3.31.07

Got on the treadmill this a.m. My first run since the marathon. 5 miles, felt really, really strong and lite on my feet. I believe the marathon has made me stronger. It's a shame to go back to 3 miles a day 3 days a week but I figure this old body could use a rest, at least for a little while.

3 more days before my girlfriends and I head for the MOA!
I CAN'T WAIT!!!

"It all seems like a dream, but sometimes goals fulfilled are like the challenges we thought we couldn't meet; once they're overcome, we set the bar higher."

- Matt Sanchez

"I strongly believe that a marathon is more of a mental challenge than a physical one...Running never ceases to teach me things about myself and my life. That's why I do it."

- Elizabeth G

“Life is not a journey
to the grave
with the intention
of arriving safely
in a pretty,
well-preserved body,
but rather
to skid in broadside,
thoroughly used up,
totally worn out
and loudly proclaiming,
‘Wow! What a ride!’ ”

—anonymous

3.30.07

The CCM is out. My running partner will have out-of-town guests that weekend. Maybe next year. I read that they have a live band every 1/2 mile, 52 bands in all. And, that you can actually hear the next one after you pass one. That's so cool! THAT would keep you going! That's something the GA Marathon lacked (another something...).

Will probably get on the mill tomorrow for any extended walk. I feel GREAT! I think that's due in LARGE part to the Endurox XL and focus on proper nutrition and stretching. My running partner and I will get out on the road Monday evening for a run and then it's off to the MOA Tuesday morning. Last time I was there I wore my pedometer and we logged like 10 miles a day. WHOA! We will return late Thursday evening and hopefully get in another run on the road early Friday morning. Then it's back to a regular but MUCH scaled back schedule. Probably something like 3 miles a day, 3 days a week with the possibility of a long run on Saturdays and maybe Thursdays if the mood strikes me, which it probably will...

If we do the Marine Corp. Marathon, training for that will start in late June I believe. We will make a decision on that by May 9th.

Posted on the ING GA Marathon site

Nearly 97 Percent Finish First-Ever
ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon

Race Team Already Planning Improvements to 2008 Event

(ATLANTA, March 28, 2007) – A record number of racers finished the inaugural ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon on Sunday, March 25. [I understand it was the LARGEST starting field ever for an inaugural marathon.] Nearly 97 percent who started the course completed it… [Glad I was one of those!] Under blue skies, spring blooms, and summer-like temperatures – a record 87 degrees Fahrenheit – 13,730 of the original 15,000 registered for the event started out on the neighborhood-based course, with 13,258 crossing the finish.

“We could not have asked for a better day for a better race in a better city,” shared Victoria Seahorn, race director of the first-ever ING Georgia Marathon & Half Marathon… Of course, like any first-time event, we plan to build on the best and learn from the rest for 2008.”… The greatest opportunity for improving the race next year and ensuring the safety of the runner is in improving the availability of hydration along the race course. “We understand that a number of runners were frustrated by water and sports drink availability at some water stations… [Actually, not by the "availability" but the LACK of availability.] “Even though adequate water and sports drink supplies were at the scheduled locations on the course, it was the logistics of getting it into the hands of racers that fell through. [So the water was there? hummmm...]

Despite the challenges, and the record high temperature, 4,340 racers finished the 26.2-mile marathon course and 8,918 completed the 13.1-mile half marathon… The 2008 event will maintain the tour of in-town neighborhoods with planned changes to the start and finish to better accommodate the racers. [The finish line was chaotic at best.]

Official Chip Time 5:08:56

Here I am, Shuffling across the finish line. My running partner said that while she was waiting for me to get to the finish line, some guy (with MUCH more energy than I) crossed doing a back flip. WOWzers!

Thinking about doing the Country Music Marathon in Nashville on April 28. I KNOW, I know... it wasn't in the plans but the opportunity has presented itself and we are already in shape with plenty enough recovery time between now and then. Just thinking...

