FIVE DAYS until the MARATHON

The Beach

We had a wonderful trip to the beach. Savannah was completely happy and loved the ocean and the multiple pools. We talked about our favorite part of the trip, and she said "going underwater." She is bold in the water. I think she will be swimming by the end of the summer. It was wonderful. John and I got a little sunburned because we decided to show Savannah how cool it was to go under the big waterfall at the pool. It washed off our sunscreen.

Taper Week 2

It is challenging to taper. In some ways you want to take a little break from intense running, and in most ways, you do not. I was good stuck to the training plan. The lower mileage makes me really hungry. They say to lower your calorie intake, but that is not what I have done.

Mileage: 14 (two tempo runs). The run at the beach was great heat training. I walked once day, rode the stationary bike, and ran 5 miles the next day. I started the run at 7:00 am and it was hot. I was very happy because I was about 30 sec faster/mile than planned even with the heat. I was really trying to listen to my body.

A Successful Eater: Here are a few things that make me a successful eater. What I mean is searching for the most satisfying and delicious high-fiber and low fat foods.

• Whole Wheat or Oat Bran Pita Bread
• Stacy's Multigrain Pita Chips (New York Wheat are better for you if you can find them)
• Athenos Humus
• Fiber One Muffins (mix)
• Fiber One Bars
• Fiber One Honey Clusters Cereal, and Shredded Wheat
• Thomas' Hearty Grains English Muffins
• Reduced Fat Wheat Thins
• Kroger Brand Mini Rice Cakes
• Goldfish Pretzels

MARATHON WEEK

This is it! We are getting geared up for travel to Canada. I cannot wait to see my family. My buddy Kim asked me how I was doing in regards to the Marathon. I had not really thought about it until then. I feel ready, got my pace plan, my nutrition plan (added S-Caps to the mix) and doing the taper by the book. No last minute sprints to get in shape. It is what it is. With running, overworking is not an option. What I mean is that if you over train, you are toast for the race. It may help you in the long run, but not for the immediate race. I learned that from my first marathon. I was like a new puppy with the first marathon and just raced and raced and ran and ran...so the marathon was tough and I was not fresh. Of course, all this training has helped me in the long run.

Mileage: 9 so far....plus 26.2 on Saturday.

Thankful for: Bonita is coming to be with Savannah and cheer me on at the race. I am excited and thankful for her. She is quite an athlete herself (playing fast pitch ball for most of her life). I am excited that she finally gets to see an athletic side of me (believe me, this is a new side). We are going to have a blast.

Savannah's wisdom: Savannah gives me lots of advice these days. I woke her up to go to Owen's early one morning so that Kim and I could run. I told her that I was going to exercise, and that is why I woke her up. She said, "No Mommy, you RUN....Daddy exercises." She also told me that sometimes we have to do things we do not want to do (good advice for both parties).

Toe Health: Pedicures are a part of toe health. I have found that I run better with a pedicure. Sounds funny, but my toes are prone to hangnails, etc and need attention. I think I can avoid loosing the nails and avoid chaffing if the are taken care of. So, this week, Savannah and I went to the nail place and she got sparkly pink and I got neon green. It was fun. 26.2 is on the big toes.

Phantom Aches: My buddy Kim P told me that before the race during taper week you usually feel some pain that gets you worried about your body and the race. Since the beach, my left hamstring has been tight. Stretching works. I was a little worried yesterday because it was not until mile 4 that it loosened. I believe my marathon pace will ease it in to working well. I read in Runner's World that this may be caused from a weak pelvic floor. Ok, so maybe giving birth to Savannah did this to me? Who knows. I hope it is a phantom ache.

Canada: Canada is a wonderful place. The people are gracious and kind all around. Plus, they have Salt-and-Vinegar goldfish....YES, the do. They are delicious and trump SV chips any day. I will stash some in my bag for the trip home. Canada here we come!