Just finished running one of my favorite routes. It goes down Beacon Street, along the Boston Marathon course, passed the reservoir, into Boston College campus, then back.

I like this run because it's not all stuck in traffic. There are quite a few peaceful spots for thought and reflection, especially on a quieter Sunday night like tonight.

As I ran down Beacon Street at an easy pace, I thought about all of my long distance training over the past two years and running my first marathon. It's hard to believe it was just one year ago tomorrow that I ran my first 26.2 in Big Sur. I remembered how I felt in that first race and how well I finished it... which I'll save for tomorrow's blog post.

Today I was just trying to prepare myself for the challenge to come in just a few short days. I kept repeating, 'Get ready, body. Get ready.' My mind is ready. I can only hope the rest of me can handle the challenge.

As I passed the reservoir, I thought about the countless miles I've covered, all the blisters I've suffered through, all the hip and knee pains, all the dehydration and exhaustion, and, most importantly, all the time I've spent away from my husband because I run.

Then I ran into Boston College campus. There I began to think about all the wonderful mornings out on the road alone, the first signs of spring when I heard the birds singing again, the cool breezes on my face, those days that I felt like I could run forever, and the days when I felt like I could fly.

As I started heading back home, I thought it's probably a good thing that I run so much. My husband would have a much crankier wife on his hands if I didn't run! As I ran back toward him, toward our home, I started feeling excited. The big day is coming and I'm on the last two miles of my last longer run.

I am so close to Providence.

So close to providence.

Fitting that this is the race when I go for a Boston qualifier. I can only hope this really is my providence.

Get ready, body. Get ready.

I spent all of last weekend in an RRCA coaching certification class taught by Janet Hamilton, MA, RCEP, CSCS, ACSM-Registered Clinical Exercise Physiologist and author of Running Strong & Injury Free, and Mike Broderick, certified running coach and personal trainer. While I was very glad to be taking the class, I almost dropped it at the last minute because of my job change and lack of sleep. I dragged myself to the class at 7 am on Saturday and Sunday... half awake... and stayed for the full class until 5 pm both days. Luckily I perked up when I started diving into the content. Especially the parts about ALL OF THE MANY running mistakes I've made throughout my years of half marathon and marathon training. Here are my top 10 in a nutshell.

My Top 10 Running Mistakes (not to be repeated in the Providence Marathon)

1. Crash and burn
That surge of excitement that churns before a marathon makes me want to rush out of the gate. During those first few miles my running feels light and easy -- like a 7:45 pace is no problem! Unfortunately, it comes back to haunt me later. According to my RRCA coaches, running even 30 seconds faster than my anticipated pace at the start of a marathon will add 2 ADDITIONAL MINUTES to my pace by the end of the marathon. I checked my NYC Marathon splits and, sure enough, that's exactly what happened. No thanks. I'll be starting right where I should be in Providence.

2. Not enough fuel
My stomach is not the best when I run sometimes, so I tend to avoid eating anything before a race or long run. The problem is that lack of fuel leaves me with little energy by mile 15. I was quick to jot down some tips for better fueling preparation: I'll be waking up at around 3 am next Sunday morning to eat about 5 hours before marathon race time, then I'll eat something light about an hour before the start. During the race, I was also told to have 200-300 calories per HOUR! I've never done that before, so I'm practicing this week with GUs. Hopefully my stomach will be good and my energy levels will stay high.

3. Running long runs too fast
Maybe this should be #1 on the list. Running long runs fast does NOT make me a better runner. In fact, the world's elite marathoners run their long runs 2-3 minutes slower than race pace. This is necessary to train the body to store enough glycogen so it can burn fat when you're almost out of fuel. Fat can't burn without at least some glycogen left in the system. "Hitting the wall" is what happens when you're out of glycogen and are unable to burn fat. (This also relates to #2 -- going out too fast burns all that glycogen up so you have nothing left at the end.) I could go on and on on this topic, and probably will once I can call myself a certified coach! But the biggest lesson I learned from my class was DO NOT RUN LONG RUNS FAST! Who knew?

4. Not enough strength training
There's really no point in trying to improve form. Changing running form requires effort and thought -- and running should not involve that sort of forced coordination. I learned that the best way to improve form is to strength train. My body will then just settle into the right form because my muscles will be stronger and more supportive of my joints and ligaments. Wish I'd done more strength training, but I always wish that the week before a marathon. I need to SERIOUSLY get on this next time around, so my husband doesn't ever have to call me out on bad form again!

5. Not enough water
My husband would probably put this at #1 on this list. He is on me all the time for this -- for good reason. I don't like drinking water. I also never feel thirsty. This is a big problem for me as a runner. I'm CONSTANTLY dehydrated and my body has adapted to this state. It's not a good thing. I can go for many many miles without a drink, but it depletes my energy and makes me feel sick at the end of some long runs. I have to force myself to hydrate more, no doubt about it, starting right now.

