Every race I do, I figure if I can finish in less than 2x the winner's time, I'm doing OK - this years female first place runner finished in 3:00:22.  Woot!  One weird thing about the race (at least to me) - I don't feel like I ever hit "the wall" that everyone talks about.  There weren't any points where I felt like I was forcing myself to keep going.  Hains Point was really hard mentally, but not devastating.  Even during the long walk at the end, I felt like I was totally in control of things and had a spring in my step.  Very odd.

Race report is done! Definitely doing this one again next year!

I am still on a complete and utter emotional high from yesterday. I think that was probably one of the most amazing experiences of my life. Just...WOW. Should have the race report done today - and it WILL be long.

Hmm, kinda feel like I might have done something yesterday. ;) Actually, I don't hurt nearly as much as I thought I would - stretching before you even attempt to get out of bed makes quite a difference.

SURVIVIED!!!!!!!!!! 5:46/7 something and it was a a TOTAL BLAST!!!!

And given the inspires, y'all know that I didn't die, so I'll update on all the gory details in the next couple days... Let's leave it at this - I am SO doing another marathon! :-D

Well, I've gotten my "good luck and go kick ass" goodnight phone call, so now I can sleep. :) See you on the flip side.

Another insane evening. :) Have all my race stuff laid out & ready to go. Holy crap, I'm doing this.

They're calling for 15-25 MPH winds tomorrow - I am going to look like Nanook of the North, but at least I can say I have run in these conditions before, and this time, I have the garbage bag packed to stay windproofed while we wait for things to start.

Lane has also done a fabulous job again today of keeping me nice & calm for tomorrow.  He is a gem.

Had Cauv9, Chippy, Stake, & Trix over for dinner tonight... Guys, I cannot even BEGIN to tell you how much better I feel about Sunday after goofing off with y'all tonight. It was the same as when we got together @ Shamrock, but an extra evening of silliness has done me good. (Even had I NOT broken out the wine when I started cooking and not been ever so somewhat inebriated when you arrived!)

Cavu9, you likely won't see this til you get back to Memphis, but THANK YOU for
a) all the "things that you can do the night before a marathon that won't kill you" info - while I would (and have) done anyway, it's nice to hear from someone who has done 3 marys and
b) being able to shrug off all my horrid triathlete/runner habits - you have some deep, dark secrets to keep!
c) watching CNBC all afternoon with me - the hazard of hanging with a former accountant/trader
d) being my packhorse at the market. :) I can now say I know TWO guys for whom chivalry isn't completely dead!!

Stake - I'm amazed and seriously complimented that you didn't have seizures over the state of my home. And I'll admit I was quite surprised that you just knew where everything was in the fridge. ;)

Chippy & Trix - Thank you both for just being you.

I can do this on Sunday.

Oh my I am not a morning person...

And that concludes our MCM training for this year... Given that this is probably the last time I'll be thinking clearly over the next couple days, it's time for a race plan! *giggle*snort*

1. Don't die
2. Beat the bridge
3. Walk 1-2 mins @ each mile marker
4. Nutrition: stick with what I know. Gatorade/water on the course. Somewhat larger than normal breakfast, cause I'll have a good 3 hours between eating & starting, and I'll have a lot to do on Sunday. (Did the same @ Reston w/no stomach issues.)
5. Time: I have an idea of where things will probably shake out, but as long as I beat the bridge, it really doesn't matter.
6.  Apparel: Try and figure out a happy medium between freezing and overheating.  Need to get some throwaway gloves @ the expo, I know I liked having them at Shamrock.

OK, MCM peeps - looks like it's gonna be chilly on Sunday, so pack accordingly! At least it looks like we won't have rain.

Sorry for yesterday's rantiness, but the "slow kids shouldn't play" attitude always hits a nerve. But I'm feeling much better this morning. :)

Day has improved, I am now somewhat safe to approach again.  ;)

OK, this would be the worst week possible to have a thread on marathon time limits, especially when it's compounded by the fact that I am grouchy today.

For cryin' out loud, why do you care what someone ELSE'S time is in a marathon? Besides, we're BEHIND you, it's not like we're in the way. You don't want slow people in your race, fine, go find a race with a short limit. And NO, I don't think that shortening time limits will make folks magically go faster - I think it will just make people not even try it at all.

On behalf of myself and the other 40+% of the field this weekend that will not break 5 hours - kiss this.

Did I mention I am not in a good mood?

Good news: My research topic/plan was approved by the prof.
Scary news: It is "very interesting" and he "looks forward to reading my paper"

Yeah, nothing like a little pressure... (Of course, what kind of moron submits a research plan on SigInt vs. HumInt to a retired Navy Captain?! Oh wait, yes, that would be me.)