There's a Special Halloween Edition of the Rundown this week from new RBFer Frank.

And click here if you missed last week's Rundown, hosted by Yvonne.

For those of you who have picked up (or received) the most recent issue of Runner's World, you might notice a letter to the editor from a certain orange-capped chick. I wrote to them in response to their article on blogs, but they cut out the parts I really wanted them to keep in.

So here's the full text, I've bolded the parts that the editor cut:

I was delighted that Runner's World and Chaddus Bruce finally brought the running blog into the spotlight (Today I Ran Fast, October 2005).

Since April 2004, I have gratefully found myself a member of an ever increasing community of blogging runners - of all abilities and backgrounds - who educate, motivate and inspire each other. Complete strangers 'virtually' cheered me on every step of the way to my first marathon finish and even donated to my charity.

Recently, nine running-bloggers, from four different states, gathered for the NewAlliance New Haven Road Race to share in our passion for running and camaraderie. And more bloggers will gather in December for the Las Vegas Marathon.

Takes the idea of a running club to a whole new level, doesn't it?

Thanks again for taking time to feature this 'new' training tool. I hope more runners will learn to take advantage of this technology!

And they left out my blog url too. Stinkers. But I get to be a celebrity, again(!)...so I can't really complain. AND! Rumor has it that I will get a free shirt from RW...since runners don't have enough t-shirts already. =)

9 days. 5 runs. 3 islands. 1 hurricane.

10,000 tons of food. 100 gallons of rum, tequila, vodka and wine. Oh, and some water and iced tea.

200 emails. 300 blog posts.

And I'm back.

Y'all have been busy - running marathons and other races, crossing impossible finish lines and setting PRs! I'm still waiting to read some of your stories.

And holy cow, who let all these crazy running-bloggers in here!? This party just keeps getting bigger and bigger!!

I missed you guys...and I missed my neighborhood. I can't wait to get outside, on the actuals ROADS to stretch my legs tonight. Even though it will be cold. And dark. And there won't be a room steward turning down my bed and leaving chocolates on my pillow. And I'll have to cook my own dinner. After I go shopping for groceries. *Sigh*

It's still good to be home.

Bunch of random odds and ends to mention...

My blog will be quiet for a while, as hubby and I jet off for a much deserved vacation. This will be the first time since our honeymoon (8 years ago) that we will be going on a vacation completely alone and which does not involve: visiting friends/family; weddings; funerals; and/or graduations. I hope we still like each other when it's over!

Official race photos can be viewed here. For the record, those legs are not mine - the photography company must have photoshopped those legs on to my body, because I've never seen them before.

Thanks to everyone for the comments/suggestions on my last post. Just to be clear: I am not some super-woman low-mileage success story. Remember, I was triathlon training this summer too, so even though I was only running 4 days a week, I was biking and swimming too - thereby boosting my aerobic capacity. (And that's the key - aerobically, I felt great during the race. My legs, on the other hand, were totally toasted by mile 21. Another note to self: weight training.)

To answer the question about water stops and why I don't just take G'ade in at the stops: On the course, the G'ade is diluted and I need all the calories I can get, so I bring my own full-strength. Plus, I can insure that I drink exactly what I trained with.

Our Blogfather, Mark, has been hard at work, creating new, fun goodies for us to enjoy! Check out the RBF paraphernalia at http://www.cafepress.com/completerunning.

I got tagged by Cassie/Tiggs:

Here are the rules:

1. Go into your archives.
2. Find your 23rd post.
3. Find the fifth sentence (or the closest one to it)
4. Post the text of your sentence in your blog along with these rules.
5. Tag five other people.

My results from May 24, 2004:

"I headed out to my favorite trail in the woods, being sure to load up on bug spray."

I'd like to tag: Michelle, Jank, Jack, Jeff, and Audrey.

Oh, and speaking of Michelle...she and I ran together last night...it was my first run since the marathon on Saturday...and it felt FABULOUS. The four miles just flew by and I felt great - even in the rain (again. still.)!

I know some of you will run your marathons before I get back - Jank and Alejandra and Jon and I'm sure I'm forgetting people - But to all of you - GOOD LUCK!

Here's the marathon advice I gave Brent:

You've trained for the marathon. You've planned out your race. Here are some words of advice about what to do once you cross the finish line.

1) receive medal. smile. alot. maybe cry just a little (optional).

2) have chip removed. volunteers will probably do this for you, which you will appreciate GREATLY since the thought of reaching your toes will seem impossible.

