WE DID IT!!!!!!!!

I thought to myself, you know it's a good day running when your walk intervals just happen to land on the steep uphill on the way to and from Fox Bay. It's funny what excites me now. I felt much stronger today, was able to continue my 4/1 intervals pretty much the entire 20 miles, except that my feet bottoms got very tender again. I even changed socks half way through, but still got all wet and tender. I'm about ready to put sweat bands around my ankles. Please don't make fun, it may very well happen.

Although I'm worn out now, I feel very strongly that I've accomplished what to date is the most significant goal I've set in a very long time. I'd rather not have to run the other 6.2 today, but in 6 weeks I'll be happy to. This is another day that proves to us that we can do this, no matter what it takes.

I did turn the healthy ankle at mile 3 this morning, had a little fear about not being able to continue, but walked it off, rubbed some dirt on it, and went on. I could feel a slight ache when I stood still, but luckily that didn't happen too much during the run. My legs feel tired, but a nice little nap followed by fellowship with some great friends this evening should perk me right up.

Now I know why I usually like to go to lunch out with friends on Saturdays. I begged off today to ice my ankle and sit still awhile, but now I don't want to fix anything to eat. I sit here in the recliner (I love wireless internet) with a Gatorade and the dregs of a loaf of wheat bread. I'm considering some popcorn, but it's way over there in the pantry. I almost called a friend I knew was out running errands to see if she'd bring me something. Now that's desperate.

I have to say I ran into two supportive friends this morning. One I used to work with was running our same route and we visited a short while, but the other lives across from the boat launch and was out walking this morning. She altered her route to walk with me while I was walking, and really kept me going. This is the sort of endeavour where you find out who your true friends are (the supportive ones) but you also find out how many other true friends you meet along the way, through MM. I've been amazed at how we come together, support each other, share the baby pool of ice with each other, and laugh the whole way. You people ROCK!!!!

My gluteus medius hurts

Not my gluteus maximus. My gluteus medius. I went to see Wayne this afternoon, ran into Cincha getting her shoe inserts, and Wayne said my hip pain (which I haven't mentioned in blogs until now) is my gluteus medius. I had noticed this pain on one side, just below my waistline after running, and yesterday I could feel it while running. It gets worse if I sit still and get stiff, or ride for a long time. I noticed it big time driving back from the beach Sunday after running the 9 miler Saturday. Anyway, I decided that the new "One Call, That's All" phone number should be to Wayne, and once again, he fixed me right up. I now have stretches and exercises to do, so if I stop during the run and do something odd, just know it's my gluteus medius acting up again.

I hadn't run this morning because of this, but now will run this afternoon (on the treadmill -- my apologies to Sandy, my doggie), since I know I'm not hurting anything.

Can't wait to see all of you Saturday, after the sunrise. I know I won't be able to see you until then except if I shine my finger light in your face. I have new tunes on my new ipod, a song in my heart, and am ready to go. Woohoo!!!!

Back from the beach, all rested

Sort of. I had a great week except for the lack of internet access. We tried all week to get it fixed, but alas, we had to just make a list of things we'd google when we got home. Had a great time, had a great birthday made all the more great by such wonderful friends to spend it with. We ran our 9 miles in probably cooler temps than y'all had, it was hot there but I hear it was yet hotter here. Cincha and I ran while our buddies rode bikes around us, creating these great moving fluid stations. We even saved a sea turtle in the process. It was a strong run for me, I ran the first half of it almost completely, then did some tiny intervals the last half that really seemed to help me. I've been starting strong but finishing wimpy, and need to tweak my plan a bit. I think I'll try some scheduled intervals on the 20 this Saturday (as opposed to our random intervals) and see how I feel.

I'm glad to be back, sorry I missed blogging, but I did run while gone. I've caught up on everyone's blogs, and am really glad everyone is so encouraging to those who are struggling for motivation right now. It is very hard to make yourself walk out the door when you know you'll be hit with that heat and humidity, but we are all capable of accomplishing this goal. Don't kick yourself too hard when you miss a day, but try to never miss 2 days in a row. We can do this!! We are marathoners!!!