Word Press is still freaking me out.  Do I dare post something?

Anyway, before the heartstopping performance by Word Press, I was all jazzed up from watching the Hamburg Marathon today.  The course ran just down the block from us, and there is nothing that makes me happier than waking up just a little bit earlier on a sunny Sunday morning, coffee in hand, and cheering on thousands of marathon runners.

It is always such an inspiration to watch, knowing that all these folks have poured their blood, sweat and tears for the last three or four months into training for this race and today was the moment of truth.  I get all choked up just thinking about it. It is also a great way to get inspired for our race next week.  Though only half the distance, I always need all the help I can get!

Considering that I didn’t do any running at all during Weeks 9 and 10, this week wasn’t half bad.  I started off last Sunday with a 1-hour run, just to get me moving again  (even though I had an 11-mile run scheduled).  Then on Monday night, I started a Pilates course offered by the hospital campus where I work and  Tuesday night was a 40-minute run.  Thursday night, I planned to do a 45-minute run, but I ended up running for 1-hour because there was a woman ahead of me on the path who I wanted to pass, and then once I did, I had to keep running of course!

Then yesterday, instead of my originally planned 12-mile run, I was pretty happy with my 1 hour & 45-minute run, especially since I hadn’t run more than an hour in the previous two weeks. And the best part about yesterday was that I could have pulled out a few more miles if I had to — a good sign for Sunday’s race. I won’t be breaking any personal records or anything, but I’ll definitely be able to pull through.

So, my plan for the last week before the race? Sleep, a lot. Take my Vitamin C and Zinc lozenges. Stick to my Pilates class. Go for a couple of 45-minute to 1-hour runs, maybe a 2-3-mile run on Friday to keep myself loose. Use my foam roller daily to sooth my tightening IT-Band. And most importantly, enjoy the process!