3) TAKE THE MYLAR BLANKET (the tin foil looking thingy!) and WEAR IT. Even if you don't think you need it, take it. Your body will begin to cool very quickly, and this blanket will help keep you warm. And sweaty.

4) Sip water slowly. And try not to take in TOO much water until after your first pee.

5) Have a family member or friend bring: your favorite flip flops or other comfy shoes AND a sweatshirt/fleece/long-sleeved something to put on after you discard the silver blanket. About 20 minutes after my first marathon, I started shivering AND DIDN'T EVEN REALIZE IT until my step-father pointed it out and then handed me his jacket. =) (Consider bringing an entire change of clothes for later.)

6) Get a post-race massage if you are feeling up to it. I wish I had done this after my both my marathons. I mean, free massages, duh!?

7) Have something to eat. Whatever you want! You've earned it, marathoner. =)

8) Take a long, long nap.

OK. That about covers it for now. Try not to miss me too much. I'll be back online Oct. 23.

Special Chicago Marathon Edition of the Rundown is up!!

The Analysis

I think I ran a smarter race this year. While every person's experience with a marathon is unique, and each one of us needs to experiment to figure out what works best for us individually, I thought I'd share my analysis on the off chance that someone could learn something from it.

Hydration and Nutrition

I ran with orange-flavored G'ade Endurance Formula and took in about 45 ounces over the first 20 miles. I took in some water at the last 5-6 water stops, plus a small bottle of water that I picked up from the 'race crew' at mile 20. Overall, I drank LESS this year and as a result, felt much better during the final 10K of the race. (I drank about 30 ounces less than last year. Yikes.)

I took in TOO much fluid last year, which may explain why I craved SALT. (I wonder if the extra salt in the Endurance Formula also helped me avoid that this time.) I was so sick to my stomach last year and remember feeling 'foggy-headed' towards the end. Not good.

I really feel like I have a handle on hydration now - I just need to find a better way to carry it (I've tried a few options...by hand, waist-mounted CamelBak...but I hate having weight around my waist...).

I ate orange flavored Gu at Mile 6, Mile 12, Mile 18 and Mile 22. Gu worked better for me than PowerGel (and I went with the non-caffeinated this time too).

Since my stomach was feeling a lot better during the last 6 miles than it was last year, I was able to choke down that last gel, although the thought of eating anything other than oranges wasn't very appealing. Seriously. Craved oranges.

Training

This year's schedule looked a lot like last year's. I took Hal Higdon's Intermediate One schedule and modified it a bit to suit my needs, especially since I was triathlon training and marathon training at the same time. The biggest difference was doing two 20-milers instead of just one (which was a big help!). Training felt GREAT too! Faster recovery, faster times.

Then, about seven weeks before the marathon, I got it in my head that I could shoot for a Boston Qualifying (BQ) time at the marathon. A BQ for my age group is 3:45 which is 17 minutes faster than my first (and only) marathon time. Based on some of the prediction calculators, a 3:45 was within reach for me.

The most appealing part of running Boston was the chance to run with Jeff again. I've never been one of those runner's who gets excited about Boston and NYC. I respect those races as being hallmark marathons, but I don't get overly excited about running with 30,000 people. I get easily frustrated in crowds. I'm certain that the energy level from the runners as well as the spectators is overwheling and this is certainly one aspect that has piqued my interest.

Now let me be honest. I knew when I started thinking about the BQ that I wasn't trained for it and that it really was a 'dream' goal. I've never run more than 4 days a week during training, and I hadn't been doing much speed work. I average around 25 miles per week, which is a good base, but not quite enough for a 17-minute PR. [Editor's clarification: 25 miles per week is the AVERAGE. During the peak of training, I did get into the 30's for a few weeks and had one 40-mile week.]

But I wanted to be confident in my abilities so I set my sights on the 3:45 anyways. I didn't want to look back on the race and regret not trying. I also didn't want everyone else to get too focused on my BQ goal, so I kept that goal to myself (tried to anyways). I didn't want to cross the finish line and see disappointed faces and hear 'Oh, too bad!' I knew I wouldn't be disappointed. Finishing the marathon for the second time was going to be amazing. And I was certain that I would PR. So there should be no frowny-faces at the finish (there weren't)!

And I've promised myself that I will not obsess over the 3:45. I really enjoy the challenge that the marathon presents, and I love the fact that I can actually SMILE when I'm out there. I refuse to let the joy getted sucked out by a silly number. I'll train harder and smarter for the next marathon, but I refuse to let the 3:45 overshadow the experience for what it really means to me. I always want to be smiling when I cross the finish line.

