The DL list and other pre-race musings

     This morning I had it all planned out.  I was up at 7:00am... time enough so that I could have a small training day snack, digest it, and hit the road before the scorching heat could wilt my mind and my body.  Oh yeah, I was a woman on a mission. Out the door at 7:30a.m.

     Merciful heavens!  I am a South Florida girl, but I swear I was dripping with sweat before I even completed my warm up walk.  I knew I was in trouble, and went through every darned mantra I had created for myself to stay mentally tough.

     I set out this morning with dead legs. I was officially on the DL list.  My legs were heavy, sluggish, and just wouldn't do right.  I was mad at my huffing and puffing self.  I ended up walking most of the way.

     There's a lesson in this for me.  I did not have a rest day over the weekend. 

     On Saturday, I ran the race course at Meredith.  On Sunday, I though I should do something light, and so I merely took a nice and easy run on the treadmill.

     Really, it was just too much.  I was being too demanding on this excited, giddy, and jittery body of mine.

     Honestly, I think I've built up all the endurance I will need come Saturday.  It is my intention to enjoy a solid day of rest tomorrow, and do some truly nice and easy things in this last week of 5k training.

     OOOH WEEE!!  That route is no joke.  I think for even the serious runner, it is challenging. I have no real worries about Hillsborough street. Heck at the beginning of the race, it's all excitement and adrenalin.  That turn onto Brooks Avenue is nice and shady, but has some awful hills and curves you have to conquer.  Sorry, I can't think of a nice way to describe them.  They sure aren't  "fun".  The turn on to Oberry has one big hill, and then it's on to Dixie Trail and Clark Avenue.  Oh baby, those are some long stretches of street!

      All of that being said, what I love, love, love on race day is seeing the sea of pink on those roads.. filled with breast cancer survivors and some who are still in the fight making a statement about the need to cause a world without cancer.  They are joined by thousands who want the very same thing.

     I have never witnessed anything quite so moving and inspiring. 

     Are you thinking about the Race for the Cure this week?  I'd love to know what lights you up about this incredible day.