The best part ...

Aside from the rush of endorphins, the enjoyment of the outdoors, and the exercise, the real "best part" of running belongs to one thing ...

New running gear.

Really, is there anything better to motivate you to go out for a run than new shorts and a new tshirt?  I don't find myself updating my running wear all that often.  Once or twice a season I typically acquire a few things and that is what happened today :)  

I will preface by saying I am 100% an advocate of supporting local running stores for running shoes.  I would never buy my running shoes anywhere but Run N' Fun in St. Paul.  I think of it as my contribution to a company who does such great things for the running community in MN.  

But running clothes?!  Thats a different story.  I am a sucker for a deal.  I cannot think of one item in my running clothes that I have purchased at full price - what a rip off! (in my humble opinion)

Marshall's pulled through for me today.  They had a fresh stock of Adidas, Nike, and New Balance gear.  All the best in my book.  After picking 14 items from the racks, I was able to cut my purchase down to just 5 things: shorts, 3 shirts, and a sports bra.  What a success!

Needless to say I'm excited for my next run ... but not for the clean out of the work out bin that needs to happen before I can fit them into my life :)

Light at the End of the Tunnel

There is a light at the end of 2 tunnels now.

The most exciting is the light at the end of the "school" tunnel. As a teacher, there is nothing better and nothing worse than the last few weeks of school. On one hand, the kids are getting restless and "more active". On the other hand, the bright shining sunlight of summer is motivation to just trek through and make it to the last day of school where you can wave good-bye for the summer and live life on my terms!

There is also a bright light at the end of the "marathon" tunnel. I can't believe I'm down to the last few weeks of training. June 21st, 2008 - Grandma's Marathon. My excitement runeth over! Its also a bit nerve racking though. Its unpredictable how your body will react to running 26.2 miles. Will I be in pain? Will adrenaline take over? Will my stomach cooperate? The unknown is scary.

My training has been flying by and going well. The long runs are getting longer. Yesterday was 18. It felt painful. My legs were ready to be done by 13, but we pushed through. I have come to realize that my perfect pace is a bit faster than the average Joe. Although its a good thing, it makes it hard to train and run comfortably with those who's perfect pace is not like mine.

So here's to a few more weeks ... a few more weeks of kids ... a few more weeks of training ... and a few more weeks of looking towards the end of the tunnel at the bright shining light.