TC Marathon???

I’m running it for the second time. 

Last year I combated the monotony of the long runs by practicing race-day nutrition/hydration, and running different routes, especially trying to hit the entire course. 
My favorite routes ended up involving the River Roads.  You’d see all types of people doing their own thing, I really remember the 20 miler I did during the Minneapolis Du.  Plus the Mpls side was under construction and mostly gravel.

I am not doing the marathon, but will suggest my favorite way to handle long runs - point to point.  I can occasionally talk my husband into dropping me off somewhere and then running home.  One time I drove to work, left my car and ran home.  Then rode my bike back the next day.  You can get creative and it's so much more exciting to have a goal!  Good luck with your training.

(Although don't fall into the trap of too much lake running - it's too flat.  You need to get that hill practice in!  Head to the river as much as you can...)

Find a group to run with.  Our local track club has Saturday morning long runs and there are usually 60-80 people running during the build up to spring and fall marathons.  The miles seem to tick by much faster when you're running with others.

I am sure what Joe is talking about is happening in Rochester.  I believe the Running Room sponsors group runs - maybe check their schedule?

The runs I'm familiar with are in Rochester and a $1 fee to cover water/gatorade/banana/gel stops is what the cost is.  I'm sure there are group runs in the metro as well.

What great advice!  I am thinking about having my wife drop me off at the start and different areas along the race route (depending on milage, etc.).

I like the idea of a audiobook.  I was seriously thinking about that.

The funny thing is, I am actually starting to like running now.  I have lost 16lbs since I started training, but I lose weight quickly. 

I am really excited to run the River Road portion of the race.  I want to do that portion at least 2 or 3 times during training.

Thanks everyone! 

If you have a Hennepin County library card (if you don't, get one...) you can check out downloadable audiobooks through the catalog.  For iPods, you use the Overdrive catalog. 

http://www.hclib.org/pub/search/downloadableAudioBooks.cfm

Free!  Easy!  Why does anyone question libraries  (Not directed to anyone here, just using my opportunity)?

FYI-

Without any hiccups in my schedule, I will be running from Nokomis (South Side) to the Franklin Ave Bridge and back (14 miles) very early on Sunday morning.  My goal is to start running around 6 or 6:30am (with a 11min or so pace...slow and steady!)

I will be wearing all white.  Shorts, shirt, and shoes. 

If you are in the area and see me lying on the ground, kick me to make sure I am still alive!

Ryan