Dude in a VAN..

So it's now past midnight, I'm showered, hydrated, tired, and ready to go find out what all my book friends have been up to.  I met up with my real life friend Tanja, a fellow restaurantier gal who wanted to see what running at night felt like.  Whether it was brilliant or not worth giving up the tequila.

I was in charge of the headlamp... which sadly means there was no headlamp tonight.  Luckily for us the moon was moments from it's fullest and the sky was clear.  headlamp/shmedlamp.  But wait, there's that part about cars and, well, safety... We stayed close to town, keeping our miles on the short side.  Besides I really want T. to run with me again.

As we ran down Warbass Way we saw the dude making his bed in his van, I reminded myself once again of why I don't run certain streets by my lonesome.  I'm sure it's too many movies like Silence of the Lambs, thats warped my brain... but hey safety first... right??

Heres to conning one more buddy into running super late.
xo

3miles.. not sure the pace.

Hill repeats

Last nights run was strictly an attitude adjuster. My night at work (prime rib, halibut, wine slinger)was full of needy, unappreciative people... I told that part to BooBoo this morning and she just laughed at me, as if it's hilarious to expect anything less. So a swift run was exactly what was needed to end the night, that way crappy attitude can stay there and happy self can go home.

This evening was a mild one. Basically light attitudes all around, management, chefs, waitresses, guests. Besides one swift talking to about using the wrong BREAD DRAWER one too many (blanking) times... by fellow co-worker. A rather smooth night.

Andrea was my partner in the moonlight tonight. She volunteered to be the goofball (I mean super cool one) with the headlamp on, if it wasn't for the sake of safety, the moon was so full, there was no need for it.

We ran around white point, only jumping once from what seemed like a gazillion deer everywhere. Once around the three mile loop, we pushed each other into doing hill repeats. Each one equalling a quarter mile. It wasn't fast, or very pretty... But four were accomplished. And if you know what hill I'm talking about you'd call it an accomplishment too.

Home now, and officially tired.

4miles ave. pace (including hill repeats) 10min. 22 sec.

Here I am...

Alright, okay, hello.

Long time... I know.

We've separated recently, and I've missed you. I don't blame you, I blame... summer. "I'm not unfaithful but I'll stray" (I was going to post a link to the inspired TEGAN AND SARA song Back In Your Head, but upon looking up on YouTube I realized it's sort of creepy.)  The night has been my mystr.. Oh dang, I can't even finish that sentence, even I'm not that dorky. stopping now.

Wait, I don't hold anything against summer. Summer brings out my favorite self.  The late night, sleepy beachy mornings, mixed up/lax schedule self... The one where every morning it's about me and the wee ladies, and what body of water we want to hang at, pool, beach, lake, pond.  Wether we want to add little wee friends or big adorable ones.  

Running in the summer takes a little creativity, at least for myself and well, most the mama friends I keep.  I've solved my problem with late night midnight jaunts.  The husband works days, while I wait tables in the evening, so as mentioned earlier, my days are filled with leisure darlings. So running after work, solves both the interruption of such precious time, plus the part where who is going to take care of them while I run for hours?? summer.

My night runs have been a mix of fun adventurous people, and I'm hoping the trend will catch on.  We run anywhere from 3 miles to 8.  generally starting at 11pm and ending past midnight.  After serving people prime rib and halibut cheeks with a look of "I'm totally interested in everything you have to say" plastered on my face all night, it's either a large glass of some adult beverage or my new favorite MILES UNDER THE MOONLIGHT.  

Tonights run was 4miles and it was swell.

Madden madame.

Just yesterday, the BooBoolator said she COULD NOT wait to get the (insert creative cuss word here) away from Cattle Point Rd... I assured her there would be no running on that road on our last two official group runs of the school year.

ummmm..... we ran the Cattle Point-Madden Lane loop today.  Blythe was so cute when she suggested the route, I couldn't say no.  (If you knew her you wouldn't have been able to either)  And the actress played the part of not caring where we run.

Although we love her, we sent Ms. Erickson away.  She could barely stand straight with back pain, yet still wanted to go out running.  Silly girl.

