Things Learned During Today's Run

1. It does NOT feel cooler at 4 am. In fact, the air is still and thick, not to mention that you cannot begin to see where you are going!

2. The gates to LakeShore are not really locked--the chain is just looped around and the lock is hanging there.

3. You can simulate being able to jump into a swimming pool every four miles by pouring cold water on the top of your head at each water stop. This helped me more than anything I have ever done on a long run. Although I hear that we ran out of water, and I spologize. But I'll have to do it again next time.

4. Running the route backwards lets you get to say good morning to almost everyone who is doing the run--and also some who are not with your group and think you are crazy.

5. Having a good run and not hurting too badly during does not mean that you will feel perky afterwards--I remain in bed in my pajamas as I am typing. Almost too sore to get up and fix myself a sandwich!

6. No telilng how much I would be hurting if I hadn't done the cold plunge and had the yummy chocolate Endurox. Now, I love taking a nice hot bath so getting in my bathtub with iced down water did NOT seem inviting, but I did it.

7. The greatest thing about running 18 miles is how relieved you feel when it is over.

8. Even your bestest MM friends laugh at you when you wear a head light.

9. It is difficult, if not impossible, to see and find the water stations in the dark.

10. One day I am going to knock someone riding their bike down and steal it during the midst of running double digit miles.

11. I think it is very unfair of marathon officials to ban music during marathon runs. It is hard to keep oneself entertained for 5 or 6 or more hours while torturing yourself.

12. Something is going to hurt during a long run. If it's not your legs or your feet or your toes, it's your back.

13. We need a team of masseuses at end of every long run.

14. I am brain dead and can't think of lots of the other clever things that ran through my head during the run!

15. I thought I could lie in bed and make some jewelry I need to make but I'm too tired to even do that.

16. One should have lots of groceries in the house before you go out on a long run because you don't feel like going to a restaurant or to the grocery afterwards.

17. Some people can walk as fast as I can run. And walk lots faster than I can walk.

18. I am capable of eating a sport jelly bean that has been on the ground/bridge. But, I saw Donna drop it and it met the 5 second rule and I had not tasted that flavor and it was good.

19. Gels would taste better cold, like pudding. Maybe.

20. I think I'll bring teddy grahams next time.

21. Sushi is a good pre-long run meal as my stomach has done okay twice after having that.

22. I am jealous of the women who can run in their sport bras without a shirt and truly envious that guys can run without a shirt at all. Discrimination, I think.

23. People should have sprinklers running and pointed out to the street to keep us cool. And their should be nice, air conditioned bathrooms all along the way.