Summary

What does this all mean?

I'm on the right track with the hydration and nutrition. For training, I need to add in speedwork, some longer long-runs and at least one more day of running each week.

It's all a process, people.

We interrupt this blog to bring you this latest tidbit of information:

Before we talk about me, which is my favorite topic, I want to point something out to everyone. Something a bit curious. You know alejandra over at 'i am not a runner'? You know, the cute, funny chick who doesn't realize just how cute and funny she really is?

Did you know that she's raising money for The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society's Team In Training? Have you noticed that she never talks about it? And hasn't really asked for any donations? Well, I noticed. And I also noticed that she's a wee bit shy of her goal and I think she plans on writing a check to cover the difference. Let's help her out!

And now back to the self-centered business of discussing me, me, me!

Recovery from the marathon has been easier than last time and I am almost shocked to say that I feel strong enough to run again! The first 24 hours post-marathon were the roughest, with a very sore knee, sore lower back and legs that weren't crazy about going down stairs or moving from standing to sitting and vice versa. After 48 hours, I was feeling like I had done a tough leg workout at the gym.

There are some blisters under a couple of toenails, but nothing has turned purple yet. There was one huge blister on the bottom of my foot, but with all the water in my shoes it popped before the race was even over. And once my feet dried out, so did the blister. So that worked out well!

Overall, my energy level is good, my appetite is back and I'm ready to analyze my performance and start the process to get the training to the next level. I'm not quite sure what's next, in terms of 'big' running goals...for now, I'd like to focus on my upcoming vacation and then the flat, fast 5K in November.

First and foremost - THANK YOU for all your wonderful comments!! A girl could get quite an ego hanging out with you folks. I should print these out and read them whenever I'm feeling a little down.

Secondly, a gallery of photos from the second marathon can be seen here.

Thanks to Michelle for capturing some great moments from the day; and to Olivia for getting that cool shot of me and Ryan heading around the corner to the finish...looks like we're the only ones on the course.

I didn't bother putting any descriptions/captions, so let me know if you have any questions about what's going on in a particular picture.

And here are some excerpts about the race from the local paper (emphasis mine):

The Hartford Courant
"Kemboi Pours It On" by Lori Riley

"Neither heavy rain nor blustery wind could stop Kemboi Saturday from winning the United Technologies Greater Hartford Marathon. He set a course record, finishing in 2 hours, 16 minutes, 34 seconds, breaking the mark of 2:16:52 set by Joseph Nderitu of Kenya in 2002.

Kemboi, 27, had hoped to run the 26.2-mile race in 2:14. But heavy downpours, a headwind and the lack of competition in the later miles conspired to slow him down. Kemboi broke away from the pack in mile 14. He ran the last 12.6 miles, including the roller-coaster-like final 10K in West Hartford, alone."

"Large puddles formed on the course. Heavy rain blew into the runners' eyes. And they had to tackle a headwind from the halfway point - which the lead pack of four ran through in 1:06:58."

It's nice to know that I didn't just imagine the rain, winds and hills.

I'm almost done blabbering about this adventure.

The Last 6.2 – The Second Time Around: Part Three

If you missed Part One of the Epic-Length Second Marathon Report, click here.

If you missed Part Two, which highlights Mile One Through Mile Nineteen, click here.

Mile Twenty had the most spectators of the day (it’s near the finish area so it’s easy for folks to cheer at Mile 20 and then head over to the finish line to wait for the runners to come in. Cruel set-up in some ways, to run by the finish as you head out to the hardest part of the course – but actually works out well for a boost to the spirit).

The thought of seeing my family and friends, and picking up my ‘Last 6 Miler’ had kept me going since Mile 16 when things started to slow down. And I wanted to look strong for them. I was already five minutes behind my ‘dream’ goal and decided that a PR was the perfect way to end the day.

I got total ‘tunnel vision’ when I saw them and could only focus on my mom handing me the next bottle (small bottle of water) and Ryan jumping in with me. In a blur I saw my stepfather and someone holding a camera (turns out, it was Michelle). I didn’t even see my husband, my mother-in-law or my nephew and they were all right there. I was too focused. (Same thing happened to me last year.) I crossed the 20-mile timing mat with a 8:59 split for a total time of 2:56:19 (about six minutes better than last year!)

