June 22nd, TUESDAY, June 2010

Hey there:

Some thunder boomers this morning. We were all set to go in the pool at 1/4 to 7a.m. and then thunder. That stoped us. Angela there at the Pool and she ran before hand. Didn't see any other runners in my circuit.

Mb. Marathon was good. Beautiful temperature. It was pretty warm by the end of the 1/2: about mile 10. Lots of humidity. I had trouble with prespiration and sun screen getting in my eyes. I never wore a hat or band and I had a bit of a mini-battle with my eyes stinging. The sponges they handed out helped but only for about 30 seconds and then back into the stinging. I should have known better.

Of the 3,800+ something that ran the 1/2, I placed exactly 1000. I really enjoyed the run. Everything (body parts) worked fine. The only snaggy thing was that stinging eyes. At the start, I passed a lot of runners and continued to do so throughout the run but a lot fewer as the distance wore on. Less runners went by me. However, there were still 999 ahead of me! I don't know; I just can't help myself in the competition department. In training and solo running, you don't get the same competition/hype thing. I don't even want it then. But boy when that gun goes off and they play "Chariots of Fire", something clicks inside and it's a race from the get-go.

Seen other Swan Riverites there too. On the course and off the course. Very nice to see familiar faces. Maureen and Erin (Maureen's 8 year old daughter) ran the 2.6 miles and Erin had an excellent run. She's off to a good start.

Oh ya, one more marathon note. The Friday before, I had a deep message on the legs. Maureen had made an appointment for me at Portage. I think it was very helpful in the run. The message was a full hour: 1/2 hour on each leg. At times, it was a bit painfull with pressure but it felt like it was needed. I think it almost takes the place of the "tapering off"? I don't know that; just felt very relaxing. And at the starting line up; the legs felt strong and ready to work.

Keep give'n'er,
5k10k Rodeo run coming up next, Friday, July 30th