I have to run 18 miles on Sunday. Here are my worries thoughts:
– I will be doing this long run mostly solo, but I think my friend from high school (in California), who also lives up here now, is going to meet me for at least the last 3, maybe 4, miles. I haven’t seen her since probably 1995 (the year we graduated). If I meet up with her at Mile 14 — wow — she’s going to be seeing me at my absolute BEST. Yikes. We still need to work out the details of where I’m running and what time she should meet me, etc.
– I’m not sure what I’m going to wear yet. It’s supposed to be 60 and partly sunny, but I think I’m going to start early in the morning so it could be cooler. I do know that I will definitely wear sunscreen this time.
– I still do not have enough water pods for my Amphipod belt. Me and T Junior will be making a trip to REI today to purchase two more (for a total of four) pods, along with some GU. Last night, after my treadmill run, I stopped at the QFC to get money for the babysitter (long story I will write about later), and saw that they had gels there! But no GU. I got some Clif Shots and a Power Gel (I think that’s what I got), but I don’t want to try them on 18 miles.
– I spent a couple hours creating a new playlist the other day. The first quarter is my usual party-girl music (Ke$ha, Rihanna, etc.), but I wanted to add some music that would spark memories for me so that I can think about something else besides how bad my feet hurt. So, I’ve got quite an eclectic mix: lots of Tom Petty (Running Down a Dream — how perfect is that?), some Sheryl Crow (love Steve McQueen), and even ABBA (hoping I’ll just want to sing along and distract my brain). At the end is my Legally Blonde-The Musical soundtrack, but not all the songs, just the fast ones. Those really work to keep my mind off things. Hopefully, by then, I will be running with my friend, though, so I’m not really planning on listening to this part of the list. Anyway, I hope all the songs work out.
– Last night, on my 9-miler (that turned out to be 9.5 miles because I’m horrible at math), my foot really ached. That darn neuroma. I think I’m going to make a Pod appointment for next week, if I can, and get a cortisone shot. I’m just hoping that the asphalt will be kind to my foot on Sunday.
– I’m going to focus on keeping my pace between 11 and 11:30, but if I am in too much pain and have to go even slower, I will. Slow and steady wins finishes the race. Right?
17 comments
Great question! It's sort of a combo. I take a bath, and T Junior usually hangs out with me in the bathroom. I think he likes the turn of events — Mama in the bath instead of him. I don't get to nap, but that's OK. I can't nap during the day anyway. I also feel bad after being gone for half the day.
Great post! I am planning on running with you…so now the details!!!!
Good luck on your 18 miles! Don't you love achieving these new milestones with each long run? I remember that being such a good feeling!Take it slow and enjoy yourself. You'll do great! Hope you get to meet up with your old friend… that'll be a great distraction to get you through.
What a fantastic accomplishment 18 miles will be!! It's a necessary evil, these long runs.One thing's for certain – after visiting the Land of High Mileage on Sunday, 10-12 miles won't seem so bad 🙂
Woot! Woot! Good luck on the 18!
I cant wait to hear all about your run. I cant even imagine running that far. Good luck!
Sending happy running vibes your way!!! Have a fantastic run!
QFC had clifshots and power gel? wow I'm kind of shocked.18 miles, awesome and good luck. I have really been liking the Soos Creek Trail and there are lots of places to meet up, a couple of very clean porta potties along the way and if you park at Gary Grant park 2 directions to go with clean bathrooms :PHave a great run.
Wow 18 miles, you are going to rock it! Can't wait to read about it.
Random thought- When you get home from your long runs do you have to go right into mommy mode or does the hubs take over and let you recover/nap/bathe etc?
How exciting! I can't imagine running 18 miles…even though in a few months I will need to go there. You can do it…I'm rooting for you and can't wait to hear how it goes!
In the marathon world, slow and steady wins! It was pretty disheartening in my first marathon to go out too fast, only to be passed by the walk/runners about mile 22!Good luck on your run! Have fun!
It will go great and you can NEVER go too slow for a long run (or any run in my opinion :D)
Kerrie,When I read your blog every week, I'm astounded by how much motivation you have. You overcome so many obstacles just to get out the door, and you're somehow managing to balance motherhood, work, husband, dogs, volunteer work and a ton of running … it makes me tired just thinking about all of that! I was thrilled for you when you made it through that difficult spell a few weeks ago. You're doing GREAT. As you run longer and longer, don't think about how many miles are still ahead of you; focus on celebrating each mile you've finished. You are amazing!!!!!
I gotta tell you, driving 18 miles seems like a ways – I can't imagine running 18 miles!! I bow to you, my dear!! And I was sooo happy to see there is at least one person out there who wouldn't make fun of me for having ABBA on my Ipod. 🙂
hope your 18miler goes well! and the reunion… will she recognize you after so many years and 14miles of running? 🙂
Good luck on the 18 miles tomorrow! It'll be really nice to have your friend join you at the end.I really like Power Gels. They're a bit thinner than GUs and have more sodium, which seems to help me.