3.29.07

WE DID IT AGAIN!
For the 4th time now my best friend and I have participated in a Chick-fil-A First 100 camp out. This time was I think the most enjoyable. It was in Kedron Village, Peachtree City. We were able to secure a relatively quiet spot for the night and not directly under a parking lot light so it was somewhat dark (as dark as it can be in a lit parking lot). The mood was a bit more subdued than others we have been to. Although, I believe there were more people at this one than at any of the others we have attended. Also, this one filled up earlier than previous ones. We arrived at 11:30 on Wednesday afternoon are were 102 and 103 in line. Some people dropped out (left) during the night and we ended up being 98 & 99. So, we got the BIG prize -- Chick-fil-A for a year. Actually, that's 52 FREE combo meal coupons for each of us. That's like $500.00+ worth of FREE Chick-fil-A. I think that's worth camping out for. We got a little sleep. Would have gotten more but SOMEBODY (who shall remain unnamed) picked up the wrong air mattress -- the twin instead of the full :~( But it worked out OK. I think there is going to be one next month, on the 18th in Villa Rica. I'll have to check on that to be sure. Maybe we can make that one too...

The COOLEST THING -- They had a GOLF CART parade. ONLY in Peachtree City! There were 5 CFA cows at the parade and they were playing "Who let the Cows out... Who let the Cows out..." to the toon of "Who let the Dogs out". It was really cool!

TOMORROW...we camp out

First 100 People at a Chick-fil-A Restaurant Grand Opening Win Free Food for a Year!

The First 100 Grand Opening Promotion was created in late 2003 to reward the first 100 qualified participants in line at the Grand Opening of a Chick-fil-A restaurant. These 100 people each receive a Grand Prize of one Chick-fil-A Combo Meal (Chick-fil-A Chicken Sandwich, Waffle Potato Fries and drink) per week for a year (equating to 52 meals).

The line can begin forming as early as 24 hours prior to the Grand Opening.

Many people make the event an all-nighter. They play board games or throw a football or just make new friends.

The 100 Grand Prizes are awarded at the designated time for opening on Grand Opening day. This time may vary by location, but it’s usually first thing in the morning.

Things to know:

• You must be one of the first registered 100 people in line who is 18 years of age or older with valid photo ID, and has stayed in line until the Grand Opening of the store (exceptions made for short restroom breaks).
• No purchase is necessary.
• Chick-fil-A employees and their family members may not participate.
• Additional prizes may be randomly drawn to be won by qualified participants.

Find a list of Chick-fil-A restaurants scheduled to open in the next 60 days.

Peachtree Road Race Tshirt

Well, neither of my designs made it into the running for this year's Peachtree Road Race tshirt contest. No BIG surprise :~O I voted for #3 -- because of the Heart -- crazy about hearts I am... #5 is nice too, and I like the retro look of #2. Go to the Atlanta Track Club site to vote.

3.27.07

I read several Blogs yesterday, most personal, some not, giving detailed accounts of the marathon. Many were 1/2 marathoners but several similar issues came up in most all accounts I read. I really enjoyed reading the posts of those who were veteran marathoners. The newbies, like me, had nothing to compare this marathon to. Those who had run other marathons could compare their experience in ATL to marathons like Chicago, San Francisco, NY, Maui, etc. That information was MOST helpful and encouraging.

What I learned:

1. The ATL course was tough, hilly, and unusually hot for this time of year
   
2. Marta was not the route to take if you were running late
3. You don't want to get stuck in the back of the pack at the beginning of the race
4. Powerade is inferior to Gatorade, but this is ATL -- home of Powerade
   
5. Water stations were not always there when signs said they were "straight ahead"
6. Some water stations ran out of water, most all ran out of Powerade
   
7. The out and back at Freedom Parkway was tough on a lot of people
8. The 1/2 marathoners had little in the way of split markers after mile 4
9. I was not the only one whose Garmin quit on them
10. The signs through Druid Hills were not very encouraging, well made, but not encouraging
11. The LIVE runner tracking was EXTREMELY helpful
12. I CAN do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me!