As Ryan smiled at me and stepped onto the street, I grabbed his arm and said ‘Hey Dude!’ and suddenly felt all choked up with emotion. I was so happy to have someone run with me – it was so spirit-lifting to see a friendly face and be able to run beside someone with ‘fresh’ legs and positive vibes. He asked if we were shooting for the BQ and he didn’t even flinch when I said ‘No, just the PR.’

As we approached the first stupid hill, I pointed it out and said ‘Here comes the tough one’ to which he responded ‘It’s just a speed bump.’ And then we laughed. (I also noted that AA would be cussing me out when she got to this part of the course. OK. She doesn’t cuss. But she would *want to* cuss at me.)

From the Mile Twenty marker to the Mile Twenty-One marker, it’s mostly uphill but I still felt ‘strong’ even though my knees were aching and tired (which meant my form had completely fallen apart). The hill dragged my split to a 9:38.

Mile Twenty-Two and I am craving oranges (low potassium I’m guessing). Sadly, there were none to be found. We are offered candy and Vaseline but no fruit. I eat my last gel (fourth one of the day) which does not give my feet wings but ‘perks’ me up and keeps my brain from going to that ‘dark place.’ I walked through the water stop, bring this split to 9:42.

I rip off the pace band for the 3:45 finish and leave it in a pile of cups.

Mile Twenty-Three and I’m amazed at how ‘good’ I feel compared to last time. No bitter thoughts about how stupid marathons are and 'why did I do this?' and how many blisters will I have…instead, I was listening to Ryan, drinking water and thinking ‘Almost done. Almost there.’
There was a bit of walking in here too. Which makes sense since the split was 10:03.

Mile Twenty-Four - Ryan had kindly been carrying my water bottle for me and he kept checking in with me: Do I need some? Will I be stopping at the water stop? I didn’t think it was possible to be ‘doted’ on while running and he and Jason both proved me wrong. I felt so spoiled!
A spectator yelled out ‘Go Dianna!’ and Ryan says ‘Wow…you have a lot of fans out here!’ And then I point out that name is written on my shirt, right above my boobs and that maybe that might have something to do with it. So he says ‘So actually they’re just a fan of your boobs.’ And I laugh, again.

This is the slowest mile of the day at 10:10.

Mile Twenty-Five - I’m finally getting excited since I know the finish line is coming soon. And coming in under 4 hours is a real possibility. I still have my wits about me, I can still talk and smile. Last year the final 10K of the race was tough for me, both mentally and physically. This time through, my pace was about the same over those last six miles, but I felt better – stronger somehow. That’s an encouraging sign.

There was one of those heart stopping moments in a race when you see a runner down on the course, surrounded by medical personnel. He was hooked up to an IV and the palest shade of white I have ever seen. Poor guy – down at mile 25. I’m spurred on to finish looking strong, and pick the pace back up to a whopping 9:56.

Mile Twenty-Six and Point Two - The last mile is the best one. We get a great downhill to coast on. There’s music. The spectators are there, the rain has let up just a bit…and then there’s our co-worker Olivia, sitting on the curb, snapping our picture! I can feel the adrenaline start to surge and hit that mile split at 9:18. Ryan peels off just before the finishing area and I head under The Arch, picking up the pace. I’m grinning like an idiot and I can see the clock says 3:57:xx. (I think the .2 was around 1:57 or so)

Then I see my friend Joan - who volunteered to work the finish line and has been standing in the rain for hours – and she is jumping up and down, waving her arms in her blue hooded rain poncho. She made it easy to figure out where she was!

She literally catches me in a huge bear hug as I cross the finish, and I’m hyperventilating and trying desperately to not start sobbing. To tell the truth, this finish felt just as amazing as my first one. I didn’t think it would be as satisfying, but it really was!

Joan wraps me up in a mylar blanket and helps me get my medal on…which I then take back off because I had to get out of my stinky shirt as soon as possible (this particular shirt holds on to stink like nothing I’ve ever smelled before). Put the medal back on and Joan steers me to the chip-removal area and some water.

I’m still hyperventilating and volunteers keep asking me if I’m OK. My mom, the nurse, bustles into the finish area and hugs me, then wraps an arm around my waist. Another volunteer asks me if I need medical attention (do I look that bad?!) and I say no, and mom looks at me and says ‘You’ve got your own medical attention right here.’

There are hugs and smiles all around, as I catch my breath and continue to blink back the tears. And seriously, not once did a feel even a glimmer of disappointment for the missed BQ. My body tells me that I did what I could do, and I am happy for it.

I broke four hours. My official chip time: 3:56:59.

