Thank You Sir, May I have Another?

Almost hard to believe, but I talked myself into running another marathon!!!  This will be #8 (if you count the 26.2 I did during the full at Rev3 last year).  It seems just a short while ago, I was attempting to "finish" a marathon and then "qualify for Boston."

I have to laugh because if you ask the average person their number, they might get offended and tell you "it's none of your business," but not us, runners.  We WANT to be known for our high mileage (running that is -- wink wink).  Not that I would call myself high mileage at all, as I only broke 30 miles this past week.  The on again, off again training pattern, or lack therof this winter took it's toll on me, but after 6 weeks of consistent training, you can forget Stella, I've got my groove back.

It's only 10 weeks until my marathon and although I don't see any PR on the horizon, I am looking forward to heading to my hometown and running with (or behind) my cousin for a few hours.  I think AD (my aunt) is going to throw her hat in the ring and run the 1/2, and a few others may even form a relay team. 

Finished a nice freezing cold 14 mile long run last Friday and I had an aha moment, when I decided to wears buns under my running tights instead of my usual thong and holy hell, no frozen buns.  My knees were a little stiff from the cold but that was it. 

I even made it down to KSU's field house Tuesday to run some mile repeats with Salty Running's, Ginger with a J and get a sneak peak at Cleveland Elite Development (CED) doing some winter work and Whoa!! are they impressive (and completely out of my league) and inspiring.  I'd like to get down there again for another work out, but I work the next few Tuesdays and who knows, maybe I can save $5 and 25 minutes of driving and hit the local outdoor track by then. 

I'm already excited to crank out a 16 miler with my running club this weekend.  Weather looks decent, in the 30's and partly cloudy to sunny.  We had a decent group 2 weekends ago and a few newbies joined in so I am hoping with spring just around the corner and some encouragement via social media on my part, I can convince even more newbies to come out. 

Goodness, did I just say I am excited to run 16 miles in 30 degree weather?  Yep, I'm getting in marathon mode.