A bit of HONESTY...

Where do I begin??

I've missed a marathon and a three, four, maybe five group runs to catch up on droning on and on about.

And can only assume I've been greatly missed (insert smirky face here)

I'm just going to be honest and say I'm burnt out, exhausted, tired (where's my thesauraus and how do you even spell thesaurous THESAURUS (there we go)). Maybe most people wouldn't admit this, just smooth over the rough edges keeping up the face of what others hold them up to. But life happens and we are all human.

Recently a close friend was diagnosed with stage four pancreatic cancer, and to say the very very least it has rocked/shook/broken (again.. hello thesaurus) a part of me.

That mixed with children, husbands, work.. etc. Where running has normally been a saving grace. Lately I personally have just found it to be... well... hard.

The island Marathon is coming up in a little over a week. (deep sigh)

Heres to pulling it together and strong runs ahead!

Goodmoring Boise

It's been a LONG while since I've willingly woken up at 5:45am. And considering I am technically on vacation, there was (insert wink here) definately, no wine drank or fatty foods eaten.

Brookie and I are outside waiting for her girlfriend Wendy, her dependable early mornin buddy. Running in Boise is generally done in the wee hours, both for child care reasons and unbearable afternoon heat.

I'm dressed in new gear, from new shorts to a smaller water bottle. Feeling equally nervous about running a marathon in 80 plus heat and shorts that may or may not be fabulous. A trial run of sorts.

We are running in the north end, making our Way over to camels back park to run the trails. It's nastalgic to say the least. Both being with Brooke and in this neighborhood. I lived here with the husband for about five years before we moved to the island. Although it feels like a lifetime ago. Pre-kids, pre-responsibilities, a foggy life full of friends and good times.

Our relaxing three mile run turned into a quick paced four mile one. It's now a little past six and it's already surprisingly warm.

The house is silent filled with sleeping lovelies, and I'm feeling great. I think there's something to be said for this early morning thing.


4 miles average Pace 9min. 14sec.

Your running 24... I'm not

Dang that's far.

Seriously far.

I've got a ferry to catch and places to go.... My miles will stop at four. Leaving the remaining twenty for the ambitious four remaining, not to mention the other five who are running a solid ten.

We are moments away from wrapping up this whole long distance training thing. And get to start on the tapering part... Pins and needles... waiting for race day.

I was doing an out and back, which only allows me to run a mere two miles with my lady friends.

Not long enough.

In the same breathe of not long enough. The two miles by my lonesome were surprisingly helpful. My ferry was leaving in less than an hour. A clear head, to go over all the things I need to take with me to idaho.

It was a funny feeling, knowing that I had traveled to the mainland while my strong compadres were still out running.

(stinkin' far.)

I HEART FALSE BAY.

Here comes Meghan a wee bit sweaty and 6 miles in her proverbial pocket. 12 this morning. We are a dedicated bunch... So when life says you aren't allowed to run for hours and hours with your girlfriends then we must compromise, hence the starting an hour early so you can at least finish the second hour with your lady friends.

There was Casey who was mildly relieved to find out it was a 12 mile opposed to a 16.  Deb, the darling who just ran a rather FAST half marathon a mere three days ago.  Tamara  plus one, running a hopefully not too confusing 10 (different route). And BooBoo, who quite frankly with that cold should not only be NOT RUNNING... but should be lying down somewhere.

The sun may be shining but the temp. is not feeling so cooperative  Over bundled we are (okay I am),  water bottles, gu, sharkies..... and.... go on already.

For some, starting on Cattle Point hill is a five letter word.  But honestly there is just something about kicking your booty a bit at the beginning to get your head in the right spot for a long(ish) run.  

We turn onto False Bay.  A true FAVORITE.  It's around a mile or two with gorgeous views and a slight downhill.  There are rarely any cars and always a friendly horse or two to nod your head at.

When we make it back into town, Casey who decides that 16 isn't so scary decides to go on.  Deb looks as fresh as always.  And BooBoo has found a place to lay down (gravels never felt so good).  

Our other RLR friends have finished a bit early, I can only assume it all went swimmingly.

12 miles 9min 32sec. ave. pace

P.S. GREAT JOB SUSAN AND KRISTI!!! oh and our token fella Clark.