Winging it

I don't advise anyone to follow my current "training plan."

Let's put it this way: I have a marathon in 18 days, and haven't done any long runs past 17 miles. My last long run was 2 weeks ago, which would make it slightly over a 5 week taper, because, let's be honest, any long run I do at this point will probably just leave me unrecovered on the big day.

On the brighter side, I've done more strength training this training cycle than I had the previous three years!!!! I also have a pretty big window for a PR- just need to finish under 5:41. Honestly, I think I'll easily (well, as "easily" as anything happens in a marathon) PR. I have one marathon under my belt, and I'm relaxed about this one. Maybe too relaxed.

I know I'll walk a bit. I have no shame in walking. I am not fast enough to even dream of an age group win (especially since the whole Gillette family seems like they're entered in this run... yes, as in Justin Gillette, the guy recently featured in Runner's World because he wins). I am running for fun, and to test fueling strategies- the beauty of a 1 mile loop will be setting up my own aid station and not having to carry everything. I can go through a whole box of Gu if I need to.

So yeah. I'm actually really excited to see how well I do, or how quickly I crash and burn with this laissez-faire attitude I've got going on.

In other, extremely exciting news, my husband got the call for which he's been waiting- HE GOT SELECTED FOR OTS!!!!! TO BECOME AN OFFICER, AND EVENTUALLY A PILOT!!! WHOOHOO!

Last week was exhausting as we waited to hear. And then I had to much going on Saturday, I simply crashed from about 3-5 in the afternoon. I needed that nap. And this is what I rolled over to see when I woke up:

Mr. Matt, my guard dog.

I've noticed a pattern with him lately- the days when my blood pressure is super low and I nearly fall upon standing, he's RIGHT THERE by my side. I think he can sense it. This morning, it was so low I half-blacked out (I lose most of my vision for a few seconds) and my knee buckled, but caught myself on the chaise with my left hand and on his big furry head with my right.

Dogs. They're amazing. And entertaining.