6. Ignoring pain
My RRCA coaches STRESSED not running with any sort of injury. Any. Sort. They said if a lingering pain shows up, I should stop running for 4 DAYS then test it with a walk/slow jog. If it still hurts, I should see a doctor and possibly stop running for a longer period of time. Runners hate not running. I hate not running. So I ignored my hip pains for weeks. At this point, I'm taking my chances and running the marathon with the pain, at the risk of more serious injury later. If I'd been smarter, I would have rested it better at the first sign, then maybe I'd have no pain at all now. This is something I have to be much more careful about in the future.

7. Not running consistently each week
My schedule has been all over the place recently. Between work, going to interviews, fundraising for Run to Home Base and volunteer jobs, I missed a few runs and ended up loading up my mileage on the weekends. That didn't help my injury, especially combined with my fast long runs. Ugh. Not smart. For the next marathon, I am committing to a week-long schedule not just a weekEND schedule.

8. Not enough miles
The best marathoners have a huge mileage base. HUGE. Now I'm not about to go out and run 100+ miles per week. I won't even run 80+ miles per week. But running 60 miles per week can work wonders. It just makes everything easier and more effortless. My highest mileage week was 48 miles this winter. Last year it was only about 35 miles. I'm definitely getting better, but I could be doing more to build my base. That's for the next training session.

9. Not enough sleep
I rarely get more than 6 hours. I'll try to keep working on this, but I'm not holding out a lot of hope. I have to be good and go to bed earlier every night this upcoming week, if no other time.

10. Too much stress!
Changing jobs is a stressful thing. It's all worth every bit of the stress in the end of course! But it's a stressful process that cuts into sleep and messes with the usual habits. Marathon prep programs always say to avoid stressful situations at all costs during your training. Of course, that would mean I could never enter into a stressful situation, since I'm always training for something! But I understand the reasoning and I do feel the effects. That's why I'm spending most of this weekend and every night this week right here on my couch. :) Time to R-E-L-A-X!

One week till Providence.... one week.... one week... one week... one week...
 

Today is my birthday! I didn't do much out of the ordinary. Got up. Went to work. Ate a salad at my desk. Stayed at work till 6. Then I got home to open presents from my husband... One of his awesome gifts for me is a night in Providence! The night before the marathon! YAY! That not only takes off some stress, but gives us a fun night out of the house. Well, as fun as it can be when I can't drink and have to be asleep by 10.

Then, while getting ready dinner, the UPS guy arrived with presents from my mom and my new running gear from RRS! Woohoo! Can't wait to test it all out tomorrow. Gotta look good for the marathon, of course

Now we're off to No. 9 Park! So excited...

I am so thankful on this birthday. It was an amazing 2009-2010 and I can honestly say that all the things I could have ever hoped to happen actually did happen. I don't take that for granted for a single moment. Now I look forward to another awesome year, though maybe more relaxed one, with my husband. Love you, Mo!

Nothing like a great race to provide motivation for the big one! I caved and bought my photos from 13.1 New York -- my best half marathon ever. I came in at 1:40:12 just a few short weeks ago. Let's hope I can pull of a different kind of huge PR on May 2. The Boston Marathon qualifying kind of PR.

Over the past few weeks, lack of sleep and busy schedule has forced me to push a lot of runs off a day or two, which means loading up the weekends. Loading up the weekends means a lot of mileage in a little bit of time. As a result, my hips are killing me. Just when they start to get better, I go out and beat them up on a long run, and they hurt again. I'm only a few days from the marathon and I have to figure out how to handle this...

Lots of stretching and cross training
Light easy running the rest of the week
Walking whenever I can

I have to be ready... It's been a long time coming...

I'm hoping not to lean on this list, but I will if I have to later this year:
Top Boston Qualifiers

Today's inspiration... a look back at some of the elite runners in yesterday's Boston Marathon, including U.S.A.'s Ryan Hall and Meb Keflezighi, whizzing by us at mile 24.5.

It's starting! Good luck Boston Marathoners! Here are some pics of what you're about to see... taken during my run this morning.

I've been away for a few weeks because life has been a little crazy.

* I PRed at the 13.1 half marathon in Flushing, NY. 1:40:12! 11th in my division!

* I held a mini fundraising event and raised about $300 for Home Base Program. Woot.

* I'm about to spend my weekend becoming a certified running coach with RRCA.

* I got a new job! Not only is it a new job, but it's pretty close to a dream job for me.

Now I'm just moments away from leaving my old company... and it's not easy.

When you prepare for a marathon, every training book or website you ever read will tell you not to rock the boat Don't change jobs, avoid relationship problems, keep things within your usual routine... Y'know, don't rock the boat.

Well, I rocked it. Now I guess time will tell if I sink or swim in Providence.

I'm ready. Bring on the 26.2. And bring on the inspiration this Monday in Boston!

To all my Boston Marathon running friends -- GOOD LUCK!!!

I'll be cheering from the sidelines at Mile 24.5!

Once upon a time there was a runner.

