Lulu's Challenge... rise from the ashes

Bubbles decided last night that I wasn't going to my ride. Not really, but she had a tummy ache. At 1am when I realized I hadn't gotten any sleep and I was still up with her, I knew there would be no ride. It wasn't worth the physiological stress on my body and also the risk of driving before and after the race tired. I have gotten little sleep the last three nights.

4.15 miles. Negative splits. My body is going crazy from inactivity. My head is telling me to eat food that is bad for me. My body hurts in places it has never hurt. I feel a bit better after this morning's run. But, I am going to run some more tonight to see if I can get myself straightened out. Last week's mileage was pathetic even for a taper. Now I am just trying to see if I can get my body back on track. The fitness has been deposited and is in the bank. Now I need to remind my body that it is in shape to run a marathon. I am going to run a bit higher mileage than I planned until Thursday and then back off. I think that should fix the problem.

The weather in Chicago is predicted to go from a high of 85 on Saturday to a low in the 40's on Sunday (race day). Crazy. It seems like it will likely be windy. Fortunately, I am small enough to tuck in behind someone and draft (does that happen in running?). I am very good at drafting in cycling, so some of those skills should translate. I am not worried about it being warm on race day. I have trained in hot, humid conditions, so I am ready for that. I do very well running in cold weather, so I am ready for that too. I'll bring clothes for both scenarios.

Ran just over 4 tonight with the running group I have been running with for years. I didn't run with them this summer most of the time as I wanted to run alone and get more mentally strong for my marathon. I think my body is remembering it is marathon fit. Weird. This has never happened in a taper before. However, usually by this time, I really need to heal. This time, I started the taper with no aches or little pains. Yea!

Ran with Bubbles this evening. We had a great time. I love running with her even though it is more of an effort. I feel strong when I have to push her, and I know she enjoys the runs. She was climbing into the Chariot yesterday as I was getting ready to go.

I ran into my coach; so that was nice to see her. I actually ran with her yesterday, but anytime I get to talk to her, I enjoy it. Chiro had to pop my sacrum today and yesterday. I feel better tonight but I am about to hit the Jacuzzi tub and then ice it just to be sure.

Alright if anyone is reading this, I have an announcement to make:

I have created a special e-mail account so that I can communicate directly with anyone reading this blog. It is:

fastrunninglulu@gmail.com

Why? Because I feel like I may be perceived as a snot for not posting times and other potentially identifiable information. If you are active on the blog and send me an e-mail, I will reply and answer questions. I just ask that you never identify me, where I live, my times, or what I do for a living on this blog. I need to continue to have an anonymous presence here. I've posted this before but the reason is that I have someone in my life that pays an inordinate and inappropriate amount of attention to me, and I cannot underestimate his level of psychosis. Also, I don't need anyone else filling that role in my life either. 

I realized this morning that I am supposed to run a marathon in 2 days, 21 hours, 20 minutes!! I leave for Chicago tomorrow! I lost track of days this week and now it is Thursday. I'm off to get Bubbles packed and to pack for myself. Fortunately, my husband can pack his own stuff!

Both Bubbles and my husband have the Crud! I am praying I don't get it. Sasha has his garlic that he hits hard; I have my grapefruit seed extract!

I just received a weather advisory e-mail from the folks at Chicago marathon. It is going to be HOT and humid! I imagine that other entrants are in a dither. Well, this good ol' girl from Louisiana isn't sweating. I've been training in warm soup all summer. Their idea of hot and humid is relatively cool for me. I prefer it to be 40-50 at race start, but I only anticipate adjusting my pace 5 seconds per mile or so (if you want to know what that pace is email me at fastrunninglulu@gmail.com). I certainly know my hydration technique as I have practiced it over and over throughout this summer. Actually, I am almost giddy about how hot it is going to be because I know what to expect from my body.

Will post more about the run this afternoon with Bubbles.

Six miles with Bubbles and a friend who is running Chicago also. We didn't train together because I am faster than he is. We are going to meet at the start line hopefully. Ran with my running group and got lots of well-wishes. Several people have called tonight or emailed to wish me well. My plan is to run negative splits but not go for the gusto. I got into Houston for January so I will continue the training.

Good luck to all the folks running St. George! I will be thinking of you. Good luck to the few Bloggers who are doing Chicago! This is my last post until I come home. I expect to read race reports with many OT qualifying times!

Marathon pace. (Since I am writing this on Monday -- Yeah, RIGHT!)