We knew it was going to be hot,
but we had no idea that Atlanta would break a record
set in 1929 that day.

In retrospect, it was hot, unusually hot for this time of year. Some compared it to the Peachtree Road Race which is on the 4th of July. We can't control the weather, so there is noting really to do about that. We can't control the fact that most of our training runs were in 20, 30, and 40 degree weather. That's just the way it is going to be. BUT, next time, I will include in my training A LOT more hill work. Moocho hill work! As a matter of fact, most of my training for next year's marathon will be centered primarily around hill work. I really want to enjoy the next one! There were several Blogs entries that talked about struggling with leg cramps. I'm going to try to figure that one out and hope that that will not be a problem for me in the future!

I'm glad we arrived early, 1 hour prior to the start of the race. Marta was not a problem for us -- the ride was great, not crowded at all. And, our train (unlike others I read about) did NOT get stuck leaving runners stranded between the Peachtree Center and 5 Points stations YIKES! Consequently, arriving early gave us a good starting position so that we did not have to play "dodge the walkers" for the first mile or so. Good planning paid off.

As far as the water stations and Powerade... Well, Coke is a MAJOR sponsor, this is Coke's backyard, Powerade is Coke's baby -- that's the way it's going to be. I prefer Gatorade High Endurance and that's one of the reasons I use a Fuel Belt. Also, I'm not dependent on water stations being there or having what I'm used to and prefer. I was SHOCKED at how few people had their own hydration systems, be it Fuel Belt, Camelback or whatever. I would NEVER consider running a marathon w/o it! NEVER!!!

The out and back of Freedom Parkway was grueling! I hope they drop that from future races. It was hot, mostly in the sun and it's just not encouraging running out and seeing all these people ahead of you running back. Nor is it fun running back and seeing all these people struggling that are behind you. As far as I am concerned, out and backs should NEVER be a part of ANY race!

I can't say much about the poor 1/2 marathoners and their lack of signage or my Garmin -- not sure what happened there. Thought I accidentally cut it off but maybe that's not the case. I don't know.

The signs in Druid Hills were nicely made - professional, but they were more like "WARNING" signs "This is why they call is Druid HILLS"... Maybe they could have been a bit more encouraging.

The LIVE runner tracking that sent a text message to my best friend as I crossed certain points in the race was EXTREMELY HELPFUL especially as I got separated from my running partner and fell so far behind. Otherwise I don't know how he would have known where I was on the course. THUMBS UP to whoever came up with that idea!

Seeing my best friend
waiting for me in Piedmont Park
and my running partner at the finish line
were the best sights of the whole race!

I really appreciated the guy running with the American flag and the double amputee, Scott Rigsby, AND all those people on the sidelines lying to me saying, "Keep it up, you're looking great!" (ha ha ha ha -- what a joke!) they were ALL real encouragement to me to keep on keeping on. And to the guy in North Highland at mile 22 who was shouting, "Give it up, the Kenyans already won." You made me laugh. Thanks, I needed to laugh!

ALL IN ALL this has been a GREAT learning experience and I'm glad my first marathon was a tough one. I will run again.

3.26.07

BIOFREEZE is my friend.This was me after the marathon :~) I slept GOOD last night!!!

2007 ING GA Marathon

BEFORE PIC
I didn't sleep well last night (as expected), normal for before a BIG race. You can see the nerves in my face :~[ Before the start of the race, the director of Walk Through the Bible gave a good, short devotional and prayed. I couldn't believe they let him do that, but I was so happy they did -- I needed it! My running partner ran her own pace and I ran/walked mine. I think she pulled away some time around mile 4 maybe. I can't really remember if it was before or after the split where the 1/2 marathoners go one way and the full marathoners go the other (at mile 4) -- I think it was probably before that though.