We've decided that both Deb and Meghan need to be our personal running clothes shoppers.  They both bring some serious style to the road.  Who says spandex has to be boring.  (A bit of an oxymoron, don't ya think?)

The actual run felt okay, not amazing, but not horrible either... so there's that.  We've all decided to do a little naked running.  Which sounds a bit more exciting than it actually is. All it means is no ipod, no watch, no H. rate monitors, etc..  In theory that sounds like a great idea.  But when you are running with fasties, it's sort of nice to have the pat on your back that the watch can provide after a quick paced run.

***
Like I said, this was our last of two official runs for the school year.... I'll be posting on facebook all sorts of running opportunities.  And hopefully we can run with you soon!!

mmmmm.... doughnuts.

**This title is a little more fitting than when I was trying to sell a pair of crocks on ebay (I know, who does that) titling it "mmmmm... crocks".  Totally wrong on a few levels... a funny story follows, but you'll have to ask me about it later.  I'm getting off track.**

There's another running group here on the island that regularly runs from town out to Roche Harbor a nice 11-sh mile jaunt (I like using the word jaunt after a seemingly high mileage), with the reward of chocolate, vanilla, sprinkled, sugar coated deliciosness.  Unfortunately it was the wrong weekend to correspond with the other sugar addicts... So we made our own DOUGHNUT RUN.

Kathleen who will be running a (crossed fingers) PR at the Rock'n'Roll Seattle in a few short weeks needed to run 13.  Shannon, Blythe and I decided to tag along for the first 10.7 miles of it. Ending on the other side of the island, with patiently waiting children to help devour the doughnuts and swim in the pool.

This is the part where I tell you how amazing the weather was... the weather was amazing.

No really, the muggy start was flattered with light sprinkles, then comfortable rain.  We were a happy, light hearted bunch.  Miles seemed to fly by, and instead of heavy tired legs.  Mine seemed to be feeling quite agreeable.

We had two separate people jokingly time us.  One in his car, he slowed to a seemingly slow crawl (matching our pace). Then informed us we were at a whopping 6 mile pace "speed it up girls."  The next was closer to the end, where an older couple stopped mid hike to hold out their watch and wait till we passed, again "speed up girls".  Don't we have some rather funny people on this island.

The Alpacas were shaved and both adorable and hilarious to look at.  I bet Alpacas would be a witty bunch, if they could talk... just sayin'.

The rain has stopped, clouds are separating and sun is nearly out.  And wait... we're nearly finished.  Our timing is impeccable. Like I said amazing weather.

There goes Kathleen on her own,  we thought about joining her for the last couple miles... and that felt nice.  Instead we hopped in the pool and saved her a doughnut.

Thanks for the much (MUCH MUCH) needed great run.

Two days later...

finally a great run.

And all it took was finishing a marathon and completing a fundraiser.

No watches, no music, no heart rate monitors ... mostly though, no... pressure.  There's this part after a marathon where you are allowed to take a week off if you'd like to.

A mere two days later, there was not one or two but a crowd, we even had a new addition (hi Maureen)  running slow, we stayed together and recounted each others experience with the previous couple days.

I feel so proud to be a part of such an amazing group of women.  I'm touched by the amount of support and love that circulates between all of us.  The love fest continues. xxo

2010 San Juan Island Marathon!!

moments before the race began.

We all look quite fresh and ready to kick a little a.  

Little did we know there would be PRs crushed, sickness overcome, torrential downpours, challenges beyond what we trained for, orca sightings...

Casey and Stacie took off from the getgo... fast and furious (my cheese is showing) they are.  Best quotes of the day, come from the two of them. Stacie; "I'm not fast, I was just trying to catch up with Casey to tell her she was going to fast... ten miles later, now I'm just running too fast". and from Casey "I remember thinking it felt surreal, that if I woke up and it was all a dream I wasn't going ot run in the AM".  

Susan has leapt ahead as well, she's not only speedy but can hold onto her pace for a long, long... long.. long, long time. Making it look incredibly easy. She finished the marathon in 3:41:39, literally seconds over the qualifying mark for Boston, maybe I shouldn't mention that part.