We gather at the end of the finishing area to celebrate momentarily, and then we all start to look for AA, anxiously awaiting her big finish (which is her story to tell).

Once all the RBF runners are in, we drifted off to different places – AA and her family head over to the race tents for food and a massage. I opted to drag Michelle and my clan over to the party van where we set up the canopy to keep the rain off the potato chips and enjoyed some refreshing beverages while reliving our favorite moments from the day.

I looked around at my friends and family, and smiled, knowing that they all helped get me over the finish line.

Rain? What rain?

Mile One Through Mile Nineteen: Part Two

If you missed Part One of the Epic-Length Marathon Report, click here.

The goal was to start out easy, then build a cushion of time in the middle, and then account for slowing near the end.

Mile One ticked by in 8:58 as I crossed over the Founder's Bridge for the first time. Right on pace, wanting to warm up and conserve some energy for the later miles. I ran with AA and Michelle for about a quarter mile, making sure that AA was connected to her pace-leader and then I pulled ahead just a bit.

Mile Two provided a moment of surprise as I heard someone talking to me and looked over to see Sarah! We chatted for a moment and then she rocketed ahead. She must of caught me up in her jet fuel, as my split was 8:21. That was a little too fast!

During Mile Three, I relaxed and found my groove with an 8:41 split. I spotted my husband as he cruised by on his bike, in the rain. I watched as he pulled in to a convenience store - where I later learned that he was buying some gummy bears for Michelle since she had dropped hers in the mud before the start.

I still had to pee by Mile Four so I started to look for a porta-potty. I told myself I would only stop if there wasn't a line. I clocked this mile at 8:39. It was still raining. A light, gentle, constant sprinkle.

Jason rode by and checked in with me, offering to sell his bike to any runner with the most money.

Mile Five may or may not have been when I found the open porta-potty. And I should be able to tell because my split would be a little longer right? Yeah, well...when I did stop to pee, I stopped my watch out of habit (stop running=stop watch). I didn't realize until I was leaving the blue box of happiness that I now had NO IDEA what my chip time was! Ggrrr. Oh, and there really is no feeling like pulling on sopping wet shorts. (Turns out, this stop cost me about 35 seconds). Split here was 8:35. (or 9:10, adjusted)

Mile Six saw another 'on-pace' split of 8:34. I was running alone, so I took it upon myself to eavesdrop on conversations to stay entertained. I heard two women talking about pace, so I politely interjected and asked them about their pace goals. One of the women looks over at me and says 'Are you the one from the website?' And I just had to laugh! That's the second time I've been recognized at a race! She went on to say that she reads my blog regularly, although she doesn't have a blog herself - so to my race-day friend from Massachusetts - "Hi!" Feel free to contact me if you are doing another CT race anytime soon!

Mile Seven was more of the same - left, right, left, right, rain, rain, rain. Split was 8:35.

Mile Eight brought me by Jason, waiting with my 'refill' of gatorade. I opted to grab it on the way back, so he got to stand out in the rain even longer.

The weather report had said 'Rain, heavy at times' and all of sudden, we got hit with the 'heavy at times' portion. My sneakers had been doing OK prior to this - moist but not squishy. But within seconds, I had buckets of water in my shoes and the puddles tripled in size. I smiled at the lunacy of it all and plodded onward. Somehow, this split was 8:13. I dunno, I think I was trying to make up for the time I lost in the bathroom.

Mile Nine clocked in 8:55 with an uphill in very heavy shoes.

Mile Ten clocked in at 8:28 as I tried to make up some lost time from Mile Nine on the downhill.

Mile Eleven brought the gatorade exchange with Jason. He asked me how I was doing and I said 'Good. My feet are a just a little wet.' I'm not sure he picked up on my sarcasm through the sounds of all the squishing shoes hitting the pavement. I was on pace with an 8:32.

Mile Twelve showed us the 'winds 15-20 mph' that were promised with the rains. I slowed to an 8:49 here.

Mile Thirteen and halfway home! Brought the pace back to 8:34 but was a little discouraged when I realized that I was a minute behind schedule and still had the toughest part of the course to tackle.

Mile Fourteen had me making friends with a biker(bicycle) who was supposed to have 'Gu-On-Demand' but there was a communication glitch and none of the bikers knew where to get the Gu from. I was talking to him about running, as he said he was inspired by us, and I mentioned that running is not as hard on the knees as people think. I said this specifically to him, as I know many hard core bikers scoff at all the 'pounding' runners do to their knees. I went to the suggest to the biker that he look into 'proper running form' before he starts so he can protect his knees. Mark would have been proud of me!