The weather here is supposed to hit an all time high (close to 90) for this day today I heard -- it was HOT! A lot of people were really struggling and I was one of them. By mile 13 I was cramping badly in my cafes, above and just to the side of the knees -- must be some little muscle there, in the back of my upper leg, in the top of one of my feet, even in my abdomen. I don't think my side has hurt like that from running since I was in elementary school. I think I hit mile 13 in just a little over 2 hours. The next 13 miles would take me 3 hours, with a lot of walking. The cramps were BAD! I'd never experience that in any of our training runs, but they were like 20 degrees -- NOTHING like today. I haven't seen my "official" chip time, but I crossed the finish line at like 5:09. An hour more than I had anticipated or hoped for. I ran that last mile with a couple of guys who were wearing pace team bibs for 3:40 and 3:50 -- they were crossing the finish line at 5+ also, like me. My running partner and I actually signed up for the 4:00 pace team but I wasn't about to wear the bib just in case I ended up crossing the line at 5:00 or something crazy like that. I'm SO GLAD I didn't wear it! I saw somebody that had ripped theirs off and all that was left was the safety pins :~O Guess they were struggling too. There were A LOT of people struggling in the latter stages of the race. It was probably the toughest thing I've ever done. Even tougher than the 3-Day.

I accidental turned off my Forerunner at 1:02 -- I kept looking at it and it kept saying 1:02, then I realised it was saying the same thing every time I looked at it -- I thought I was doing awesome -- it was actually like 1:37 :~O That is very disappointing to me that I will not have that data to upload to my computer and analyze and save to compare with future runs.

It's tough running w/o someone to talk to. So, I quoted all the scripture I could quote to myself. I was surprised at how the Lord brought verses back to my memory from even when I was in elementary school, I think. I wondered how much more I would be able to quote if I spent some time memorizing. I sang hymns (in my mind). As I ran through Piedmont Park I sang Beulah Land -- I thought I was gong to DIE! It was SO NICE to see my best friend there and hand off my Fuel Belt to him.

PIEDMONT PARK

My running partner's unofficial chip time was like 4:10. I'll be interested in seeing the times of the Kenyans. They usually run a marathon in a little over 2 hours. Wonder if that will hold true with the heat today -- of course, it wasn't as hot at 9:00 a.m. as it was at noon.

My running partner asked me a little while ago if I'd do it again. I said, "Yes." It couldn't be any worse that it was today :~) I hope. I really can't imagine doing one in unfamiliar territory though. It was tough enough making our way around downtown -- and we've lived here all our lives.

We got a really nice inaugural race medal. I saw the Kenyan and his trophy -- bumped into him after the race -- don't know WHAT he was still doing hanging around.

The party at the end seemed to be somewhat disorganized but that didn't really matter -- I just wanted to get home :~)

AFTER PIC

Iced my feet on the way home. Soaked my legs in cold water for 10 minutes when I got home (may do that again tonight), took a hot shower, ate a little lunch, took Advil, and rested the afternoon away... Will go to church tonight and hope I don't like cramp up during the message or that they don't get up and down too much :~O

A REALLY neat thing -- My best friend got a text message with my official chip time at the following points:

I just got my "official" chip times and they are as follows:
at 6.1 miles 57:09, 9:11 pace (would have liked this to be 55:00)
at 13.1 miles (1/2 way) 2:08:38, 9:48 pace (would have liked this to be 2:00)
at 20 miles 3:37:45, 10:53 pace -- That's pretty good, not 4:00 good but still good, considering (my best time in our 20-mile training runs was 3:17 -- that would have been nice)
at 26.2 miles (the finish line) 5:08:56, 11:46 pace (this should have been right around 4:00)

That last 6 miles took me 1 1/2 hours YIKES! There in lies the problem!!!
5:08:56 not quite a qualifying run for Boston like I expected but I guess you could say it was a PB since this is my first marathon. It can only get better from here...

