Jeanne and I decided to stick together, since we run about the same pace. The first 4 miles were relatively flat and went by without much fanfare. Pretty impressive to see 30,000 people out on a chilly Thanksgiving morning. Jeanne and I continued to chat away, and actually negative split miles 2 and 3! From mile 4 on, there were overpasses and underpasses that really started to kick my butt. We had only walked the aid station at mile 2 so far (I was amazed at myself for that!), but there were 2 back-to-back on-ramps just before mile 5 that shot my HR up to the 190s, and that's where it stayed for most of the next mile. So we walked about half of mile 5. Not only that, but I had developed a blister in my right arch. It wasn't too bad until we started to run again. Ouch. I begged Jeanne to keep going and she took off like a champ. I started walking, which made my blister feel better, but after a while, I felt like I was being a bit too much of a wimp, letting a blister keep me from running. I jogged on the flats and downhills, trying to run on the lateral part of my foot. I walked the long uphill past mile 7 and was very impressed by the mom that passed me pushing a TRIPLE stroller loaded down with her 3 year-old sons. Holy crap. Finally saw a good off-ramp coming up to downtown and decided to screw the blisters (now one on my left foot too) and run the last 2/3 of mile 7. Didn't know the last 200 yards were uphill (ugh!), but kept running since everyone was watching. Smiled for the cameras and finished the longest run I've had since February.

Um, TRAIN??? Also figure out what type of socks to wear. If I wear my thicker socks, my feet go numb. Wear thin socks like today, I get blisters. Usually not a problem on my shorter runs, but this was a pretty big deal today.

Walked around trying to find water. Aid stations only at miles 2 and 5, so I was pretty thirsty. Could only find bananas and drinkable yogurt. Thankfully, Jeanne found out they were running out of water and had grabbed me a bottle. Thanks! Had to laugh at myself on the ride back when I thought, "I've got the afternoon off, maybe I can get a swim in?" I've still got the bug!


Obviously, lack of training. Also, blisters on the dogs.


As any of you know that have read my log lately, I have not been training hardly at all since we moved here in July. I can't believe it's been so long since I've done any type of productive training. I REALLY can't believe I did so well today either. Thank goodness I had Jeanne to pace off of and take my mind off the pain. You are awesome, girl!!!
It really feels great to see 8 miles on the log today. I want to keep that up, damnit. I just have to figure out a way to work it all in.