Ten

Enormous THANK YOUS are due to the following fine people:
Kevin Snow - for sending me over half way, even with two broken arms - that takes dedication
Dan & Ann Barkel - for donating a 2nd time and reading my blog
Justin & Kelsey and Curt & Barb - for the donations even in the excitement of new babies in their family
Jen Milia - for super great support from NU alumni
Anyone who reads this - I so appreciate it, comment and let me know you're out there!
Seven weeks to see your name here! - www.firstgiving.com/laurelin

Today's post outlines ten important notes regarding running, and what I have learned thus far in my training (I apologize in advance for the lack of pictures this week):

1. Never underestimate the amount of money one can spend on polyester and spandex.

2. Never underestimate your freakish looks in said polyester and spandex.

3. The importance of access to water, food (or pseudo-food), and a toilet (or pseudo-toilet) during long runs. This is key to life, and therefore key to running double-digit mileage.

4. Running is snow and/or rain is actually quite beautiful and/or refreshing. However, remember that everything is good in moderation.

5. Long runs are significantly more bearable with a partner. Lauren has been awesome. When I originally set out on this, I thought I would be okay without a group or partner, as I never really had one for training in my half marathons. Turns out, it's awesome to have someone there. She gets me going on Saturday afternoons, and gives me lots of great input about running and corroborates my running woos in my time of need. Lauren rocks!

6. Don't stop within the first three miles. The first three miles always suck, guaranteed. Even when I know I'm capable of running 18 miles - as I completed yesterday - I really could just stop at any point during the first three. Don't give up on those, and you'll make it a lot further than you think you can.

7. Port-a-potties are a long run's friend.

8. Do not underestimate the importance of good (well-fitting) running shoes. These are key to remaining injury free. And replace them frequently (about every 300-400 miles).

9. One of the best feelings is being done with a long run. One of the worst feelings is knowing you are missing a long run (due to illness or injury), this is worse than the actual pain of running 18 miles.

10. Now a note for spectators for running. Cheer. I can't emphasize this enough. Even if I don't know you and you think my spandex is appalling, cheer for me. Clap your hands and say, "keep going," "great job," "you rock!" Whatever your words of choice are, you will never understand how much they mean to me. Please, please cheer. I need you.

This weekend was great, including: happy hours, work, cooking, napping, more working, church, running, and hosting a church gathering.

Finally, if you know my amazing (might-as-well-be) sister-in-law Jessica (even just a little bit), please send her some encouragement. She could really use it right about now. She is battling through some terrible sickness and missing training runs... as evidenced above, one of the worst feelings possible. Show her some love!