Jason cruised by again, and I handed him a 'plain' gu that I knew I wouldn't need. I noticed he had prunes-hands from being out in the ran. What a trooper! I was still holding on to the 8:35 pace and feeling good.

Mile Fifteen brought thoughts of all your triathletes, as I spotted a man with an Ironman shirt on. I asked him about his shirt and he said he wasn't feeling like an Ironman at that moment. I asked which race he had done, and he was a four time finisher (Lake Placid twice, Wisconsin and Florida)! I smiled, thinking about my tri-blogger friends with their eyes on IM.

I also thought of Annalisa as I passed by the spot where she met me last year, with her homemade dancing-banana sign. Another smile. And I slowed just a bit to 8:40 as we were doused again by some heavy rains and pushed around by the winds.

Mile Sixteen and my feet were feeling really heavy. I was lonely. I slowed down to a 9:03 here.

Mile Seventeen and I’m running through mud and grass to avoid lake-sized ankle-deep puddles. Losing steam, I walk thru the water stop and the pace slows more to a 9:17 split.

Mile Eighteen is the Gu-Station and I’m reminded to take my third Gu for the day. As I walk to eat the Gu, I almost get tangled in a strand of yellow caution tape that the wind is whipped right at my neck. The Gu plus the fear of being stranged by caution tape help me pick up the pace to a 9:03 again.

Mile Nineteen crosses up and over the Founder’s Bridge. Usually the crowd support here is great, with people lined across the bridge cheering. Not so much today. Did I mention that it was raining? And I was lonely? And I had my period? My sneakers felt like they weighed 100 pounds each. I thought about having a pity party for myself, but then thought of everyone waiting for me at mile 20.

And then I passed (let me repeat that – I PASSED) the now-former pace-leader for the 3:45 group. He’s running alone with his pace shirt turned inside out. I took some small comfort in knowing that I wasn’t the only person not reaching that particular goal, but I also felt bad for the runners who were relying on him to help them reach their goal. And I felt bad for him, knowing that he must be having a terrible day on so many levels. My split was 9:52.

Uh-oh.

The final and last installment up next!

The Epic-Length Second Marathon Race Report: Part One

Pre-Race

The CT-RBF (Susan, Sarah, April-Anne, Michelle) gathered for the obligatory pasta-fest followed by cookie-eating and picture-taking. Conversation flowed, water glasses were refilled (many times!) and bloating commenced (at least for me). Connecting with everyone really helped to take the edge off the nerves and provided a great distraction.

I'd been so wound up about the race on Friday afternoon, I even forgot to BUY BEER so we made a quick stop on the way home to insure the proper fortification of the cooler in party van.

April-Anne (AA) was spending the night at our house, and we wandered around the house putting together all the last minute items for the next day. When I climbed into bed at 10:30 p.m., I felt relaxed and ready for sleep.

Yeah, right. Around 11:00 p.m. my heart started pounding and I just couldn't get comfortable. I tried deep breathing, counting backwards, everything. Nothing helped. I tossed and turned. Maybe it was too much food, heartburn, nerves, etc. I finally dozed off sometime around 2:00 a.m. And then I woke up just before the alarm, around 5:30 a.m.

We woke to the sound of rain, with warm temps and high humidity. Great race conditions!

We put our best smiles on, packed up the van - with Michelle riding with us and AA following behind - and headed to the race. After a few minutes of panic when we lost AA in traffic, we were gathered in the parking lot, putting on the rest of our gear and taking care of last minute adjustments. My bladder was overly-anxious, and I knew I would never make it in time to the porta-potty and therefore opted to use the parking lot instead. It was a first for me, and a necessary decision. (Michelle helped shield me by holding up a towel. That's a good friend!)

The Start

We scurried over the race area, searching for the bag-check area...which was the furthest point away from the porta-potties...which meant Michelle only had time to check her bag. (I felt so bad - she held the towel for me and now she wouldn't have time to take care of her own business.)

We searched frantically for the pace-group leaders in their neon yellow shirts. I found my pace-leader from last year (he was awesome) and noticed that he was the leader for the 3:45 group. I took that as a good sign, since that was my super-secret goal time...and then a few minutes later he swapped pace-shirts with the 3:40 leader. Sigh. Oh well.

We located the 4:00 leader for AA - and it was a BAREFOOT runnner that I have seen at a lot of the local races. We hoped that he would be channeling good energy from Mark!