She ran week after week.
Month after month.
Spring, summer, fall and winter.

The winter months were the hardest of all.
Winds.
Rains.
Sleet.
Snowfall
And darkness.

She went months without sunshine.
Without those warm rays.
Her skin became whiter.
More isolated each day.

But she ran and ran.
And counted down.
For the sun to return again.

March arrived and spring peeked around the bend.
A few days of sun.
Temperatures rising.
Exciting times for this runner!
A preview of what was soon to come.

A weekend away in Florida.

She flew to her family in West Palm Beach.
Arrived to a blanket of warmth.
She missed week after week.

Day one of the trip had her giddy to run.
Shorts, a tank top and a morning of sun!

The run was her fastest in weeks.
She was elated.
More joyful yet was the afternoon to come.

Off to a spring training game, her first.
Seats in the bleachers? The perfect spot for some.
Close to her team. Bathing in the rays.
Good thing she'd put on her sunblock.
To protect her delicate skin, from face to legs.

But a spot would be missed.
An important spot she'd learn.
A lesson she'd get from an unwanted burn.

One hour, two hour, three hour, four.
The time ticked by.
Sitting in the bleachers.
Wrapped in warmth.
Leaning back to face those rays.

Inning 9, a message would be received.
Her shoulder spoke.
And made its first plea.

"Eh hem," it said in it's shoulderly way.
"I'm over here and beginning to smolder."
"Do you not care about your delicate shoulder?"

Oh no.

The part soaking up the most sun.
Hours earlier winter white as a sheet.
Now red as a beet.
And the weekend was young.

Her ponytail loosened.
She attempted to cover.
The part her family would say looks asunder.

They noticed, oh yes, and cringed they did.
She brushed it off.
A simple oversight.
But regret it later she would.

Lotion with aloe!
At least that was at home.
When she returned she lathered.
Lathered again.
And hoped for the best.
Maybe it would tan?

The next morning arrived.
The burn gave no rest.

With a 17 mile run scheduled.
Only tank tops to wear.
She took her chances
Back out in the sun.
Shoulders totally bare.

But the problem would not be the sun this day.
The problem would be the shoulder straps she must wear.

Ouch. Ouch. Ouch.
Every swing of the arms.
Ouch.

But nothing could be done.

17 miles later.
The burn even rarer.
Lotion it up. Lotion it up.
Wait and hope.
How long will she pay for this error?

The next day arrives.
No relief in sight.

The redness now radiant.
The skin painful to touch.
Sleeves barely tolerable.
Jackets proved too much.

But at least it was raining.

She headed back to Boston, the land of less sun.
Another day or two.
And the burn would be gone.

But, oh, not the case.

The peeling began.
Layers of skin? See you later.
The red no fainter.
Still painful to touch.
Her shoulder still raw.
Unable to heal.
No thanks to the sports bra.

Skip a run? Impossible.
Just weeks till her marathon.

Delicate skin will be gone.
With every step taken.
But the healing must happen.
So it doesn't look like bacon!

Still she runs and runs and risks her poor shoulder.
Parts are redder than ever.
But at least some spots have healed over.

Tomorrow's a rest day.
A day to lotion up.
She hopes hope this burn eases.
So she doesn't have to be tough.

How this tale ends?
She must wait and see.
But a lesson exists here for you and for me.

Runners awaiting those delightfully warm rays.
Before you head out for your first spring weather days.
Remember to SPF from your head to your toes.
Or you'll feel the burn that only forgotten shoulders know.

Do you ever spot a race promotion and immediately want to sign up? At first you may not think about anything else on your plate, or if you're even free that day, but you'll want to Run That Race.

I love races. They keep my training in check and ultimately make me a faster runner. They also provide a welcome change of scenery. (Running along the Charles can get boring to those who do it often.) Every so often, though, I regret signing up for a race. This happens when I register for an event that:

a) Does not fit into my regular routine
b) Doesn't coincide at all with my training
c) Falls on a day when I'd rather be resting

For instance, I walked into my apartment building one day after a 6+ mile run and spotted a mailer for the Boston Marine Corps Honor Run 5K on May 8. Immediate reaction: Sign up! Thoughts to follow on my train ride into work: That's 6 days after my marathon. It's also during a month when I've already signed up for the Run to Home Base 9K on May 23 and the Hyannis Half Marathon on May 30.

I think I have one too many races already planned for May. Must skip Honor Run, but I'm tempted!

Another example: I recently ran the Ras na hEireann 5K on a day when I knew I'd have to run 20 miles for my marathon training. Why would I run a 5K on the day of a scheduled 20 miler? I  decided to compromise by running the 5K followed by a 17 mile run. Not a bad plan, right? Well, I did terrible at both and beat myself up over the decision for days after. I  won't do that again, though I wouldn't be surprised if I did it anyway. If a race sounds fun to me it's hard to resist.

Anything like this ever happen to you or am I the only one who gets sucked up in the excitement of race registration? My nonrunning friends will probably think I'm nuts for even asking that. :)