 7.  However, there were corrals, so none of us would actually start until after 7:30.  So four of us had registered for this “little Sunday morning run” as Liz referred to it, but hadn’t planned on running together.  Liz and I were supposed to be in different corrals, but decided to run it together at the last second.  Let me tell you, best decision of my life as of late.  We stuck together for the first eight miles (until  we got separated at a water station).  Those last 5 miles seemed like an eternity without having to make sure I was keeping pace with her bright yellow tank.  Strangely enough, I do not remember much from the race except for a few key elements, which I will list for you now:

                  1.  A woman running in a tank that had “I thought this was a good idea until I found out I was pregnant” imprinted on the back.  Should you really be running 13.1 miles right now?  I think not.

                  2.  One of the local “bands” on the way was a group of 12 women with the average age of 65 wearing pink flannel shirts, tied up in a knot (yes, you could see midriff) , cowboy hats, and singing “Footloose.”

                  3.  We were supposed to receive Energy Goo at mile 6.5.  The day before I jokingly said, “Haha what if they run out of goo like they ran out of tshirts!”  Hahaha such a joke.  Until it actually happened.  Liz and Carly packed their energy gummies in their sports bras, but I thought I was too cool for that.  Needless to say, I was a tad short on the energy for the last half.

                  4. At the 11 mile mark, I spotted this woman running in her bare feet.  Yep, she took off her shoes and socks and was trotting along with those items in hand.  The man beside me felt the need to begin discussing this with me.  Now, I do not talk and run at the same time, much less with strangers.  It’s one or the other.  When Liz and I were running, we didn’t say a word to each other.  After he was done commenting on the lack of shoes, he wanted to make small talk.  Thank god I lost him at the last water station.

                  5.  I really think I slept through a main part of the race because I was informed that we ran through Army Bases, which I do not recall.  But I’m kinda glad.

                  6.  The last mile was on the boardwalk, which I was pumped for.  Until I got there and realized it was 100% humidity and sunny and 90 degrees.  And everyone who began walking at mile six decides to run the last mile.  Actually had to remind myself how to breathe.

                  7.  Upon finishing, we were given water and an ICE TOWEL.  Oh my god best thing ever.  Oh and we got popsicles.  Oh and I guess a medal too.

                  8.  I finished in 2:14:22, which I was more than happy with. 

A few things I learned from the experience:

                  1.  Do not drink too much during the race.  I took a sip or two of water at each station, which looking back I probably should have had a tad more.  However, Carly took Cytomax at every station and ended up rather ill at the end.  However, I would have enjoyed a little more water at the end of the race.  We each got one bottle, which I chugged.  I had to go to a medical station to get more water, which they reluctantly gave me due to fear that I was “over-hydrated.”

                  2.  Make sure your shorts do not cause severe chafing.

                  3.  If your goal is simply to finish (which was the case), I recommend running with a friend.  Even if you’re not talking, it gives you something else to think about and keeps you from slowing down or running too quickly.

                  4.   Look up the course before signing up.  It got to a point where it was a “out and back” course, which bores me.

                  5.  I really enjoyed the people cheering us on.  It makes you feel all good inside.

                  6.  Whenever I began hating my life during the race, I reminded myself that I was doing this for FUN.  Also, at mile 11, I thought about walking for a tad.  But then I thought of how mad I would be at myself for giving up so close to the end.  It’s all about the big picture.

 

 And her last piece of advice is exactly what we aim to do over here at Run Til I'm Fun.  Amen, Kara, amen.

FMR

With the way my training has been going, I could start an offshoot website of FML, titled "F*@! My Run."  Here's what my entries for the past week would look like:

"Today, I wanted to wake up at 4:30 am to run before work, but I was too hungover/exhausted from the holiday weekend that I couldn't get out of bed before 7. FMR."

"Today, I wanted to run after work, but I had a professional group meeting after work and then realized I had no groceries and then by the time I got home it was pitch black. FMR."

"Today, I literally had no time before or after work to run. FMR."

"Today, I didn't have a chance in hell of running before work because I woke up hungover and after work was the Steelers game.  Clearly, FMR."

Ok. Now you're all caught up on why I haven't posted in over a week.  Now this weekend I was looking forward to a great long run that would be between 16-17 miles.  Yesterday was supposed to be cooler, so I was all psyched up for perfect running weather.  Unfortunately, during my preparation, I made a crucial error in judgment.  I drank G2 before my run, which I never do, and to add insult to injury, I switched flavors from my usual.  I felt great for the first mile of my run, but by mile 2 I had to stop to dry heave on the side of the road.  I managed to cough some stuff up (TMI? my apologies) and was determined to continue on my merry way.

Re-read that last sentence.  That's what continued to happen for the next mile and a half.  Four times I had to stop, I wasn't even out of my neighborhood, people were roaming around getting brunch (sorry to anyone who completely lost their appetites after seeing me lunge for the nearest shrubery) and the chance of someone I knew seeing me actually vomit on the side of the road was nearing 100%.  

So I cut my losses, considered myself fortunate I had only run 3.5 miles and there was another day left in the weekend, so I could attempt again today.

For my long runs (over 12) I have implemented a double loop plan, which allows me to stop home, rehydrate, change my shirt, and use the bathroom.  It has worked wonders.  Not today my friends, not today.  

