The 7 mile training run Monday night was much more tolerable than the longer distances the past few weeks. Beeps ran with me and her company proved pleasant and helpful as usual. I hadn’t ran much with Sharon this summer and I didn’t realize how much I missed her encouraging words “don’t shuffle” & “get away from the curb” are just the motivation I needed. Captain Chip Allman went motoring past me the last 200 yards. He really is something to watch! As you all know the heat was something to be reckoned with; however I was diligent in my water intake all day Monday and it proved to be helpful as I lost nearly 8 pounds on the trek through east end and downtown. I was hungrier than I thought I’d be considering the heat so I was glad to have some leftover Stromboli & a little homemade ice cream waiting on me at home. Race day is less than 2 weeks away and I cannot wait to get out there and see if I’m ready. Today my joints feel sore but the pain is not miserable and I am moving fine. I will swim and run again on Wednesday which should loosen me up pretty good. At this point I need to get my mind right for the race and forget about the pain and heat etc.. I don’t really enjoy running instead I look on it as a chore and only when finished do I feel the relaxing tones so many runners talk about. Maybe after the race I can get back to enjoying the time I spend on the road. I’m excited to “finish” the Parkersburg News & Sentinel Half Marathon for now that will be enough.