Actually, I never felt like I "hit the wall". I never felt like I had depleted all of my resources. It was just those lousy leg cramps! If it hadn't been for the leg cramps I think I would have done great, I think the whole race would have been enjoyable (the first 13 miles were) -- and that is just so odd because I've never experienced cramps like that before. I thing it was a combination of the heat and the fact that I was so tense. The weather, I know, is uncontrollable but I do need to find a way to relax and not be so tense. I think I had been tense for like a whole week. Maybe too much anticipation, too much Blogging about it -- who really knows?

BTW -- The Kenyan won in 2:19, a PB for him too. He was nice enough to say it wasn't about winning, and that everyone who crosses the finish line is a winner. How nice of him :~) w/ his 5:19 mile pace -- Unbelievable!!!

3.24.07

Every night this week on 11Alive they have aired inspiring stories about the marathon -- they are the "official" marathon TV station. Last night the story was about 5 or 6 sisters -- I didn't exactly count -- that are running the marathon together. It was SO COOL! For one of the sisters, this will be her 100th marathon, and to commemorate the monuments occasion, the others are going to run it with her. They were probably all in their 40s or so. They all have matching outfits for tomorrow's race -- cute little pink skorts, and this was the best part -- their motto is:

Don't let the RUN get in the way of the FUN!

I think for tomorrow, my running partner and I will adopt the same motto. I really want this to be fun!!!
One of the last places we will run through tomorrow is the BEAUTIFUL Piedmont Park. We will enter on the east side at the Park Drive entrance, run by the lake, and exit on the south side at the Charles Allen Drive gate. That will be mile 23 and should be about 10:50 a.m. This is where the Peachtree Road Race ends each July 4th and where the VERY EMOTIONAL end of the 3-Day took place -- I'll never forget that. So, the park has a few memories in it for us. That will be a most enjoyable part of the run, I hope...

THE EXPO
We just returned from our little jot to downtown ATL on the MARTA train and the ING GA Marathon Expo. It was ABSOLUTELY awsome! I've never been to a race expo before. I guess the only other race that I've run that had one was the Peachtree and I haven't gone to that expo because they simply don't require it -- they mail you your bib and chip. But this July, I just might have to go to that expo as well. So many vendors of all sorts, lots of give-aways. Got lots of neat STUFF, bags, etc. Like I needed more STUFF. Food and drink samples everywhere. It was like going to Sam's Club on a Saturday afternoon -- you could eat lunch there. My running partner's CPA would love that! We signed up for the 4:00 pace team. I'm not going to wear the 4:00 bib though. I HATE to be wearing it and cross the finish line at 5:00. He he he he... I got a hat -- think I might need one. It's going to be a good bit warmer tomorrow than it was on any of our training runs. And I came across this really neat booth www.Team413.com Check it out!

One thing I've noticed since I've started running races --
THERE IS NO SHORTAGE OF SAFTY PINS IN THIS HOUSE!
Never will be.

Gotta' LOVE This!

Bill Gates Says…

[This is just one of those annoying email forwards you get in your inbox every day, but this one is GOOD. Whether or not it has any validity as actually being "said" by Bill Gates I cannot prove, but somebody pretty smart came up with it, and he's pretty smart -- gotta' give him that. So, we'll give him the credit for this too and assume he really did, at some point, say this. Note the reference to the car phone -- kind of dates the whole thing but the principles remain contemporary.]

Love him or hate him, he sure hits the nail on the head with this! To anyone with kids of any age, here's some advice.

Bill Gates gave a speech at a High School about 11 things they did not and will not learn in school. He talks about how feel-good, politically correct teachings created a generation of kids with no concept of reality and how this concept set them up for failure in the real world.

Rule 1: Life is not fair - get used to it!

