Cherry Blossoms and Spandex

I love Boston in the spring time. I love the cherry blossoms, I love the sun on my face, I love seeing people walking along the Charles holding hands, I love sitting outside at a coffee shop reading the newspaper, I love taking Dunkin or Osi for a walk and I love seeing people running outside and smiling because it's not snowing anymore.

Today, I got up, did some cleaning, made myself some toast and hit the road for one last long run. I wore my "marathon outfit" which includes tight, tight, tiiiiight spandex capris (hey, no one said this would be pretty) and a neon-ish t-shirt so I could stand out a bit to some of my "fans." Today's run was a relatively meaningful run as it's my last longer one (8 miles) until I run the actual marathon. Since December 14th, I've run a long run every single Saturday morning. On December 19th, I started off running 6 miles as my long run and 3 weeks ago, I completed my last long run of 20 miles. I can't believe how fast those months went. Today, I really enjoyed my run. I took in all the sights and sounds, my legs were happy that they weren't running in the double digits, and I felt good. Am I ready to run the marathon? God, I hope so....

Here are some "stats" and "favorites" that I'll remember from this journey:

Miles run (minus marathon day): 430

Personal Best 1m: 7:52

Personal Best 5K: 25:12

Personal Best Half Marathon: 1:55:13

Favorite Number of Miles to run: 7

Number of loyal blog followers: 15

Number of dollars raised for CLLC: $3,592

Number of times I cried after a run: 3

Number of times I gave up: 0

Favorite flavor goos: double chocolate and vanilla bean

Favorite Artists to listen to for motivation on run: Whitney, Madonna, Maroon Five, Sister Hazel, anything Hip-Hop

Favorite activity to do for cross-training: Spinning

Favorite running gear and accessories: water belt, Nike ipod plus, Nike spandex 

Favorite pre-run meal: banana, peanut butter on toast

Favorite "Recovery Activity": Couch time with Vanessa or dinner with Shen Shuttle

Number of days until the Boston Marathon: 9

Feeling I'll get after I cross that finish line: To be Continued..... ;)