BooBoo, Deb, and I ran the first six miles together.  There was lots of inappropriate giggling due to a rather funny man, we'll call him Dwight.  Up ahead we can see the incredible back (both upper and lower) of our girl Meghan, and the medical journal calves of miss Miniken.  Talking about/admiring the fit bodies around us is a fun distraction.  

All around there is chatter, and lots of "Wow, can you believe how perfect the weather is"??... oh, the joy of running for hours and hours, with a moody sky.

The three of us have split up, we've got music on and a hill to climb... for the next three to four miles, I'll be running hard to catch back up with Deb, Shannon, and Meghan.  When the 1/2 and full runners split, I get my first glimpse of Blythe and am moments from catching up with buddies. 

We're on the west side now, the weather is still wonderful.. perfect some might even continue to say.  I've caught back up and things are looking up.  We pass by a water station where the woman tells us there are whales to be seen up ahead.  

*In a parallel world there was BooBoo, moments apart and running past the whales with a shrug of the shoulders as if to say "I could give a ______ about whales."

Running on the WEST SIDE was such an incredible highlight, sweet friends, amazing views, sherpa husbands and wee darlings, and nice friends dropping off fresh fruit.

This was going to be a fabulous marathon...

On the turn around Kim has met up with us, and it's turned into a bit of a gaggle of rooting, friendly, silliness.  My stomach has started to cramp and I'm trying my darndest to ignore it and let the girls around me do all the talking.

Still sharp pains in my abdomen, nauseous, and countless stops to the bushes... I apologize west side.  My shame has left, and I'm alone.  Waving on my patient friends ages ago.

I've got the locals to keep me company and my sherpas.

Around mile 17 my sunny disposition has disappeared, much like our perfect weather.  I'm downing in both tears and rain.  Miserable, is an understatement.

My thoughts now, were almost completely on our friend L.  I'd go into that more, but really don't want to minimize any of it.

I'm now three miles away, pretty sure my fast friends have finished and I'm fighting the urge not to hop in the husbands truck next time he goes by.

Thank goodness for a Cere.

Driving by with thoughts of cheer, she finds me struggling (and yes, still crying).  Without a thought she hops out of her warm car, put up her rain jackets hood and is now running with me in her Uggs mind you, and telling me both funny and shocking, if you knew her stories. Everything I needed!


I'm now a quarter mile away, and there's my BooBoo.  I burst into tears (again), she runs me around the corner. Where my Clark is waiting.  Both BooBoo and Clark are running me up the last hill. My partners.

I can see the clock, my family, my people, the end.  I fall into the arms of my Daryl. It's over. done. finished. completed. accomplished.

It all turns into a weepy love fest of the best kind.

THIS **people who are reading and not understanding why one would put themself through such agony** IS WHY WE DO IT.

*this was Blythes and Tamaras first half marathon plus Kristi and Kims first full.. congratulations my lovelies.

a Recap of sorts..

Last posted, I was miles in, with no good run to speak of.

Today I ran with the BooBoo and the BooBoo's sister,  Frances (she's got a few of them), It's been a long awaited meet. Fb has only allowed me to adore from afar.

We are running 26.2 miles on Sunday, and today was meant to be a short ego boosting, easy run. While it was short.. easy is up to debate. Considering BooBoo is the youngest of the sisters I'm blaming her speed, on something to prove. psshaw. Unfortunately the short fast run, only left me with a, how the fill in cuss word here are we meant to run 22 miles further than that??

Confidence has to be dug from somewhere deeper... we're trained and ready. READY I tell ya.

**

There was a 4 mile treadmill run a few days back, that was mildly entertaining. Plugged in, listening to don't judge funny music. Watching others in the gym workin' it out.  That in itself is reason enough, to run on a treadmill... my favorite is when the step aerobic adorable gals are in view.  Although that day it was the spinners, and all their glory. 

Tuesday we ran Pear Point with 5 of us.  I don't mind that run, I know I've said that before but it's true.  There is something to be said for insane familiarity.  We ran fast, with lots to discuss, it all went by rather quickly.  Minus the part where my new shoes are doing that annoying thing, where my toes all go numb, then by the time we are finished it's gone all the way up my left leg to my bum (won't be wearing those on sunday)

Thursday, I chose not to run... due to the throwing up and fevery part from the day before. Sort of feel like it was in my best interest.  There were only two that day, most decided to run on their own schedule.  Shannon and Deb were the two, and from what it sounded like it was a great one... ego boosting in full gear.

