Sunday, October 2, 2016

The Final Countdown (WW # 61)

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M  - Rest
T   - Ran 5 Miles Easy
W -  Rest
T  -  Ran 6 Miles (1 w/u + 5 @ 9:24)
F  -  Ran 5 Miles Easy
S  -  Rest
S  -  Ran 8 Miles Progressive

Total Ran = 24



Well there it is.  My final Chicago ticker picture.  It's the final countdown.  Are you singing the song?  If you know me at all, you know that I've been singing it for daayyyssss.  Only three (or heck maybe even just two?) short easy runs remain.

As September came to a close, I finally experienced those long-awaited Fall mornings in the later part of the week.  Thursday was a bone-chilling 63 and Friday a downright polar vortex of 53.  It was hard not to overdo on mileage and pace.  I'm supposed to be tapering.

A beautiful September sunset.


Speaking of tapering, I did not cycle nor water ski this week to give my body extra rest.  I also had a massage (actually more like body work) on Wednesday to work out some stiffness in my neck and shoulder plus a general running parts going-over.    Sandy was a great masseuse and gave me some wonderful tips to keep everything operating smoothly.

Naturally, I thought Sunday's 8 miles would feel like a breeze.  Nope, I had a side stitch during the first half of it and the whole run felt harder than I wanted it to.  I shouldn't have started out as fast as I did.  I'm interpreting it to mean all of the difficult stuff is out of the way!


Trying out a new tank on Tuesday's run.

My goals for Chicago are 1) not to DNS this time  2) enjoy the experience and 3) beat my prior marathon time.  You can read about that here [Disney Marathon].  Be forewarned however, it's a tear jerker.  I look forward to having all of those same goose-bumpy feels in Chicago.

So now I'm down to the silly counting.  50 times I'll wash my hands, 20 times I'll check 3 different weather apps, 6 loads of laundry, 4 meals to pick up prepare, 4 days at work {loosely speaking},  3 short runs, 2 dogs to bathe, 1 trip for last minute groceries, 1 stop for gas, 1 pedicure {ooohhh what color?}, 1 cooking (huh?) school project to help the kid with, and tons of mental packing, overthinking and praying.

A special thanks to everyone who supported me along this journey. 

I am forever grateful.




91 comments:

  1. Race day is almost here for you! I'm so excited for you! I know you are going to do great. You've been so strong this whole training cycle, and the October temps are going to make you feel like you're flying. I will be thinking of you and sending lots of positive thoughts. Good luck and have fun!

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    1. Thank you, Jennifer. I'll be feeding off all that positive energy. My fingers are crossed for ideal weather conditions.

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  2. I am SO excited for you! Hoping you still want to meet for dinner Sat night! And we will be there at mile 13 to cheer you on!

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    1. I wouldn't want to miss it! I'll email you later this week. Sadly, since I'm starting in Corral Z, I'll be the last runner to come by.

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  3. When I read "final countdown", I was totally singing the song, lol. I'm so excited for you! I have heard nothing but good things for the Chicago Marathon and I'm sure you will have a blast. It looks like the weather will be great next weekend as well!

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    1. Thanks. I can't get that song out of my head now. I look forward to seeing the city as I've never been there. It will be a great way to sight see!

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  4. I'm so excited to read about your time in Chicago (and follow along on IG). You are so ready for this!! And just think: no pool running prep this time!! Have a fantastic race!

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    1. Thanks, Elizabeth. Ha ha. No pool running. Yes, the best thing about this training cycle, hands down!

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  5. Awesome - I'm so excited for you! I'm flying out to Chicago on the Tuesday after the marathon for a fitness conference. I wish I were going to be there a couple of days earlier so I could have cheered on my many friends running Chicago.

    Thanks for the linkup!

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    1. And I'm so wishing now I had planned to stay an extra day or two. I've got a lot to see in a few shorts days. Thanks in advance for the long distance cheering!

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  6. Ha! I'm singing that song in my head, too! ((thanks)) This is so exciting!!!!! I can't wait to hear how Chicago goes for you! I wish I lived closer and I'd be there to high-5 you in person ;-)

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    1. It would be great fun to meet you Kim and accept that high five! Maybe one day soon. My sister lives in Tulsa -- wish I had known earlier you were running Route 66. You'll love that race. Superior crowd support.

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  7. Im so excited for you! All the hard work is one and now you are ready to rock your race! Glad the weather is cooling off- hopefully you have perfect weather on race day!

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    1. I'm wishing for perfect weather. It's looking very good but still too early to tell. I may not have anything to wear if it's really cool! HA.

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  8. I am loving the early morning temps - it was 63ish for my long run start. It felt so good. Good luck in Chicago!!!! so exciting.

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    1. Those early morning temps are such a blessing for the long run. I was able to sleep late today and not be in such a rush to get a lot of miles in before the sun started beating down.