I ran my first 8 mile loop, was feeling great, swung by my house, got a water from the convenience store across the street and continued on.  I got maybe 4 miles down the road and my legs started cramping up.  BAD.  I have never had this happen before.  And until yesterday, I've never had to dry heave on the side of the road before.  [At least, not while participating in physical activity.....after a long night in college, maybe.]  They were cramping so badly I could barely walk.  I was so ashamed of my performance I cut down an alley way, put on Bruce Springsteen's "Atlantic City" and walked/limped the rest of the way home.  If there is anything more emo than walking down an alleyway that reeks of urine and broken dreams while listening to a song about a man that is so desperate he's taking a job as a hitman, I'd like to know about it.  

And I get it.  Last weekend's bender certainly did my body no favors, and I haven't exactly been a picture of healthy living this week either.  These runs were proof I can't half-ass my training, and expect great results.  So I'm off to the grocery store in a bit, determined to stock up on fresh produce and whole grains.  Hopefully this week brings on some better runs and a bit less of an emo attitude.

In Ya Faaccee

Now, I feel slightly bad making reference to an inside joke via the blog, so I will try to explain. When I was in Pittsburgh visiting co-blogger Sarah with our friend Liz we had a little moment on the street when Liz wanted to punch some girl "in the face." Thanks to cake and cocktails my level of giddiness was elevated to the point where I made up a weird voice to go along with the saying "in ya face." At the time hilarious, everything was "in ya face," looking back, not so much but whatever it still puts a smile "on mah facceee." (This will all come full circle shortly).

Ok so today I did my 16 mile run. I was a little nervous, 1. because it was my longest run to date and 2. because I kinda twisted my ankle .5 miles into my 8miler on Wednesday. I still finished the full run, but since then it has been a little tender. Luckily the everything went well today. I got a little lost, but made up for it in the end and still finished the full 16 with no sickness afterward.

But there was one glitch. I fell...On Mah Face.

Seriously, feet from my apartment I tripped on a hanger (damn you shitty moving remnants) and almost got hit by the pizza guy who was backing out of the pizza place. Mind you this was no graceful fall. I flew in the air and landed flat on my face, I'm kinda scrapped up now, I hit my head on the pavement, and of course I swore the whole way down "$$$hhh&*&*&*ttt." Yup, fill in the blanks. Not nice. But the pizza delivery man was a complete gentleman. Got out of his car, helped pick me up off the ground, and kept asking how I was. He also tried to give me water or something, but I ensured him that I was a mere 20 ft. from my apartment so I would be just fine. The roommate and I later went to the pizza place to get grinders for dinner, and my delivery man and I exchanged some friendly words. Now the roommate keeps saying how it would be soo funny if me and pizza man fell in love, got married and then I realized he had some sort of erectile dysfunction disorder a la Charlotte and Trey in Sex and the City. Who knows, for now I'm content with just being his pizza-loving friend who he once picked up off the ground.

OK I am exhausted. I have a fun dream/nightmare about the marathon that Sarah wants me to blog about, but I'll have to save that for another day.

I'm a movement by myself, but I'm a force when we're together

With all due respect to the photographer, this is going to essentially be a love note to co-blogger Ange.  Now I realize when Ne-Yo wrote this classic song in the title of this post, it was more likely he was referencing his girlfriend, not his sorority sister.  But seriously.  This song isn't even fast, but it gets my ass in gear.  Because prepping for the whole marathon isn't just about me.  If it was, I probably would have dropped out a while back and been looking forward to spending a weekend in Boston boozing it up, not road-tripping to Rhode Island to run 26.2.   

As the marathon is coming up pretty quickly (Oct. 18 eek) Ange and I have started to discuss our game plan.  So far we have:

#1. Don't die.

#2. Finish.

#3. Make the other person finish.

#4. What happens during the marathon, stays with the marathon.

Number three is sometimes my sole motivation during my runs.  There are times that I'm out running and I just can't get lost in my run, all I'm able to think about is how much further I have to go and how much laundry I have to do at home, and a million other things that have raced through my head that day.  Today was one of those days.  I wanted to cut it short at mile 3 and just go home.  My butt is still acting up, my side was cramping up and no matter what I did it just felt HARD.  And then Ne-Yo came on the ipod.  Lyrics in gray, my thoughts in italics.

1st things 1st I does what I do    first off I'm runningggggg still runningggg
But everything I am she’s my influ God why did I let Ange peer pressure me into this
I’m already boss I’m already fly life was good when I wasn't running 10 hours a week
But if I’m a star she is the sky she's so much faster than me. when did i get so slow?
(I, I, I) And when I feel like I’m on top I mean I guess I ran decent 5ks this summer
(She, she, she) She give me reason to not stop Ange is totally going to yell at me to go faster
(And, and, and, and, and..) And though I’m hot It's actually rather cool temp wise today
(To, to, to) Together we burn it up Thank god she's running this alongside me.  

In short, Ange totally peer pressured me into running this marathon.  But I'm so happy she did.  I never would have dreamt of doing this before, and I can't imagine doing it with anyone else.  And when Ne-Yo comes on the ipod during the run, I might sing it to her.