Taper Crazies

It has been a difficult week for me. I leave for the Outer Banks this evening to run the OBX Half Marathon. I have tapered all week and the lack of endorphins makes me not fit to live with. In addition, I have tried every way possible to injure myself.

First, I went to the commissary for our big shopping trip (read 2 buggies). While trying to manage both very full, very heavy buggies, the one behind me kind of got away from me and had some momentum with it. It ran into the back of my heel and I thought I was going to throw up it hurt so bad. Now, I had to finish my trip while gimping and trying not to cry. That injury left a nasty bruise and was sore for a week. Trying to get it in a shoe to run was awful. Once the endorphins would kick in I wouldn't feel it, but the moment I stopped I was in pain.

Then, I was mowing the yard while listening to my Ipod. I have to get fairly close to a fenced-in compost bin and when I did (again momentum...great tunes...not really paying attention) I rammed my hand into the dead and unmoving sunflower stalks in the compost bin. Yes, a flower stalk. Believe me when I say those things are very hard with spiny like things. Well, the damage this time is shredded knuckles and swollen fingers. I look like I was in a hell of a fight. Oh, and Pete has been gone all week. And, Callie (my dog) has breast cancer and her tumor ulcerated this week necessitating a doctor visit this morning to schedule surgery.

So, now I am off to race and I am nervous. I have had a lot of fun running in races this summer, but this one is for real. All of my training has been based on this race and I am so scared I will blow it. I really want to run a 1:35, which means 7:15 miles for 13.1 miles. The weather is calling for decent temps, but high winds. I hate wind. At least it isn't supposed to rain. I just finished my last run. I feel good and strong. I can only trust my training now and pray that the wind is at my back. Wish me luck.

Have a great long weekend.