Cori --- The Final Countdown

Week 15, I think.

Mon--R4
Tues--R4
Wed--Off
Thur--Off
Fri--Off
Sat--SL8

Tapering is good and bad. My body feels good, but my head feels bad. Traci said to me the other day, "I feel like I'm losing it." It meaning all of our hard won endurance and strength. I am more scared that I've never had enough of "it". We only did the 20 one time. Is that enough to carry us through 26.2 miles? Three weeks later? Really? I have woke up twice this last week and had trouble going back to sleep due to this haunting question.

But the experience is going to be fun, even if I vomit a few times due to extreme anxiety. (Wish I was kidding.) I am 75% excited, and 25% nervous. We have been insanely busy throughout this training, but it has been one of the best times of my life. Part of me doesn't want it to end. Everyone's training log may be a little different, due to time off/injuries, etc., but I have logged about 305 miles since the end of June. I can hardly believe that. I just never thought that was possible.

I can't speak for Traci yet, but Jen and I are planning to keep running an average of 12 - 15 miles a week after we get back. We don't want to stop. We have solved the problems of the world, many, many times over, in 300+ miles. And yes, I know it's going to get cold, but right now I'm imagining that I won't care, because the face time that I have gotten with my friends has been something that I will cherish forever.

Now, having said all of that, I want nothing but the best for these girls. If I am struggling in Chicago, they better keep moving without me, and bring in their best time. (Does everyone hear me?) I do not need to be coddled. I have too much respect for you, and myself, for anyone to do less than their best. Traci and Jen, I know you guys have felt badly on the runs when I have dropped back, but I appreciated you giving me the space to do what I had to do when I was injured, and I never resented it. To be honest, I felt like you respected me. You know I'm low maintenance, and you trusted that I was a big girl emotionally. That's why we're friends. (But Nickie, I really did appreciate you hanging with me on the dark trail, because I couldn't see a damn thing!)

So here's to whatever next weekend brings......praying for all of us!