Most comfortable jogging suit ever

I PRed at the Grete Gallop Half-Marathon (13.1 mi) with a time of 2:31:22.

I drew this picture while waiting for my mp3 player to download more music. Yes, an opportunity to draw is reason enough for another self-portrait. This is my high school track sweats. The most comfortable running clothes ever. Of course I never ran more than 2 miles in them, but still. I often think of the Ark City track when I'm counting down the last miles. Especially the last 400 meters. That might be because my college didn't have sports, but even then I would have probably envisioned the one from back home.

Tomorrow is my last chance for a 17 mile run. I have to start my taper- which for me means just small runs but will have to run more often. I think I can do it. I've been having some trouble lately...mostly do to not sleeping right or eating. But I had a bowl of tortellini earlier. There is a bagel, a roll and 2 bananas waiting for me in the morning.

Norwegian Festival Grete's Great Gallop Half-Marathon in the morning

Norwegian Festival Grete's Great Gallop

Apparently this is the face of Norway and it looks nothing like me.

This reminds me of the time my soccer team played against a team of Norwegians. I was excited to meet them as I am a 4th and my last name carries the signature "SEN" in place of "SON" as Norwegian names do. I should have known they would all be tall, blond and blocking the ball.

Anyway I'm still awake. Of course. Nights before races are the hardest for sleeping.

Last weekend I ran 20 miles in little over 4 hours. So, the 13.1 miles I will run in the morning should be a cinch. I hope. I have plenty of running foods and an almost full charge on my mp3 player. If only amazon would let me buy "Burning Up '81". I don't know why I'm obsessed with the song but I am. oh If you don't know it here it is:


Well, I think I should get some sleep. Wish me luck.

just got up

It's a little after 5am and I just ate breakfast: bagel, banana and gatorade.

I wanted to write again because my last entry was so pissy. Although I don't mind complaining about life in general, the last thing I need before a big run is negative thoughts and vibes. I finally took a bonafide shower after days of hobo bathing, so I feel much better. I truly hate my bathtub. Plus, I bought an mp3 player even though I didn't have money for it. It better last forever. I'm hoping it can be my xmas present from mom.

The only thing truly bothering me is the fact that I could not sleep at all tonight. I napped some yesterday so I hope fatigue does not set in. I'm guessing that it should not set in until about 10am. By that time the race will be over. Ok lets do this. Wish me luck.

Nervous about the 18 mile run tomorrow.

I don't know what happened to me this week. I think my soul decided to go party without my body. Hope it had a great time. Meanwhile my body had been inside until Thursday night 10 pm when I forced myself to run 8 miles at the gym. I shoved my headphones into my phone and screwed up the jack causing the sound to short out. So running while listening to the music I didn't want to become dependent on became a delicate operation. I wish I could take a shower but my tub has pipe mud in it. I'm on my second cup of coffee today and I should eat something other than cereal.

Run across Brooklyn

Yesterday morning I skipped the team run. There was no way I could have ran 15 miles without sleep. I really really tried. To make up for it I planned to run from Columbus Circle to Coney Island (about 15mi). Not really a plan, more of the spur-of-the-moment idea because I slept through my previous plan of running CP 2 1/2 times then going to the Met. I left late so I started at City Hall instead.

The bridge was packed. I hated running down Flatbush Ave. I felt like everyone was starring at me. I'm sure I looked funny with a fuel belt, backpack, bottle of water in one hand and a phone in the other while moving at Turtle pace. "You don't know where I'm going and you don't know where I've been."

It was around that point that I had to break out the mp3s. It's not good have any negative thoughts while running long distance and I needed friends. By Prospect Park I was feeling better. I didn't dare to run through it. I'm sure it's a simple path but I am not familiar. After following the contour I made my way to Ocean Parkway. The same path as in the Brooklyn Half Marathon. Then it was mostly counting the alphabet avenues and others thrown in there until I hit Ave Z. then Neptune Ave! By the time I met the boardwalk the sun was setting and I was aiming for the silhouette of the Parachute Drop.