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  9. Okay I just read your Disney Marathon entry and it brought tears to my eyes. Anyone who has run a marathon can read it and feel exactly what it was like to be in your shoes (especially those of us who have had training NOT go according to plan). I cannot wait to read your Chicago recap. Have an absolutely amazing time (my mom is running it too) and I know you'll do great! And PS your Disney post makes me want to consider WDW 2017 even more (ah! insane)!

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    1. I warned you! LOL. I still can't read it without getting misty. It brings back so many emotions. That's one reason I started blogging, to preserve those memories. How cool your Mom is running Chicago. Good luck to her. I've still got Disney 2017 in the back of my mind! Let me know when/if you decide.

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  10. I think you're gonna meet ALL your goals! Which goes without saying that you will be running Chicago this coming weekend. I hope you've left some time to meet up with fellow bloggers running!

    And yes, that song is definitely in my head now.

    I'm still trying to figure out how I'm going to squeeze 4 runs in this week . . .

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    1. I hope so, Judy. I'll give it my best shot. I know it's difficult at a race that size to meet up with people, but I'm going to try.

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  11. I'm singing that song now - I also sing the chorus from Living on a Prayer (whoa, we're halfway there...) whenever I do a long run. :)

    We had cool morning temps here this week, although not the polar vortex you got with that lovely 53 degrees. Soon. It did feel wonderful to run in. I'm excited for your race - it's almost go time!!!

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    1. Ha! That song is more appropriate for me, anyway. I'll start singing it instead. At least it will be a change of pace (<< get it?).

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  12. Yay!!! Good luck and have fun. Will be thinking of you on race weekend!!!

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    1. I appreciate that! The support of this group of women has been incredible and I'll definitely be thinking about that during the race.

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  13. I am excited that you will be racing on Sunday! Please send me an email at zenaida.arroyo@gmail.com if you need anything or have any questions.

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    1. Thanks, Zenaida. I'll definitely do that one day this week! Enjoy your last week of taper and good luck to you at the race. Let's say a special prayer for fantastic weather.

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  14. IT's FREAKING RACE WEEK! So excited for you. I hope Chi is everything you hoped for and MORE! The blogger press box at 13 will be cheering hard for you!

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    1. I know! That would have been a much better blog post title!! I'm looking forward to meeting you. I hate to tell you they stuck me in the back. I'll be the last one through the cheering section.

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  15. I am so pumped for you, HoHo! You are going to have such a blast running Chicago! Cheers to a restful final week of taper, even despite the heavenly fall temperatures that have finally arrived that are tempting all of us to push it. =) I am sorry that I won't be there to cheer you on next weekend (I'll be in DC for the Army 10-Miler) but I will be thinking about you. Big hugs!!!

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    1. Thanks Emily. Sorry you aren't going to be in town. I hope you have a great Army 10 Miler. I've heard lots of great things about that one.

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  16. I am so excited fr you. I have no doubt that you will meet all your goals.

    I wish I could be there but I will be cheering you on virtually. I have a half marathon the same day

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    1. Thanks, Darlene. I'll cheer for you...you cheer for me. It's a win-win.

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  17. I'm super excited for you HoHo! Isn't it so hard to cut back on mileage while tapering after weeks of long distance training:) Our bodies just want to keep moving! I just read your Disney Marathon Recap. I was running that marathon as well, too bad I didn't know you guys at that point. I wish you best of luck for next weekend. I know you will be great!

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    1. I appreciate it. I want to run my regular 6 mile distance on every run. It's hard to cut back.

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  18. Yes, I am singing! Loud and off-key! You've got this! There will be tears of joy this time. :-)

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    1. I hear you! If I'm happy, there will be plenty of tears. Trust me on that.

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  19. Holly I am so excited for you! I've followed you through this entire training cycle so naturally I am excited to see how this race goes for you! Good luck! Perhaps you will run into Lacey while in Chicago!

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    1. Thanks, Meranda. They stuck me in such a late corral, I'm afraid I won't get the opportunity to see the other runners I'm familiar with.

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  20. You are so ready! Have a great time and enjoy the whole experience.

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    1. Thanks, Deborah. First and foremost, I plan to enjoy the race.

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  21. So exciting! You will do great! When are you going to the expo? Would love to meet up!

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    1. You are going to do awesome! I'm planning to go Friday afternoon. You?

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  22. Good luck this weekend! Can't wait to read the recap!

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    1. Thanks. Fingers crossed it will be a great one to write.

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  23. So excited for you ! You have trained so hard. What is the weather looking like ? Going to meet up with Tricia and Wendy ? What is the racing plan after the marathon ? Have a great week. It will be fine. Sending lots of positive vibes your way !

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    1. The weather looks really good so far. I hope to see Marcia and Wendy and maybe a few others too. It's rather difficult at a race that size, however. I'm definitely running a half in December but haven't scheduled anything else. I'm waiting to see how I recover from this.

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  24. I love that is almost time- you have worked so hard! I am excited for you and I hope you have a great experience! Funny how we have to get a pedi- even though we wear tennies- runner problems :) Enjoy the countdown!

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    1. Ha! No one will see my sparkly blue toenail polish but me. Thanks for the well wishes, MB.

