Another good night, another good run

I slept well again last night, although I hated to take another Ambien. I don't want to get too attached to them. I also had a great run this morning, and have now earned the right to take the rest of the day easy, and to chill tomorrow (not that I wouldn't anyway, I can now do it guilt-free). I've been planning various meals this week to help me get ready (fish & pasta, sushi, etc.) and have been drinking more than usual (fluids, not alcohol). I'm excited about this run, but also really hope the weather cooperates with us.

I can't believe we've made it this far. I'm usually one who starts projects with a bang and then fades into the asphalt when the going gets tough. I don't know how they did it, but I have managed to keep plugging along, usually with a positive attitude, despite various injuries, issues, and heat. That's not really like me. I believe this group made the difference. I do believe this is a turning point for me in that I know that I can stick with things, if I just will. I've really enjoyed the training, and tell my friends and family all the time that I'd do this again as far as the training. We'll see what the marathon holds, but I don't really foresee being miserable. I've participated in athletic events where I was far from prepared (the MS 150 bike ride a few years back is a burning example of what not to do if you haven't trained for it), but this time I feel very confident that I can complete this marathon. It will take awhile, time for my supporters to get some coffee and a danish (to say the least), but I will do it. I may suffer a bit, but it won't stop me.

I slept great and had a great run this morning

That Ambien rocks. Although I was awake at 4:30 or so, but at least I slept the entire rest of the night, without moving. And I had a great run this morning, no major aches or pains. I felt really strong and ran faster than my group, continually looping back to them. Next marathon I'll work more on a bit more speed, but this time I am very happy to finish it.

As far as sleep aides, I've tried Benadryl and Tylenol PM, but those sometimes backfire with me. They are also antihistamines, and I hate that feeling of dehydrated before I even start. They also alter my heart rate a bit. I'm hoping that the hormone adjustment will fix it, but I know it will take a little time to get it right (I take compounded hormones so they can adjust the levels). All I know is I slept great last night and woke up perky. No hangover for me. I'm going to make sure I take a few Ambien with me to Chicago, just in case. Woohoo!!

I got my confirmation ticket too. It was quite exciting. I considered putting it in the safe until time to leave, it was that important. I'm looking forward to another strong run tomorrow, followed by a very strong rest day. See you all Saturday, after the sun comes up.

I feel wimpy this afternoon

Here's a topic I haven't discussed since we've been training: hormones. Mine are messed up, but I take it as a good sign that my body has changed that significantly in the last few months. I have been on hormones for several years (post hysterectomy) and have been fine, but suddenly now I'm having more hot flashes and night sweats, and can't sleep. So I had blood work done this afternoon to see what my levels are. Hopefully we can get this situation adjusted so I can get more rest.

I didn't run Monday because my ankle was still very sore from turning it on the dark part of Saturday's run. I didn't run this morning because I didn't start sleeping until almost 5:00 this morning, so I stayed in bed awhile longer. I WILL run tomorrow and Thursday, and will call it a week. I'm leaving my computer now to hunt down a stray Ambien sample for this evening.

All will be well eventually, but just when I need sleep, my body is out of whack. My only question is: do you burn more calories by having more hot flashes? :-)