We chatted nervously, and I shivered as the rain continued to fall. Then the announcements, the garbled Nat'l Anthem (stupid rain), the blessing and we were off!

The start felt faster this year - there seemed to be less jostling for a position...almost like people lined up where they should have, based on their anticipated pace. It felt like we got over the start line quickly - easily less than a minute. (I imagine the rain kept the last minute registrations and 'on-the-fence' people at home, keeping the crowd smaller this year.)

My nerves made sure to let me know that I had to pee again, so I promised myself that I would use a porta-potty at mile 4 if I still had to go.

Part Two: The Miles...coming soon! Stay tuned!

Official results are still not posted for the marathon yet, but it looks like I shaved about 5 minutes off of last year's time, breaking the four-hour barrier. Considering the weather conditions, I was very pleased with the outcome, but my finishing time wasn't good enough to run with Jeff in Boston.

My goal for the race was to PR, breaking four hours. My 'dream' goal was to qualify for Boston.

I was smiling when I crossed the finish, knowing that I ran the race that was placed before me to the best of my ability. To me, that meant that I had a successful race.

I'll let the other RBF members share their own times and stories.

My details about the day will be posted sometime tomorrow.

Thanks for all the cyber cheers and well wishes!

The most important aspect of my running is *not* the training, the nutrition, the shoes, the clothing, or the magazines.

The most important aspect is my 'race crew' and they are more than deserving of Academy-Award sized thank-you's from me.

If there was an Oscar-like award for running, I'd get dragged off the stage, trying to fit in all the THANK YOU's...But here what my speech would like:

Jason

My husband. My race-crew leader. My masseuse. My beer-cooler carrier. The party van driver. The man that bikes 15-20 miles during the marathon to make sure I have gatorade and gels. My biggest fan and loudest supporter. He makes me laugh, especially when I don't want to, and he tells me that I'm crazy, with a twinkle in his eye. He's cool-headed and calm, and knows just how to talk me off the ledge. My rock.

The 'Rents

I've written (on numerous occasions) about my amazing 4-time cancer survivor mother, and how her strength to overcome numerous obstacles in her life has been inspirational to me. Simply put, the woman kicks butt. However, I have not always been so good about mentioning the man that stands beside her and has been there with her every step of the way. He has also stood beside me whenever I've needed him - often without me even having to ask. My stepfather, David, was the motivating force that got me on the bike and in the pool time and time again during tri-training. Without him, I would have blown off more of those workouts than I care to admit.

Whenever I think about seeing my parents at the end of a race (any race) my chest swells with emotion. They have no idea how much their presence means to me.

The Running Chicks

April-Anne and Michelle have gotten me out the door so many times on days where I didn't think I had it in me. Throughout the training, they have been there, running along side of me, listening to my constant chatter and keeping me sane. We are all different people, from different backgrounds, and running has united us in a wonderful friendship that I am so very grateful for.

Annalisa

She invited me along on her triathlon journey and allowed me to share in her special day. I wouldn't have even considered a Tri if she hadn't planted the seed, and taking the journey with her was nothing short of amazing. She made me a better athlete. My favorite memory of the day will always be watching her cross the finish line.

Ryan

He's the newest star in my running adventure. Without hesitation, my coworker accepted my 'challenge' (plea?) to run the last 6 miles of the marathon with me. And then he went out and ran 6 miles, just to make sure he could do it (He usually runs 3.2 miles. He did 6.4 miles with no problems!). Tomorrow, he'll be running in the pouring rain with me, just because I asked him to. That's a dedicated friend.

Joan

My triathlete role model! She was there to answer my 10,000 questions about triathloning. This woman can bring energy and excitement to any moment, even a nerve-filled hotel room at 5:30 a.m. Tomorrow, she'll stand out in the pouring rain for HOURS (longer the runners) volunteering at the Finish Line. I cannot wait to see her 100-watt smile when I cross the line.

Of course, the RBF

So many of you inspire and motivate me on a daily basis, that I know that I can't list everyone. Every race report, every strong run, every crappy day - there's always some lesson or nugget of emotion that you pass along probably without even realizing it. So just know that even when I don't comment, I am reading and each one of you touches my heart in some way.

There are other 'supporting crew members' like my non-running friends who wish me 'Good Luck' and think to ask about my races/training...or the running folks I've connected with in my community, like Charlie, who add new color to the on-the-run discussions...or the family members that wish me well from afar...

Every person is member of the crew. And without them, I would just be someone who runs. But with them, I am a runner.