Rule 2: The world won't care about your self-esteem. The world will expect you to accomplish something BEFORE you feel good about yourself.

Rule 3: You will NOT make $60,000 a year right out of high school. You won't be a vice-president with a car phone until you earn both.

Rule 4: If you think your teacher is tough, wait till you get a boss.

Rule 5: Flipping burgers is not beneath your dignity. Your Grandparents had a different word for burger flipping: they called it opportunity.

Rule 6: If you mess up, it's not your parents' fault, so don't whine about your mistakes, learn from them.

Rule 7: Before you were born, your parents weren't as boring as they are now. They got that way from paying your bills, cleaning your clothes and listening to you talk about how cool you thought you were. So before you save the rain forest from the parasites of your parent's generation, try delousing the closet in your own room.

Rule 8: Your school may have done away with winners and losers, but life HAS NOT. In some schools, they have abolished failing grades and they'll give you as MANY TIMES as you want to get the right answer. This doesn't bear the slightest resemblance to ANYTHING in real life.

Rule 9: Life is not div id ed into semesters. You don't get summers off and very few employers are interested in helping you FIND YOURSELF. Do that on your own time.

Rule 10: Television is NOT real life. In real life people actually have to leave the coffee shop and go to jobs.

Rule 11: Be nice to nerds. Chances are you'll end up working for one.

UPDATE: This is actually an excerpt from the book Dumbing Down our Kids by educator Charles Sykes. - go Charles!

2.23.07

3 quick miles on the mill, the last of the mill miles probably for a week -- maybe. We'll see how I feel next week...

Today, we contemplate yet another (the last) of Jeff Galloway's Dirty Tricks:

The extra-special energy bar
For the marathon journey, you're not bringing just any energy bar. You spent some time the day before picking the ones with the greatest energy potential and you infused them with even more energy. Handle the pieces of these bars with care as you don't want to infuse everyone around you. As you chew on each piece and drink water, you feel the energy move from your mouth to your right brain. Then, instantly, it unlocks other pockets of energy that have been hidden until now.

Tomorrow will of course be an off (rest) day. We will go to the Expo and pick up our race packs including our bibs, chips, and shirts. I'm looking forward to that :~)

Today I will wear my GA Marathon "in training" shirt (as I did last Friday). As if I need to psych myself any more...

I spent a good amount of time last night looking over the details for the Marine Corp. Marathon in Washington DC on October 28, 2007. The hotel cost will be the biggest obstacle, we'd need to stay 2 nights. We used to have family that lived in that area -- wish we still did, although, I'm glad they are back here now. We have until May 9 to make a decision on this marathon, that's when the registration opens and I understand the registration for this one is like Peachtree -- fills up FAST! So, after Sunday's race, we will possibly consider this one.

131.6

A MILE by MILE description of the course

Mile 1 – DOWNTOWN ATLANTA

Runners start just north of Underground Atlanta at the base of Woodruff Park on Peachtree Street.

Mile 2 – JACKSON AVE VIEW OF THE CITY

Runners continue from Ralph McGill Boulevard to Piedmont Avenue This area provides one of the best views of the city; runners will get to see it again at Mile 19.

Mile 3 – MARTIN LUTHER KING CENTER

Along this area, runners pass historical Ebenezer Baptist Church, where Dr. Martin Luther King held services.

Mile 4 – LITTLE FIVE POINTS

The big crowds at the top of Euclid Avenue will welcome runners to Atlanta’s home of gothic, punk and reggae. This is the first major split of the race, as the half-marathoners will be heading in another direction.

Mile 5 – CANDLER PARK

Runners will take the change of scenery and head into Candler Park, one of the first of Atlanta’s ‘old’ neighborhoods featured in the race.

Mile 6 – OLMSTED PARK

From Candler Park, runners move into Olmstead Park, designed by the acknowledged founder of landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmstead, Sr. Runners move swiftly from Oakdale Road onto Ponce De Leon Avenue.

