Where I’ve Been & Where I’m going

It feels a little funny to be talking about getting ready for another marathon so quickly.  Last weekend was my last double long runs with a 16 miler on Saturday and a 10 miler on Sunday.

I tried to keep the pace at the 30-60  second slower than marathon pace and brought the route out through a very beautiful area of South Dartmouth.  This weekend I got in another double digit run, but this time I had company.  I got the chance to run with my friend Karen again.  She will be heading up to the same marathon which makes this upcoming trip even better.

After the Boston marathon disaster, I needed to get a better handle of hydration in warmer conditions.  It was clear that even thought I thought I was hydrating properly, I was definitely not.  I recently found a sports drink in my local grocery store of all places.  I read the bottle and was intrigued so I bought 2 flavors.  Gave it a try during a run and found it not only light, but favorable and it did not upset my digestion at all.  All three of these things are advertised right on the bottle so I was pleasantly surprised thatGleukos lived up to its packaging.  The next time I went to the store I picked up a couple more flavors and I can’t decide which I like best.  Right now I think Blueberry is in the leader.

This morning I volunteered at my track club’s annual women’s race so I pushed my typical morning run to the afternoon.  This also gave me the opportunity to get a little more acclimated to warmer weather running.  Hazelwood Women’s 5K had not only a good turn out of runners, but great weather.

So much food: bananas, bagels, donuts

The race cause:  The Clothesline Project, Bearing witness to the violence against women.

Start line: Beautiful scenery and beautiful athletes

Every finisher receives a fresh carnation as her medal

Congratulations to all the finishers!

I love having the opportunity to volunteer at events as well as witness the power of the athletes participating in the race.  The sheer deamination at the finish line is evident as they push their body to the limits.  You can almost read the stories in their eyes, smiles, grimaces and sweat.  It is truly inspiring.  This was a perfect event to get me prepared for my own race, with the marathon, next weekend.