**

So there we are.  A bit more up to date.  I promise an attitude adjustment or at least promise to try, and hope for a brilliant report of sundays much anticipated MARATHON!!!

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.

Girls can be so.. moody.

We started with seven of us. Picking up two along the way. Our route was a six mile loop then catching up with a normally 11 mile loop. making it an even, (well odd really) 13 miles.

Running up Spring street to start is generally hard considering it's.. well.. a hill.  And when you run with girls like Blythe (okay I'm to blame a fraction of the time as well) you start out fast.  Setting the pace for a thirteen mile run at a 8:45.  Then when you add in a brisk morning.  It sort of takes the breathe out of ya.

Our speed eventually leveled out as conversations got more involved.  San Juan Valley road is a tight one, and it makes for an easy pass if we all stick close.  Opposed to oncoming cars having to dodge a bunch of scattered ducks.


We meet the crossroads where it's time for the sixes and the thirteens to split.  Wave our waves and continue with solving the problems of the world.  About a mile into the next loop, my emotions get the best of me.  I won't bore you with details.  Us females are an unusual breed.  I suppose it happens to the best of us.  Sometimes turning around when your not feeling a run, can be harder than continuing on.

So many things can make or break a run.  And physical fitness is only a portion of it.

Head up.

I've said it before.... pretty sure there is some unwritten rule about not having to (for lack of better words) crappy runs in a row.

**
I talked with the rest of the gals, all reporting a pretty great run.  One even adding an additional mile... making it her longest run to date.  Great job Casey.




myself (and the tall one who loves a drama mama)
8 miles average pace 9min 53 sec.

22 miles... EPIC?!

Earlier today I drove the route that we ran yesterday.  Retrieving all our empty water bottles.  Quite honestly, it was a little painful just driving it.  every mile I could remember exactly how I was feeling at that exact point.

You know... the corner where I screamed because the largest gnat in the entire world flew into my right eye, and being my always overdressed self including gloves.  I had to be rescued by BooBoo, with her eager to pick at something fingers and Deb who kept watch for cars.  I swear with every blink I could feel my eye trying to swallow the huge bug.

There was the gruesome uphill that lasted for an entire (INSERT EVERY CURSE WORD) mile!! And the mile long downhill that was rewarded with a rather delicious burrito.. once again, a big hit brought to us by miss Shannon.  Strangely appropriate for such a long run!

Or the corner where I screamed for the second time due to a brilliant Idea going rather, well.... south. Lets just say it has to do with an unfortunate chaffed area and some minty lip balm. (muffling a scream just thinking about it)

Rounding out around Douglas road, I've picked up all our water bottles and am coming up on the hardest part... THE WALL. I know you've heard about it... most of you have felt it yourself.  For me, and well... I might be so bold and say all five of us, it was mile 18.  Which clearly sucks considering we've got a whopping 4 more miles left to go.  It's a period of time where your body is too tired and your mind has to take over.  A battle of the brain.  The light hearted banter with the girlfriends has stopped headphones are turned to full capacity and secret bargaining begins. You know that thing that everyone does when they talk to themselves about how they promise to do this or that if they can just... just... finish.

Snapping out of it.  I'm both relieved and happy to have completed such an EPIC run. (I normally scoff at people who use the word epic.  But in this case I think it works.)

Deb with the burrito                                                                                                    

it's now 8:39... lets get movin'...

the top of Cady mountain and a mere 6 miles in.

Getting a little silly, we've topped the mile uphill and are now HALF WAY DONE!!

These pictures were all taken with my phone, with the hopes of capturing an ounce of this island true beauty. 

22 miles. Average pace.  Not exactly sure... lets just say, it took awhile.

Did you notice, that not once did I mention the fact that it rained... the entire time??

WOBBILY LEGS..

It may have only been a three mile run.

But when you've swam a quarter mile, biked 13... those 3 feel like 30, or... 6.

Such a strange feeling, to get off a bike after almost an hour, and then trying to run... heck, trying to walk is hard enough.  I stumble, tripped my way over to setting my bike aside and shedding a few layers.  Heading out, only to be stopped long enough to take off my silly helmet.

