Get Set!

Today is my favorite day in the whole marathon training cycle. With all of the training done and it being too early to start packing the suitcase, it's a great time to take a breather and appreciate all that has happened prior to the race. Once the race happens, it colors my thinking about the training that went into it. If the race is fantastic, then I feel great about my training. If the race doesn't go according to plan, then the training was terrible. In an effort to avoid that, I've been thinking a lot today about the training itself and the value of it.

Because of the training:

• I addressed my IT Band and lower back issues and have been able to keep them both under control with lots of stretching.
• I worked through a recurrence of Plantar Fasciitis and my foot feels great now.
• I enjoyed training with others, working to get over my insecurities about being too slow and holding others back.
• I got out of my comfort zone and trained in all kinds of weather. I used the treadmill and the indoor track when needed.
• I learned how rewarding it is to read other's blogs, reading their stories and celebrating their successes as well as empathizing with their obstacles.

Thanks to everyone who has visited here, whether silently lurking or sharing your thoughts. I want you to know that it is very much appreciated. I've learned a lot as well as had many laughs and smiles because of you. Thank you!

Tomorrow I'll be packing up and driving to Fargo with Mike and the kids. I am optimistic that I'll have some fun on Saturday. The kids are well and Mike is a lot better with just the remnants of a cold remaining. I'm feeling pretty well! I've been queasy for the last couple of days, but it's been getting better instead of worse, so hopefully by Saturday I will be 100%. Best of all, the weather forecast is not for hot weather. It looks like it's going to be cold, a little windy with a slight chance of precipitation. I'll take it!

I'll try to post something on Saturday and let you know how it went. I'm adding a couple of last minute goals to my list. I stole these directly from Steve. He is an inspiration and is hilarious. When I read these, I thought, now here is a man with a lot of experience that knows what he is talking about:

• Keep from shartting myself.
• Not cross the finish line hitting my watch. I want to come across that line with a smile!!

Good luck to everyone else at Fargo and other races this weekend, including cyclists!