Prepping....

It's Thursday, so only 2 full days stand in the way of me running my first marathon!  I'm having to start really prepping for it.  Yesterday I printed off maps for all the peeps coming (thank you Phil, Wendi, Mom, Danny & Nikki, Vogels, and Dave & Ginger!!) and decided where it'd be easiest for everyone to be.  The cool thing is I watched Phil run it last year, so I was very familiar with the map and what are easily accessible places to be.  Phil had run it so he knew where it would have been nice to see someone.  To confirm the course, we drove it.  Let me tell you- it's LONG!  I know, 26.2 miles long.  But seriously, it took forever because it's mostly a 25 mph zone, and people were creeping last night, driving super slow.  But, I'm really glad we did it so I know just how long it is.  I think the hardest part is going to be getting to the top of the hill, right around mile 23.  It's a gradual incline to it which shouldn't be a problem, but I'm guessing there aren't many spectators at that point and it's going to be mentally tough.  Plus, once I crest the hill and start coming down it's only 3 miles to the finish.  In fact, you can probably see and hear the finish almost the entire way you're running. It's a straight shot, that I've run a ton because I use to live at the end of the road (basically on top of the hill parallel to the park we finish in).  So, at least it's familiar territory.  I just know it's going to be a torturous stretch because it's so long and boring.

I've got a list of things to do Friday and Saturday.  Friday, immediately from work I'll drive down to the Kern Center to get my packet. Then, I'll probably pack- I have to have my clothes ready, plus my before, during and after bags ready.  Before the race will include sweats that I'll put in a bag and send to the finish line so I'm not freezing at the start.  The during will be what Phil & crew will keep with them- water, gatorade, gels, extra clothes (just in case!) etc.  After bag will have a couple towels (you wouldn't want me sitting in your car that sweaty, would you?) fresh clothes, water, flip flops, etc.  Maybe a little overkill, but I'm anal and being over prepared makes me comfortable and calms me down. So, that will get done tomorrow.

Saturday I'm going to the farmers market and grocery store to make sure I have ample food for that day, plus the day of the race and Monday (recovery day).  They have amazing fresh veggies right now, especially eggplant and Brussel sprouts (which it turns out I love!) PLUS, my Mama, Brother & his girlfriend are coming!  I promised a spaghetti dinner, with garlic bread (bro's request) for Saturday night.  I'm really excited they're coming because Phil will be at Farm Aid and I'll be home alone bored and stressing out.  Plus, I just haven't seen them in such a long time. I'm also going to run to the movie store and stock up on movies for Saturday night and Monday.  Then, the other task on Saturday is to shower before bed, shave the legs (haven't done it for almost 2 weeks based on superstition from high school!) and basically get ready for the race. I want to be able to flip on the coffee, pop the bagel in the toaster and have everything set.

The weather is looking good so far- low 50's for a high, sunny.  I'll take it- I'd rather have it be a bit cool than too warm.  Plus, I really like my hot pink long sleeve shirt and want to wear it. :-)

For race day, I thought this was something cool the race is offering.  The timing chip company has a Facebook App that will post your times as you cross certain mile markers during the race.  So, when I cross mile 13.1, it will post my time on my wall!  How cool is that?!

For tonight, I'll be carbo cramming (I love using that as an excuse to eat pasta) with eggplant rigatone.  SO delish.  Next time I right, I'll be even close or perhaps done with my first marathon!

Still excited!

Another day closer to the race.  I can't believe that when I started this blog it was winter.  It's been such a long road!

Today's schedule called for 3 miles.  Easy enough, did it at lunch during work.  But, what made it better was this fantastic podcast I was listening to.  My friend Chelsea made it as a training gift for me.  How cool is that?  The podcast is over an hour, so it's perfect for long runs.  She talks a little bit throughout, tells a couple jokes, and quick stories.  The music is super upbeat and pushes you through at a decent clip.  There was a comment she made during it that was like "I don't know how you're feeling right now, but if I had been running for the past 1/2 hour I'd be thinking of every reason why I'd like to stop.  But you're training for a marathon so who knows what you're thinking!  Let's pump the music and keep going"  She's not a runner, but she nailed it on the head.  It's exactly what I was thinking when I head it.  It gets so boring, and after all this running I think I've literally run out of things to think about.  Seriously, make a list for me I need help!!

The other gift she sent me (besides the most adorable headband in the whole world) is a playlist.  I have tried so hard to perfect THE playlist.  Music for your Running Soul.  It's got some awesome songs on it that I would have never thought to put on a list!  I'm not joking around when I say I've tried- just ask Phil how hard.  Although I'm not taking my ipod with me during the marathon, it's going to get me through some hard hill and speed workouts on the treadmill this winter.

Let me finish this by saying THANK YOU for all of your support- everyone.  It has meant a lot and really kept me going throughout the past few months.

xoxo,
Hayls

I'm nervous just writing this.

6 days.  SIX days.  My stomach turns even thinking about it.  I can honestly feel adrenaline pumping through my body.  If this keeps up I'm not going to have any left for the actual race.

Yesterday I did my last "long" run- a whopping 8 miles.  I can do that in my sleep now.  I honestly haven't been feeling my running groove until like miles 5-6 so at that point the run was basically done with.  This week I run a couple short ones, and then Sunday is the big day.

I seriously can't write much more b/c I think I'm going to puke if let myself get any more nervous.  Here's how I feel:

It's been awhile....

So, I kind of stopped blogging.... sorry about that.  Basically my runs have been pretty normal- as in it's all just a part of my life now.  I ran 10 miles by myself on Saturday and was actually a little sad to cut it so short.

The race is in 12 days- less than 2 weeks!  I've done the farthest run of the schedule- 22 miles- and it wasn't even a big deal.  It was SUPER slow- 10:18/mile, so I wasn't winded or anything, but my legs were tired.  Being able to do that basically without being too overwhelmed, makes me feel confident I'll be able to finish the race just fine.  The part I'm worried about is not making it under 10 minutes/mile.  But, you know what? I'll give it my all and that's all I can do...

For now, I'm just hanging in doing some minimal running getting mentally prepared!