So yes. wobbily legs and all... a few of us RLR gals completed our very first TRIATHLONs!

the entire event took me 1:45

an old hat..

I'm liking that our miles are growing, making a once "long(ish) run" into an everyday run.
I say that.. but if you're just starting out, I promise we'll welcome you with any mileage you're up to running catering to whatever your needs might be. no intimidation.


We were 9 in all... with one extra friend, from out of town.

All running Pear point. A 5.7 mile run.  That if you're wearing "the watch" you'll be running an extra .3 to make it a solid 6.  While the rest of us without the wonderful, yet sometimes a tad tattle-telling gadget settle for the 5.7 calling it 6 (in our heads.)


The run felt easy.  And the weather was on our side.

6 miles.. ave. pace 9min. 42sec.

CHOCOLATE MILK... straight from the jar.

Okay maybe not jar... but JUG... I don't know, it was in a glass container and (dare I say) DIVINE.

After our 14.5 miles we headed straight to get us some milk... chocolaty style.

Bet you didn't realize CHOC. MILK is the number one recovery drink for runners.  And if by chance you did then, well... I'm happy for you.

For the rest of you, heres an excuse for you to indulge in a bit of... YUM. (PS we already told them they need to stock up at the Co-op)

Thats all... we ran... then drank some milk.

14.5 miles. average pace 9min. 39sec.

It'll stick with ya...

Last night I passed a hitchhiker.

It wasn't until I passed him that I realized, he was even there. And not a scary HE, but a young adult HE, a teenager.

It was a long night at work and I was in the middle of singing a duet with Vampire Weekend... I considered stopping but, but...

My front seat was messy
I'm tired.
I'd have to turn down my music.
I'm now a mile away.

I'm a BIG FAT JERK.

None of them were a concern for my own safety... just the inconvenience of it all.

And this has to do with running, because??...
.....

I started from town.. while BooBoo half an island away started from her home.  It's a nice way to run a bit by yourself then meet up and for the last five. Once we meet, we turned around and head back in the direction I came.  In all honesty it's a bit tempting to leave a tad later than we agree, knowing it'll cut my portion of the run a bit shorter.  Although B. is committed to the entire distance.  I never (well seldom) do.. but it's darn tempting.

I plugged in, made it out of town, past all the smiles and waves.. (can I just say, town has got to be the WORST place to start out a run!  In all honesty, the first mile or 5 can feel rather, well, *poopy* and having all of Friday Harbor witness it... you get my point.)

Like I said I'm plugged in, I've got my music and my muscles to listen to.  Until, I see them... two young fellas... HITCHHIKING. I immediately remember the poor kid from the night before.  (My guilt, failed to mention earlier that it was raining last night as well.)

Tormented, I've got two full miles to go until I pass the point where he was standing.  The sick side of me is now uncontrollably scanning the ditches for ballcaps, tennis shoes, plaid shirts.

I change the music in my ears hoping for better distraction, then decide to simply, speed up.

Passing the mileage with counting the cows in the field and seeing if I can recognize the oncoming car.

I've past the point now.  I can see Mona the camel (yes I said camel).  That in itself makes me smile.  Plus I'll be meeting with the tall, scantily clad one shortly... Pretty sure I'll keep my neurotic tendencies to myself.

There she is.


9 miles ave. pace 9min. 49sec.

Glad it wasn't me...

Oh, that's not very nice to say out loud... yet when I woke up that's all I could think.

BooBoo was off island playin' on the mainland while we were running (practically the whole time she was away).  Soooo, with a sigh of relief that our next long run is a few weeks away.  This morning is BooBoo's solo.

We're starting her out... but the rest is up to her.

First was Casey, funny girl, punishing herself for a bit of vacation overindulgence, by running with what looks like a kevlar vest.  She literally is weighing herself down to shed that vacation love...

Who by the way left us in the dust moments after we started (extra weight and all).  Tamara was double stroller-one child mama. Deb had a pup tied around her waist. We had a new joiner Margot who is training for the triathalon in a few short weeks. I was annoying sock girl, and BooBoo was looking strangely serious.

