Days 40 and 41: Rest and race prep

Peachtree Road Race Eve. I'm getting so excited! I remember before my first race ever, the Race for the Cure 5k here in Atlanta, and before the Peachtree last year, and before my first half marathon, I was so nervous, and all I could think about was how much I wish I hadn't signed up because it was going to be terrible and I clearly must be crazy for wanting to run so far. But now I'm just really really really excited. I love races: they give your training purpose, and it's a great way to see how much your hard work has paid off. There's a strong sense of community among runners, and it's fun to hear everyone's stories, whether it's their first race or their one hundred and first. The Peachtree is especially fun; it's laid back but exciting, and seasoned Peachtree veterans wearing shirts from Peachtree races in the 70s eagerly share stories from races past to help pass the time traveling on the crowded MARTA or stretching at the start. Then there's all the 4th of July fun to look forward to afterwards... I can't wait. Is it tomorrow yet?

I have enjoyed two workout free days, although "enjoyed" might be a little strong... I really didn't have time to work out at all the past couple days, so it's a good thing I didn't need to. I actually feel kind of lazy though; I'll be glad to run again (I think maybe I'm an addict). Today, my coworker and I went to the race expo to pick up our numbers. I love race expos! There's tons of free sports food and drink samples, information on tons of other races, and all sorts of running gear available to try and buy. It's like a barbeque festival or state fair for runners. I usually try not to spend money, but today I made an exception. Last year, the 13.1 Marathon series held a race in Atlanta for the first time. The series is held in several major cities, and is becoming pretty big. It's supposed to be a ton of fun. This year, the race in Atlanta is on Sunday, October 3rd, which, conveniently, falls in an "easy" weak for our training (meaning the week before we are running 17, and the week after 18, so that week is a fall back week with two rest days and a slightly shorter run... originally 14 miles). I thought adding in a race might help keep Chris and I motivated, so I suggested we run it as our "short" run. At their booth at the race expo they were offering a discount to anyone who registered, so, I'm all signed up! And I'm already excited. (Addict. Seriously.)

But first I gotta focus on the Peachtree. I've been drinking tons of water all day, and Randy took me out for a pasta dinner to carb up. Just need to do a little stretching, then get to bed. If I can even sleep because I'm so excited!