We could not have asked for better weather for a 16 mile run than today.  It was cloudy, moderately humid, and in the upper 60's/low 70's.  We had a fantastic run.  I took one salt tablet before and one mid run and did not have any salty sweater problems.  I took some extra Glide for the group (a non-petroleum lubricant) for those unexpected chafes.  Better to apply midrun than to step into the shower and begin shrieking at the pain of water on long run chafes.  We did a "negative split" in that we did the second half faster than the first, a big goal for runs.  And we did an great time for a training run:  30 seconds slower per mile than our target marathon pace.  Usually for long runs, you go a minute or more slower per mile, but the weather was on our side and my group is strong.  Ironically, since I've become the "mentor" of this group, my time and strength as a runner has declined!  I'm now the slowest member of the group I'm mentoring! Oh well!  I still  really enjoy it.

That said---this is my last long run.  The OB/Gynie and all the doctors and all the books and relatives have advised me to cut down on running.  The real problem is "over" exercise.  But could someone please tell me what OVER exercise is to an athlete???  I've been exercising regularly and hard since 1984.  I was an aerobics instructor for 6 years.  I've been running since 1990.  I've been doing Marathons since 2000.  What is OVER exercise?  Well, 14 miles really doesn't seem that long.  And I could easily run 14 miles every week.  Less than 10 on a Saturday usually means I can drink alcohol on Friday night.  Less than 14, and I'll still have some wine. 

Anyhoo, I'm still mentoring the group, and I'll still run the short distances (up to 14) with them.  I'll help pace them early on in the long runs.  But I'm not doing above 14 again until after the baby.  I could be delusional about how easy it will to get pregnant, but this will be the next change/sacrifice for me.  (Oh, sweet baby, it's ok.  Mommy really doesn't mind giving up 3+ hours of sweat and torture for you.  Really!)  I'm also dying my hair back to my natural color today so that I won't have to dye it when I'm preggers.

Zoo note:  I scared the crap out of Cole, the visiting cat, this morning as I tried to walk over the puppy gate and instead kickced it with a shoe, knocked it down, and fell on the litter box.  The poor cat was anticipating a cuddle and instead twisted himself into a ball, turned and skittled as fast as he could on spooked out claws into his hiding space in the closet.  He wouldn't even let me pet him when I tried to calm him.  The sad thing is that my tumble and the noise didn't even raise a whisker with the rest of the cats.  They are used to my grace and poise. 

11:46:48 AM