TT: 3:17:12 AP: 8:58 Canal 9:16, 9:05, 8:54, 8:55, 8:49, 8:46, 8:46, 8:43, 8:45, 8:45, 8:44, 8:50, 8:35, 8:45, 8:49, 8:54, 9:04, 9:15, 9:03, 9:26, 9:29, 9:20 After looking at Saturday's rainy forecast, I decided to do my long run today. One of my main goals for this run was to keep it slower. I raced hard last weekend and had already run a lot if miles this week. I wanted to be safe and not stupid. As I started my run, the iPod that has my audiobook froze. I didn't want to take the time to mess with it. I was grateful I also grabbed my small shuffle. So I listened to music the whole way. I was really looking forward to my new book. My first 11 miles were great. I ran all the way to Orem....that's a long ways to go :). I was super excited to see the water fountains turned on. I also enjoyed seeing the various blooming orchards, large gardens, chicken coops, and blooming lilac bushes. AF, PG, Lindon and Orem residents along the canal do a good job in those areas! When I turned around, I started to struggle. I had 6 miles (mile 17) till my bathroom landmark and my body was starting to hurt. I finally got to the bathroom (5 miles till home) and my times started to slow way down. It was certainly a mental battle. The wind started going crazy during the last 3 miles and I had dirt/sand pelting me sideways in the face. It wasn't fun. I got home and laid on my bedroom floor for awhile and tried to convince myself that run was fun. As I was getting my ice bath ready, I started to cry in the bathroom to my husband. "I don't think I can run a marathon". My episode only lasted 5 minutes and I'm already feeling better about life. I've got 3 weeks to get my mental state back on track. Time to taper. | 