Mile 7 – PONCE DE LEON

While on Ponce De Leon one of Atlanta’s most famous avenues, runners will enter a hillier section of the course that winds it way through several streets, before moving onto College Avenue.

Mile 8 and Mile 9 – COLLEGE AVENUE

These next two miles will be a welcome glide for runners along a straight section of the course. While on College Avenue, runners will pass Agnes State College, on of the top ranked liberal arts colleges and women’s colleges in the country.

Mile 10 – DOWNTOWN DECATUR

Moving out of the historic homes area, runners will move onto Commerce Drive before heading onto East Ponce De Leon Avenue where is will take them into downtown Decatur, one of several “small town neighborhoods” located within the city limits.

Mile 11 – NORTH DECATUR

Runners will continue on Clairmont Avenue, cross over Scott Boulevard before moving onto North Decatur Road.

Mile 12 – EMORY UNIVERSITY

Runners will move into the tree-lined neighborhood of Druid Hills, which includes Emory University, one of the nation’s top private universities founded in 1836.

Mile 13 – EMORY VILLAGE

Runners will pass the shopping area adjacent to Emory University and then enter into the rolling hills and beautiful homes of Emory and North Druid Hills as they reach the halfway point for the race.

Mile 14 – DRIVIN’ MISS DAISY

Continuing through these tree-lined neighborhoods, runners will pass by the house where the

1989 movie Driving Miss Daisy was filmed. The film won four Academy Awards, including Best Picture and Best Actress in a Leading Role (Jessica Tandy). Runners will emerge back onto Ponce De Leon Avenue.

Mile 15 – MEMORIAL MILE

From Ponce de Leon, runners will make another visit to a familiar road, Oakdale Road. From here, they will cross continue straight, crossing over North Decatur Road.

Mile 16 – EMORY ROAD

This mile brings many twists and turns in another hilly section of the course. Runners will move onto the winding streets of Emory Road before completing the mile at Briarcliff Road.

Mile 17 – CALLANWOLDE FINE ARTS CENTER

As runners continue on Briarcliff Road, they will pass a historic 1920 Gothic-Tudor mansion, listed on the National Resister of Historic Places, which was converted in 1971 to the community arts center, Callanwolde Fine Arts Center.

Mile 18 – CARTER CENTER

Runners follow along Briarcliff, which becomes Moreland Avenue. Passing by Freedom Park, runners will stride by the Jimmy Carter Library & Museum.

Mile 19 and Mile 20 – FREEDOM PARKWAY (and the best view of Downtown Atlanta)

From here, runners will turn onto Freedom Parkway for one of the best views of the city at the intersection with Boulevard before turning around to run back down Freedom Parkway.

Mile 21 – PONCEY HIGHLANDS

It is here at Mile 21 that runners head back onto Ponce De Leon Avenue one last time before turning onto the neighborhood known as “Poncey Highlands.” The neighborhood is home to legendary bar, Manuel’s’ Tavern, the local watering hole for politicians and the politically minded ever since it opened in 1956.

Mile 22 – VIRGINIA HIGHLANDS

From Poncey Highlands, runners will move onto Historic Virginia Highland one of Atlanta's most popular neighborhoods. Taking in the vibrant area, runners will pass Atkins Park, which since 1922, is one of the city’s oldest continuously licensed taverns.

Mile 23 – JOHN HOWELL PARK AND INMAN MIDDLE SCHOOL

Runners will head back into the John Howell Park, a beautiful 3-acre parcel of land where they will continue on Virginia Avenue before moving onto Park Drive. Here, they will pass Inman Middle School, a National School of Excellence and a Georgia School of Excellence.

Mile 24 – PIEDMONT PARK

Entering into Atlanta’s Piedmont Park, Atlanta’s “Common Ground” since 1904, runners will enter the park and pass by Lake Clara Meer. As runners continue to take in the scenic beauty, they’ll run back onto Piedmont Avenue before turning onto 14th Street.