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  25. oh my goodness I am so excited for you! you are going to do great :) I LOVE marathon stories. I will be thinking of you relaxing and tapering this week and getting ready for the BIG DAY!

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    1. Thanks, Christy. I'm trying to take it easy, but my brain simply won't turn off.

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  26. I hope you have a wonderful race, HoHo, I can't wait to hear how it goes as it's been great to follow your training each week!

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    1. Thanks, Janelle. It's getting close to your big day too. Here's to both of our successes!

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  27. I've got the song going in my head too. I'm not counting down to anything, but Geico's brought the song back. You've done a great job training, and I hope you have a great marathon.

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    1. Thanks, Lesley. I may not have thought about the song had it not been for that Geico commercial.

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  28. Woohoo for reaching the end of your training and good luck on your race! So jealous of your fall weather. We're not quite there yet. It's still be pretty humid on the days I've been out running. Our mornings are slightly cooler, but not really fall-like yet because the humidity is still so gross.

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    1. I'm happy to have gotten through training. Those Fall temps didn't last very long. But, the mornings are still definitely better than they were in the summer.

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  29. Off to read your Disney recap - but you have nailed this training cycle! Just in time for the weather to cool down - which is surprisingly unhelpful. Haha. But - Chicago should have cool weather waiting for you. I'll do a cool weather dance! Can't wait to read the recap!

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    1. The Chicago weather is looking good, in my opinion. I'm sure to some, it may seem too warm -- but I'll take it. Anything below 75 is awesome.

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  30. I'm so excited for you! Good luck this weekend. I'm sure you'll have a blast running the streets of Chicago. I've heard so many great things about this race.

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    1. I've never been to Chicago, so I hope it will be a great way to see the city.

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  31. yay for the polar vortex!!!!! you will be more than ready for Chicago. I will be cheering you along the virtual sidelines every step of the way!!!
    you got this chica!!!!!

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    1. I appreciate that Melissa! I'm going to use all of this wonderful support to push me along!

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  32. Yay, it sounds like you've had a great training cycle and you're ready for Chicago! I look forward to hearing about it. Here's to having a lot of fun in Chicago :)

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    1. Thanks. Everyone's kind words and support have meant so much!

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  33. I am so excited for you!!! You are going to rock this marathon! I can't wait to hear how it all went next week!! Sending lots of positive vibes your way!

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    1. The support from this strong group of women has been amazing. Thanks so much!

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  34. You are going to do amazingly awesome this weekend! I'll be cheering you on virtually from work!

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    1. There has been a lot of virtual cheering. And trust me, all of it is so much appreciated.

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  35. Yay! We're almost there! I'm so excited. I do hope that me and my sister will get to meet you at some point in Chicago!!

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    1. Obviously, I'm late reading this -- but want to say it was great getting the chance to meet you and Sherry!

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  36. I am so excited for you!! Wishing you a safe (and sane!) last few days of taper and a glorious race day! You'll be fantastic!!

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  37. I'm getting chill bumps reading this....sooo stinking excited for you! I'm impressed with the amount of cycling miles you are still getting in...I wish I had a place and someone else to ride with more often. PS....I'm loving that tank you were trying out, is it a Sarah Marie design? Best of luck this weekend and above all...just treasure every single moment of this! You've earned it!

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    1. That tank is not SMD. I was trying it out for the marathon. I wish I had someone to ride with too!

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  38. Your going to do awesome in Chicago!
    I think you are very smart skipping the bike and skiing this past week, I'm always a bit of a do nothing but rest and run the couple weeks leading up to a marathon, that and staying away from public places, LOL I'm always afraid to catch someones cold:)
    Can't wait to hear how Chicago goes, have a great trip. All your hard work and all that mileage is about to pay off for sure!!!

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    1. Thanks! Isn't it funny how super sensitive we get to things...like germs? I eat Vitamin C hard candy, like candy! LOL.

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  39. Totally sang the song ha! I'm so excited for you!! Can't wait to hear all about it. :) Have so much fun!!

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    1. So glad I'm not the only one! Thankfully, my brain has moved on to another song.

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  40. best of luck! I will actually be in chicago this weekend for a bachelorette party so I will be thinking of you!

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  41. Good luck with your race this weekend! Looks like you had a great week of training, and I hope you have a wonderful time in Chicago and meet your goals. I do agree that making it to the start line injury-free and not DNSing is a big goal for marathon training, too.

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    1. Thank you. So many things can happen (as I am well aware) so just getting there is an accomplishment.

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  42. Good luck in Chicago. I can't wait to hear all about it. I hope you have good weather.

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    1. Thanks. The weather will be just perfect, I believe.

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  43. Good luck, lady! Maybe I'll bump into you out there. Great goals and sending you lots of good vibes. I've got a pedicure on deck for this week too :)

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    1. OMG. My pedicure was a little "rough" and caused my feet to be sore a few days. Ugh. Of all things!!!

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  44. Good luck!!! I know you'll do great.

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  45. Thanks. I'm excited too. I wish I was a good sleeper so I could really get extra rest!

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