And tomorrow, I get to be a marathoner. Again.

No one is luckier than me.

For the next three days, I will eat more carbs and drink more water than I care to admit.

I will swell up like a fat, happy tick.

And it will be good.

It's a little known running secret that bloated people repel raindrops better and don't notice if they have menstrual cramps....all of which are in the forecast for Saturday.

So I've got that going for me, which is nice.

And now, for a change, some stuff that is *not* all about me:

Karen is sooo close to her marathon fundraising goal. Please, please, please give anything you can. Even $5 will make a difference!

Mark has set up a new and improved race calendar so the RBF can keep track of the family members who are racing on a particular weekend. Stop by and add yourself to the calendar!

****This just in: The latest Rundown is up!*******

OK, back to *me* - For those of you wondering about my bare feet in the picture from April-Anne's race report: No, I did not run the race barefoot. I took my shoes off after the race and didn't have flip-flops to slip on, so I plodded around in just my skin.

Usually I am very organized about my race schedule. I like to plan things out weeks in advance. I'm one of those geeks that always sends their race application in early. I hate having to register on race day. I'm stressed out enough about finding the race, as well as a parking space, that I don't need the extra aggravation of having to fill out forms and come up with some type of payment.

This weekend there were three races to choose from, one of which I had done the previous two years. I was frozen with indecision. Should I even race? I mean, the marathon is a week away? Which one would I choose?

Well, I raced a 5K last year the weekend before the marathon with no ill effects.

Yes, but I want things to be different this year. So maybe I shouldn't race?

On Tuesday, I asked jeff for advice and he encouraged me to race, saying it would be good to burn off some nervous energy.

I decided to do a different race - and selected the 4-miler that I knew April-Anne (and our friend Charlie) would be running. I was warned that there were two big HILLS, but there are always big hills when you live in this area of Connecticut.

Bring 'em on, I said.

Race day (yesterday) was almost perfect weather for running - it got a little bit warm for October, but the beautiful blue skies made up for the heat.

I got to the race site about 45 minutes early, registered ($20! Hol-ee that's alot of dough for a little race!) and then warmed up with April-Anne and Charlie. April-Anne was reluctant to warm-up, usually preferring to save her energy for the race, but in my self-assured way I said "Have I ever steered you wrong before?" To which she replied "Noooo." So off we went for a slow .85 mile warm-up, during which I developed the most annoying side stitch.

I spent the next fifteen minutes massaging my side, trying to get the stitch to go away. Sigh.

We lined up, the race director blew his whistle and we were off!

The first hill began somewhere around the .50 mile mark and it was probably 'only' a .50 mile long, but it seemed longer. AA and I trudged up the hill, side by side, trying to keep our chins up and our eyes forward.

Remember that side-stitch from the warm-up? Yeah. Still there. (Stayed there for the most of the race. That was fun. )

There were some turns and some flats and the braying of a donkey...and two horses came galloping over to the fence to check us out as we flew by...and then there was the girl walking her horse down the street...to which AA uttered "Only in Coventry" and we giggled (well, we huffed. not so much of a giggle really).

As we started up the second hill, which looked more foreboding than the first one, a woman in blue shorts passed me (until now, there was only one other woman ahead of us -- waayyy ahead). That was all it took for me to fire up the rockets. I was determined to keep her within striking distance and I hung onto her for the rest of the time up the hill (although, apparently I lost AA somewhere around this point).

As we hit the 3 mile mark, I thought "If this was a 5K, I'd almost be done!" But alas, there was a still a full mile to go.

I stuck with Blue Shorts. Then came the downhill. I love downhills. I've been working on running downhill. I thought, I'm going to fly past her.

But no. The legs said 'Uh, NO. I don't think so. This kinda hurts.'I was actually surprised at how difficult the downhill was getting (it was about .50 mile long). I guess I need to add more hill work to the schedule. My downhill skills need some endurance work!

Blue Shorts opened up the lead a bit and I knew there was no catching her. But I picked up the pace, got my 'finishing kick' on and flew over the finish line. 4 miles, 29:46.

I missed my goal by 46 seconds, but I didn't care. I was proud to have conquered those hills. And damn, it did feel good to spin the legs and burn off some pent up energy.

AA joked with us and said the warm-up affected her race time...I'm pretty sure she'll never warm-up again. I've noticed that she usually does better at races where we don't run together. Hmmmm. Maybe I steal her mojo or something? I hope not!

6 days until the Marathon!