The brief report

Nerves quieting as I started the race (a little late -- more later on that), I went out there and ran. And quickly I noticed how high my HR was, and how quickly the high temps and hot sun were sucking the life outta my legs. By mile 4 we were running directly into the strong winds.

By the time I hit mile 8, I wasn't having fun.

I stepped off the course at mile 15.5 and went right up to a race official and asked for a ride back to the start/finish.

A weight was lifted off my shoulders.

It was hard -- getting my first DNF -- but it was the right decision, for several reasons.

I'll write a looooooooooooong report later. There's a lot more to say about my fun weekend with my friends in Ohio...

Repeating in my mind...

"It is the illusion that we can go no faster that holds us back."

KENNY MOORE

This was in my inbox yesterday. On a day when I watched some amazing athletes power their way to incredible, but tough finishes in the Boston Marathon (more on that later), this statement really hit home.

This statement is absolutely, without a doubt, dead-on for me. I have an illusion -- a fear, even -- to overcome. I'm not sure when that will happen... But I do know I'll have this statement in my mind until I cross the finish line on Sunday.

Spring (break) cleaning...

My Spring Break was this week, and I didn't fly away to a warm beach... for a few reasons. So, since I was home, I did a little spring cleaning. Trying to declutter, simplify. I'm not good at it. I like the simplicity, I like the clutter-free environment -- but I'm not good at getting rid of things, even when they're headed to Goodwill or Purple Heart.

My sister, however, is a pro. She came over and helped me purge a bunch of stuff.

Then, she took one look at my stash of shoes and asked, seriously, if I really need all of those:

Of course I do. Some are current running shoes, some are older (for the rainy days) running shoes, some are retired-for-running-but-good-for-wearing-around shoes, some are flip flops for running out for something quickly, there's a pair (or two?) of pool flip flops, and one pair of older running shoes for softball.

I didn't let her see all the shoes that are in my closet.

Holiday goodness

Yesterday was a family-filled day. I had a really good 16 miler at the shore -- including a few miles over the bridges connecting the island to the mainland. Ran a bit faster than planned, but didn't notice because my HR was good and I was comfortable.

Cleaned up and had a yummy Easter dinner with my whole family -- mom, dad, grandmom, brother and SIL, sister and BIL, and all their little kids (5 of them, 6 years old and younger!). After our early dinner, we went outside and played wiffle ball and ran around -- soaking in the sun and smelling the salt air of the ocean.

I wish I had taken more pics, but this is a fun one of my 3.5 year old nephew this morning:

He's hilarious.

If you look closely, in the background you can see my other nephew... shirtless and in bare feet in our 45* weather here in NJ. He wasn't cold. I think he's awesome, too.

In an instant

Life can change in an instant. Today, after running my miles in the darkness before work for the second morning in a row, after spending today's miles thinking about my pace, my speed, I was reminded that life isn't just about being faster, zooming through the mundane, or hoping a slow day would move along.

This morning, on her way to work, a young teacher in my district was struck and killed in her car by a truck running a red light. In an instant, life changes.

I can run tomorrow. I might even be able to get faster if I really work on it. But I was reminded today of how life can change in an instant, and so while I'll still work on my speed, I'll also try to really remember to appreciate the fact that I'm able to run at all.

Last long run

Ran a 22 miler today. I have mixed feelings about it. I'm still working them all out, so I'll write more about it later.

The brief report: Much of it was good, the last 2 miles weren't.

If I can't get through a slower-paced, 22 miler in training without feeling ok the whole way, how am I supposed to run race pace and make it 26.2 miles?

Gah.