All that Glitters is Golden

The proverbial hay is in the barn!

Well its done.  The last 'long' run before race day.

10 miles at (or below) goal marathon pace.  Was told to do 7 at that pace but with 66deg and low humidity, I just had to go for it.  And even then it was more conversational than I usually do because of the heat I just didnt chat that much.  Ran with Amber, Erin and Kelly...and honestly I usually just cant hang with Erin and Kelly and at one point I heard Kelly say "I was pushing hard to catch up" (they were actually behind us for the first 3 or so miles.

A few times I had to slow it down because I was running way too fast (below 9:30; gmp is 9:55).  My average pace came in at 9:54 for the 10 miles.  Awesome.

Went to eat, meet and greet with some of the KreW after which is always fun.  Been getting some things done around here and have a little party this evening for 2 friends that just recently got engaged.  ah love...

Come race day in Chicago, yes 9:55 or better is the goal, however, 10:18 per mile is something I dont want to go over.  That would put me over 4:30 and well...I just dont want to go over 4:30.  That would be a huge PR for me and would more accurately reflect the shape I'm in for the distance, but race day is race day.  Anything can happen and I know that.

Right now the weather looks to be warmer than I would like (51 for the low), so I am in the process of rethinking my race day attire.  Thats just too warm for a full shirt as far as I am concerned.  I will pack the original and also the 'spare' which will be what I wore this morning.  I've never run a race without a full shirt, so I'm a little apprehensive about the pictures (yes I'm vain like that)...but I would rather run in what I am comfortable in temp wise than to be miserable in the race when it becomes too warm.  Lets just say I will be doing abs EVERY day this week, possibly twice a day ;) just in case.

I've got the right foods to fuel this week without adding unnecessary bloat and puff and to keep me from eating anything I dont prepare myself...Dont want to chance eating something that will get me sick as it did the week before Houston 2009 where I was puking etc for 3 days leading up to the race, lost 6 lbs, was beyond dehydrated and had to drop all because I got a stomach thing from something I ate.

I have to say I'm as ready as I can be.  If its not my day on 10-10-10 then so be it, but it wont be because I didnt do everything right.

I've got 4 more days of light running and then we're off!  I am supposed to do 3x1 mile at gmp on Monday with a minute rest in between (5m total), but after today I think I will just do 5 and call it a day.  I suspect at least 3 of those will be close to gmp as the weather is supposed to be even cooler than it was this morning anyway.

We leave bright and early on Friday morning!  The only drawback with going with so many people I know is the pull and tug of do this, do that...I have to stay on plan and do what works for me and  no one else.

Well y'all have a great day and we'll see ya later on!