Since this week is so stark as far as running, I don’t have a lot to chat about, so I’ll take this time to mention the cool emails we Steamtowners have been getting from the Race Director.  He’s quite a funny guy, so it’s a pleasure whenever one of these hits my inbox.

I might have mentioned this in a comment but not on a regular post that we’ve been warned (and this is actually not a joke) not to pee on Forest City High School.  Last year a couple ladies were found doing this, despite the huge number of porta-potties around the start line.  I was pretty impressed that they could pee on a school (I don’t think they were on the roof) though I shouldn’t be surprised since my standing-up experiment does allow for horizontal aiming.  Btw, I neglected to mention that the second time I tried this method (while on our road trip out west) I wasn’t half as successful, so I won’t be using it again in future.

Another interesting thing is we’ve been alerted that Bill and Hillary Clinton will be in Scranton on race day for a baptism.  My thoughts never even came close to, “Oh cool, the Clintons” which I would have under ordinary circumstances.  Instead my only thoughts were, “They better keep their damn motorcade away from our race!!”  Visions of Secret Service Men tackling the crazy-eyed runner who just rolled over the hood of their car on an unstoppable mission…

As far as taper goes, I’m actually doing great with the running less aspect of it.  I never wanted a break during the cycle, but I’ve got no problem being slothlike this week and don’t feel antsy to get out there like so many people do.  Of course, it’s only Monday, so that might change.

Ah, let’s talk about what’s going on for everybody else!!  This last weekend marked the beginning of the multi race reports rolling in on the Marathon Training Forum – marathon season is now in full swing.   A couple ladies I’ve been virtually training with these past months in the Women’s BQ thread raced St. George on Saturday.  The weather was horrible with rain and headwinds the whole time.

Their reports brought tears to my eyes because these gals pushed to the very end, they were not about to back off, even though it became harder and harder as it went, one even ending up in the med tent after crossing the finish.  Their BQs proved elusive, but only for the environmental conditions.  Both came within minutes of their goal and there is no question that, had it been a normal weather day, both would have succeeded.  HikerGirl and Wendy, you have my complete, unabashed respect for the effort you put into your races.  I only hope I complete mine with as much strength and mental fortitude that you gals put forth.

Beyond my gals, there are a handful of other reports to read and rejoice or commiserate with from all sorts of runners, zoomy to mid-pack and beyond.  But the one constant is that there’s no telling what’ll happen on raceday.  No matter what kind of speed you own, you can do what you can to prepare yourself, but ultimately, there are good or bad days, it’s simply not up to us.  I find this hugely comforting (when it doesn’t terrify me…control freak that I am), since it’s a universal truth and somehow that takes the onus off.

Happy running to you, friends, and have a great week.  I’ll try to come up with something worth posting in the next couple days, but without a long run or an interval session, I’m a bit of a yawn.  Perhaps there’ll be some morsels of major freaking out (that’s always good for a post) but I’m hoping for some peace of mind these next few days.  Yeah, right.

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