48:10. I am feeling a little better, both physically and emotionally. I know it is the right decision not to race in Houston, but it is not an easy one. I have a coach because I trust his opinions. He basically said that if this was a 24hr stomach virus or something that was a short duration thing then yes, it might be possible to pull it off. But, this is something that has been going on for over a month now (since before my 1/2 marathon in Phoenix) .. and it is not a 10K or even a 1/2 marathon -- it is a marathon, and the probability of running a good race at less than 100% is quite small. Plus, I don't run professionally, I am not running the Saturday race, so it does not carry the same necessity. I am in the best shape of my life and I really don't want to waste it running a sub-par race just to participate (which maybe I would do if it were Boston or something). So ... Napa was already closed, butI have signed up for a new race: The Woodlands Marathon on March 3rd. I have been in contact with the race director because I was 29 secs off of the time to get elite status for a masters female (based on my 1/2 marathon time) -- unfortunately, he can't make an exception for me because he turned down other people who were off of the qualifying time -- although I am only 6 months off of being in the "senior" category (50+) - and I am a lot faster that time. So, at the end of the day, he was not able to pay for lodging or waive my entry fee, but he is going to get me an elite start! I have his cell phone number and I a supposed to call him when I get into town and he will hook me up. I thought that was pretty nice of him. This should be a very fast course, it is a two loop 13.1 mile course -- which I think will be good for me, I like loop courses, and train on them all the time, so mentally it is something I actually like. It is a smaller race, and they have prize money ... If I have a good day, I might be able to get a piece of the masters prize ... depends a lot on who shows up ;-). So, the biggest challenge now (besides kicking this damn thing) is that Greg wants me to "get a little out of shape" - so I don't peak too early. So I really really need to take it slow and trust him, even though I am itching to keep up with my training (well, I don't feel well now so it is a bit easier to take it slow). And, I am the perfect race weight right now, so I also have to figure out a way to eat well enough to help myself heal, and not gain any weight ... | 