The countdown

5...the number of days between now and the day I FINALLY run the Chicago Marathon.  I was able to run Thursday and Friday last week without any physical issues.  Yesterday I did my last long run (8 miles).  Today is a rest day.  My left knee has a little nudge.  I think it is connected to the tightness in my left IT band.  I am going to roll it out a couple times today and see if that helps.  My mileage is going way down this week according to my training program.  I will run 3 miles tomorrow, 2 miles Wed., two rest days, 2 miles on Saturday and then the race. 

A couple people have inquired about whether or not I used a training program and which one if I have.  Since 18 weeks out, I have been following the Novice 2 Marathon Training program by Hal Higdon.  I also followed the advice from "How to Train for and Run Your Best Marathon" by Gordon Bakoulis Bloch.  I have had a subscription to Runner's World this year.  I have used a lot of information from their magazine and website while running/training.  I have run 95% of the time by myself, aside from my fellow solo/group runners crossing my path or passing me.  Mostly because my schedule allowed very small windows of opportunity for me to get my runs in.  Especially towards the end with the longer runs. 

This past weekend was my sister-in-law's wedding in WI.  They had their wedding on their land and in their barn out in the country.  It was beautiful!  Finn was cutting up a rug on the dance floor.  He even threw a little break dancing in there.  I don't know where this kid gets it from :)  He had the whole crowd laughing and cheering for him.  I almost fell out of my chair I was chuckling so hard.  I think he had consumed plenty of apple donuts and candy and juice fuel that inspired his dance-a-thon.

Found this today  http://www.ted.com/talks/vicki_arroyo_let_s_prepare_for_our_new_climate.html
One of the most thoughtful commentaries on Climate Change.  Give a gander!