Last Long Run Before the BIG One

So this weekend is the last long run before the Atlanta Half. Somewhere during the last year I lost major speed and I have no idea where I put it. I keep thinking it will turn back up but so far it eludes me. Just like my car keys in the morning. Another by-product of menopause I guess :)

Lately I've been doing my training exclusively around the golf course at Brookhaven Country Club because I can run entirely on pavement instead of concrete and it's quite hilly which will help me prepare for Cardiac Hill at Piedmont Hospital and beyond. Running on concrete compounded an IT problem 4 years ago while training for the Atlanta Half and I had to miss the event so I have learned to stay off concrete sidewalks unless I am running less than 5 miles and even then it makes me very nervous. My favorite is trail running but at the moment I don't live by any hilly running or mountain bike trails. I will admit that the closer it gets to a race the less likely I am to be found on a trail though - the risk of turning an ankle on a rock or tree root is too great.

Running this fall has been unbelievable in Atlanta. There hasn't been a weekend day that hasn't been absolutely gorgeous, with perfect temperatures and little to no wind. It's so much easier to take that last lap around the course when the sky is so blue and the changing leaves contrast so sharply. And certainly, while I am nearly literally crawling the last few miles, the incredible scenery makes it all worthwhile.

Saturday, 13 miles. Then down to several 5 and 6-ers every few days until race day on the 27th. Wish me luck and watch for my race report after Turkey Day! And if you're watching from the sidelines on Peachtree Street, cheer me on when you see my Team in Training (TNT) jersey and cheer on all my fellow TNT athletes too! Go Team!