I did it

More precisely, WE did it. I thought I was going to have to run 18 miles by myself on Saturday because my usual running partner was out of town and everyone else has already run their race and were, for some unknown reason, unwilling to run 18 miles with me for the fun of it. But my friend Jan, who has been contemplating joining me for the marathon, ran the entire 18 miles with me. I think both of us were a little unsure about whether we could do it, me with my foot problems and her with her knee problems, but we ran it like champs. After a week of really depressing weather and really difficult mid-week runs, Saturday was like a gift from heaven-- sunshine, temps in the high 40s-low 50s, amazing fall colors still hanging around, no pain in my foot or knee and fun conversation. Our pace was far from race pace, but it was respectable. I'm finally learning that I really do need to slow down on the long runs and just finish. Thanks, Jan! And about that marathon.....DO IT! I haven't exactly asked my in-laws yet (are you reading this?) but I'm pretty certain that one more person would be welcome at their house. I'll kick Chad out of his own childhood home if that is what it takes to make you come to this race. Sorry, Chad, but we are talking priorities here. Jan, we can rock it all the way to the finish line. Between our conversations about global warming, child-rearing and home decorating those 4 hours will fly by! Please leave your friendly encouragement to Jan below--even if you don't know her.