Mile 25 – MARGARET MITCHELL HOUSE

Runners will climb up 14th Street before turning onto Peachtree Street to head back into downtown. In this mile, runners will see the Margaret Mitchell House, the Fox Theater, and pass by many of Atlanta’s tallest buildings.

Mile 26.2 – UNDERGROUND ATLANTA

Runners finish the race on Peachtree Street at Woodruff Park, with its welcoming curved fountains and green spaces, and after 26.2 miles, the finish line.

3.22.07

A day off. Slept in. Have been getting A LOT of EXTRA rest this week which has been very, very nice and couldn't hurt :~)

More Dirty Tricks by Jeff Galloway:

Your "inspiration" shoes
If logistics permit, you might consider changing shoes during the last six miles of the marathon. [I don't think I'll do this. I could, but I don't think I'll take the time. -- Again, I'll pretend ] Both pairs must be broken in, of course. Save your "inspirational" pair for the last part. Just putting them on sends a jolt of invigoration into your feet, up your legs, then through your body and into the right brain. At that point, all types of crazy and innovative things can happen.

Parting Words
I've put some thoughts into what will be my "Parting Words" to myself just before the horn blows and the runners are off (in the dark) at 7:00 a.m. on Sunday morning. I've basically done a lot of training over the past 18 weeks leading up to this, watched quite carefully what I put into my body, invested heavily in time to read and research the best approach to a marathon, and so on. However, after much thought, I've decided that my parting words to myself will be something like this:

1. No pressure
2. Have fun
3. Finish strong

with an emphasis on #2 Have fun. I plan to run alongside of my running partner and carry on a normal conversation, just like we did on training runs, the entire race and I hope that it works out like that. With exception of the hills of course -- on which I will be huffing and puffing my lungs out...

132

3.21.07

4 miles with 4 days to go. HOW ABOUT THAT!

Today I will consider another Magic Trick by Jeff Galloway:

Ball-bearing atoms
This is a high-tech right-brain invention that will send you gliding to the finish. As the legs lose their resilience near the finish, you can shake off from your hair millions of atoms that normally act to keep it shiny. As the atoms drop onto your feet, you'll find that you don't need to stretch out your stride any more. You glide better through the air and stay more efficient by staying closer to the ground. When you're losing this effect, shake your hair again. Balding people, like myself, will always appreciate some strategic head shakes from others. A downhill portion of the course will enhance the effect of these virtually invisible ball bearings.
I have my 26.2 sticker ready for the back of my car. When you see this on the back window, you'll know I made it!

"Every morning in Africa, a gazelle wakes up. It knows it must outrun the fastest lion or it will be killed. Every morning in Africa, a lion wakes up. It knows it must run faster than the slowest gazelle, or it will starve. It doesn't matter whether you're a lion or gazelle - when the sun comes up, you'd better be running." -anonymous

Fun Marathon Facts

• The official marathon distance is 26.2 miles (or about 39,000 steps for most runners)
• The average age of marathon finisher is 38 years-old
• The average time to complete the marathon distance is 4:41:32 or 4:28:29 for men and 5:01:06 for women
• The marathon World Record for men is held by Paul Tergat with a time of 2:04:55 (set in 2003 at the Berlin marathon).

www.43things.com
Check it out!

My textbook for this marathon training has been Jeff Galloway's book Marathon You can do it!
I have several books on running, sports nutrition, stretching, and the like, and much prefer and highly recommend this one. It stands out among the others for its practical approach to running. Running should be something you enjoy doing. Many of the books I have read make it so technical and complicated that you can hardly have fun doing it. I find myself going back again and again to the this book. I've read it from cover to cover and continue to refer to it almost on a daily basis as I complete my training for my FIRST marathon. If you ever think you'd like to even consider running a marathon or 1/2 marathon, GET THIS BOOK!