16 miles...what a great morning for running!

I was worried about today because of all the heat and humidity we have had lately...God smiled on us today and gave us clouds and cool breezes. This has been my best day yet. I felt like I could have easily gone longer. Sure hope I feel that way in a couple of weeks when we do the 18 miles. Kristy and I did intervals 1:2 almost the whole way and could have continued them but Kristy's legs started causing her a lot of pain so we walked the last mile or so. My right foot bothered me the most due to the metatarsalgia thing but that did not kick in until about mile 12. Otherwise, I would have an ache here or there and then it would disappear...all in all, a great day as far as stamina and VERY FEW aches and pains. I did learn that I will definitely apply some GLIDE next week. I had a painful problem post-run after the 15 miler, but I quickly forgot about it and did not get any GLIDE. I also have a couple of "raw" spots on my back that are caused by my running bra. Had those last time too, and am not sure what to do except apply GLIDE and maybe try to tape those rough edges on the bra. If anyone has a suggestion, let me know! I bought the same brand of running bras, just in different colors, so I hate to have to "chunk" them aside and buy new ones.

I know the marathon is 10.2 miles more than we did today, but I feel very confident that I can do it and will do it. I am beginning to really feel like a marathoner. I am starting to think of some other things I want to accomplish in my life, like become a swimmer. Not learn to swim, because I have had enough lessons, that I feel I could teach swimming. I have a head problem about deep water...guess it is called a phobia. I can swim as long as I can stand up when I am tired, therefore I can only stand to be in about 4 feet of water. My sister is the same way...we must have been traumatized together as children but neither of us can remember it. I don't know how to best overcome my phobia...counseling or more experience (yikes) in deep water. I may try swim lessons with the lady who is suppose to be able to teach anyone to swim. I read that either in our forum or in someone's blog. I will go back and find out who the lady is, I think.

Anyway, I was not wiped out all day today. I took a nap for a couple of hours and then got up, put on my face, and went out with my hubby and son. We had some errands to run and then went to eat Sushi at Nagoya. I decided to take a "warm" shower today instead of the "cold" one I have been taking to see if I could tell any difference in soreness. YES, there is a big difference. I am more sore after the warm shower, so COLD showers it will be after LSD's from now on. I still swear by that Endurox...a lot of calories, but I have energy which I did not have in my earlier LSD's without Endurox. I am rambling on so guess I need to hit the sack since we are going to 9:30 Church tomorrow. Guys and gals, we have come a long ways since January...we will endure, embrace, and establish ourselves as FINISHERS in the Chicago Marathon...yes, my endorphins are still pumpin'...but WE ARE MARATHONERS!