Lou just wanted to stop by and say ...

What a creepy cat I have.

Anyways -- it's Friday! I know I'm ready for the weekend and some R&R and major detoxing -- mainly of my closet. (It's beyond a disaster.) I officially start marathon training Monday (yikes!) so this is my last weekend for a while where I have unlimited time to do whatever I want, and I'm definitely going to make the most of it.

Have a great weekend everyone!

Marathon mashup: this one's for YOU

For 16 weeks and hundreds of miles, I ran alone. And I was ready to tackle 26.2 miles all by myself.

But then the big day came and I wasn't alone.

Far from it.

And DONE!

Note: The high bun holds up quite well for 26.2 miles!

It was incredible. It was amazing. And I had so MUCH FUN. 

I want to tell you guys all about it -- especially about my insanely awesome friends and family -- but for today I'm just going to let you know that I not only survived but I totally thrived and I had the absolute greatest time.

Now I'm going to go rest and drink some fluids. While wearing my medal.

NYC marathon FINISHER, baby!

The final long run

 

This was my last week of hard training before the marathon. Now all that stands before me and a (much needed) 3 week taper is a single 22 mile run. I'm so anxious and excited that I'm doing it tonight after work instead of this weekend.

It's a very bittersweet moment. While I'm ready to ease up and let my body recover, the fact that my next long run will be in New York City scares me a tad.

Before now I always had a buffer of another run. One more chance to figure out the fueling, the clothing, the pacing. If something went wrong, it was OK: There was always next week.

But THIS IS IT.

Sure, I still I have plenty of miles to go before November 6 -- tapering isn't all food and sleep -- but all the runs are less than 13 miles. It's not the same.

I may or may not be freaking out. Just slightly.

For my own Jack's sanity, I hope this final run goes well. Beyond well.

Wish me luck!  

P.S. - I'm thinking of wearing glitter and sequined ribbon in my ponytail for the race. Thoughts?

Running colors (and prints)

Training for a marathon takes a lot out of you mentally -- long runs are looongg. My trick for pushing through a mental block is to visualize myself crossing the finish line the day of. There are several scenarios that I play over and over again in my head but they all include me wearing a brightly-colored and/or multi-patterned running outfit. While I know from experience when the actual moment comes the last thing I will be thinking about is how pretty or cute I look, I also know having stylish gear the morning of the race will boost my confidence. (Plus it's great to wear during training!)

1. The North Face Eat My Dust Sport Tank ($48)
2. Nike Printed Tempo Track Women's Running Shorts ($36)
3. Running Skirts Blue Sparkle Sweaty Band ($15)
4. Athleta Printed Base Camp Half Zip ($69)
5. Saucony Elite Arm Warmers ($25)
6. Nike Printed Tempo Track Women's Running Shorts ($36) (yes I did them twice but the prints are all so fantastic!)
7. Running Skirts Red "Mini" Dot Running Skirt ($58)
8. Adidas Nova Graphic Fitted Tank ($35)
9. CEP Progressive Running Sock  ($59.99)
10. Puma Complete Running Top (only available in stores.)