For B. it was a forever 20, for the rest of us it was turn around at your own choice.  I had every intention to run at least six today.  But volunteering at the elementary school and some incredibly uncooperative socks made me turn around at the two mile mark, T. turned with me with the largest stroller in the world.  while D. and M. ran on to the original turn around.

Another perk of turning around at that point was running (pun intended) into Lydia and her brand new baby.  The girl literally gave birth moments ago, and if I know her as well as I think I do... she'll be showing us all up in the half/full marathon this June.  

Tamara and I have finished, I've kicked off my shoes only to get rid of the most frustrating socks in the entire world.  Happy to be finished but still mindful of the few raindrops coming down and my tall friend who still has 16 more miles to go.

I don't worry that she can't do it... of course she can.  She also doesn't mind the solitude, giving her time to figure out the problems of the world or fix the holes in the budget.  But what about when she trips, or cuts her forehead with her energy bar, or sings inappropriate songs a little too loud... Do they still happen even if no one else is around?

4 miles. ave. pace 9min 56sec.

(that's my stats not sure how everyone else did)

Hours and Hours and Hours of.... well... running.

It's now hours and hours and... well.... hours later.

I've got a mild sunburn, sore muscles, a bruised toenail (that I secretly love)... and a really great excuse to eat this slightly obese man size bowl of ice cream, and permission to zone out on some embarrassingly bad recorded television.

When I woke up this morning it was pouring, and when I say it was pouring... I mean drenched before you make it to your car, umbrellas, rainboots, cats and dogs POURING.  I checked the weather, clicking on the hourly to see if it was meant to get any better. HA.... no, in fact every hour it gave us an 80% chance of whaaa, whaa.  Paired with thunder and lightning storms to boot (yes ta boot.. when you run 20 miles you too will be allowed to say goofball things as well.)

 looking and feeling fresh.

We were ELEVEN in all.  A pretty hefty turn out.  And no stinkin' rain (ha.. take that man in smart jacket).  All signs pointing to a pretty great run.

Well until we actually started.. I'll be honest and tell you that the first 4 miles felt like I truly was the imposter I jokingly kept calling myself.  Why must my legs feel like they belong to a 400 lb man? 

Since we were going on a large loop the gals that started and weren't doing the full 20, had to do out and backs.  Some turning around at a 2 mile mark, then a 3 and a 4.  Two girls decided to take a trail, hoping to cut off a large portion of the loop thinking maybe it might be a 8 mile run. Turns out it was a 10 in the end. Not intending to go quite that far they felt mildly comforted at the thought of us still running for an additional hour and a half.

Six miles in, we are all magically feeling better.  Our pace is picking up, only to be quickly slowed down for fear of burning out too quickly. We start busting out our goodies, Some have Candy, others a bar but not Shannon she's got a burrito. The one she made for me is tightly wrapped in plastic and squished awkwardly in the back of my sports bra.  After all by the end of this we'll have burned aprox 2,000 calories and a handful of jellybeans just isn't going to cut it!

Probably the funniest part of the run was the part around mile 10 when I passed out these new salt tablets I received in the mail only yesterday.  I asked if anyone wanted one they all said yes, two already swallowing the strange capsules and the third wanting a little more information... I go on and on about the benefits, only to be interrupted by Deb who was pointing out the fact that I had yet to take one.  I simply said I wanted to wait until a shorter long run to.... ha.... I only wish I could've captured the faces. 

Running out of stories, or maybe just energy to talk. The final two miles we're all plugged in, picking up our pace, and not making each other slow down.  The mood has turned from relaxed to pure survival.  When we make it into town I'm wishing I had a big fat sign with our millage across my chest, to excuse our exhausted faces. 

We're all running for the BEEP.  That beautiful pat on your back, atta girl, you can stop now... beep. 

There it is.  Our running shuffle slowly becomes a walking shuffle.  Big sighs and a shaky hug mid sidewalk marks our accomplishment.  Then mild avoidance of eye contact, cause we're too tired to cry.

and we're done.

20 miles. ave pace 9min 52sec.

P.S. can you tell I held back a bit, my head was telling me to drone on and on.. but luckily for you my hands reminded me I need to go to bed.