Twas the night before the marathon and the runners big day,

not a runner was stirring not even Tatur Dave.

The Runners are nestled all snugged in their bed,

with visions of running the race in their heads.

The shoes and the gu are packed ready to go,

Along with throw away shirts and gloves, for it's cold.

We've been training for months for this special big day,

Including the long runs each morning on Saturday.

The race will begin soon and so will the beat

of thousands of runners, running down the street.

Runner's World Runners, there is one thing I'd like to say,

have fun on this Route 66 Race Day.

Whether you are running the 1/4, the 1/2 or the full,

as they say here in OK,  Good Luck to y'all!

I HAVE BEEN TAGGED!

Just when I thought it was safe, I got tagged, no thanks to Rock Star Ed!  Okay, so here is my photo...sixth file, sixth photo. The photo was taken in Maui 2006. I flew to Maui for $10.00, yes frequent flyer miles really do work. I flew in and met my folks who had already been in Maui for a week. Maui is one of my favorite destinations, Lahaina my favorite place in Maui, and Baby Beach, is just steps away from where we stay.



The photo was taken just off the patio area of the condo at Baby Beach where we were staying. I was sitting on the patio, enjoying the evening when the sun began to set...being that most of you are in-landers, you may not be able to comprehend how captivating it is to watch the sunset in the islands. There is just something mesmerizing & hypnotic viewing the sun slowly sinking into the horizon as if it is being swallowed by the ocean.

I grabbed my camera and just began to shoot photos, while I gradually made my way from the patio to the sands of the beach with hopes, to see the "green splash," of the sun's final setting point. Unfortunately, I did not see the splash, but did get some cool shots.

Okay...so this is a game of tag and I officially tag Susan!!

22 Skidoo!!

I have happily been waiting for our Runner's World Mock Marathon, this past Saturday, and to be real candid with you, the Mock Marathon, did not disappoint. Although I do prefer our early morning run's at 5:45 AM, it was quite nice to sleep in a little bit longer on Saturday.

I was so amazed at the number of runner's who were anxiously awaiting for Brian to finally get us started, of course there are always the last minute instructions, details, and directions. I was happy for the delay, as I had to walk back to my vehicle to grab my Garmin, which was sitting right where I had left it.

We were finally off and running, "we," being my Runner Girl Power Friend Linda and, we were happy to have Tammy and Roman run with us too. (No, we did not wear of capes, although I really like my cape.) So on we trekked down the path, mile after mile, running and chatting, running and laughing, running and sweating, and..............running

This is my first marathon experience, and for the most part, I have enjoyed every portion of the training that we have undergone. I can tell you, that I did not enjoy running on the grass path during our mock run. Don't ask me why, but I had a momentary lapse of retardation, not only once but twice. Those of you who ran the alternative route, you were the wise ones. I do not think I will ever trust Brian's assesment of what he feels is a nice grass path for running.

Fact is...I would take the hill portion of the run over running on a grass path any day of the week. The hills were not at bad as I had anticipated, I had just determined within my heart to run the hills one step at a time. The most plesent portion of the hills, was the water station, Joe did an awesome job aiding the station, it also gave us a chance to catch the Team Bean Girls.

We were the last of the Marathoners to finish, which the most important thing is, we did finish...22.28 miles, what a fun day it was.

Special props to all those that did so well and of course to my RGP Friend Linda...you Rock Runner Girl!! Special thanks to Kathy and Brian for all you do...hope to make you proud the day of the marathon.

TWENTY-SOMETHING

I was so looking forward to our long run this Saturday. I returned from California this past week, and was so excited because, I really missed seeing and running with the Runner's World crew, although I did my running in California, it just is not the same to run by myself.

For those of you who have asked where I have been, the last two weeks. We have been in the middle of moving our offices across town, if you have ever moved, you know the wonderful challenges that comes your way, with packing, unpacking, & setting up. Our new place is wonderful, fresh and new, that is the good news, that bad news is...our new location makes it seriously difficult to make the Tuesday and Thursday night runs.

Back to today's run. This morning, the weather conditions were just right, the sky was clear and the temp was perfect, it was not too warm and it was not too cool. Our route today would take us on our furthest run to date, 20 miles, that is just 6.2 miles less than our marathon goal.

Once we received our route instructions, we set out upon our running journey. My trusted and faithful running partner Linda and I were joined by Jennifer and Tami today. It was a real treat to run with Tami and Jennifer, even though Jennifer was not able to join us for the entire run.

For the most part, our run was very uneventful, we ran & ran, step by step very methodically, the miles began to click away, as the sun began to rise on what was just a beautiful morning. I so appreciate Susan & Candace as they seemed to be in the right place at the right time to give us encouraging words, smiles and of course the water, at the water station at Turkey Mountain. The only disappointment, my request for Starbucks seemed to fall upon deaf ears.

Once we made our loop and made our last stop at Runner's World, I began to realize we were so close to accomplishing our 20 mile goal. It was so wonderful to get back to our Veteran's park meeting sight and to hear the runners who finished before us(Team Bean), cheering us on, recognizing this moment of achievement, that each of us shares and binds our running hearts together.

The run today felt real good. I can be honest, the last mile in, seemed a little long...but we DID IT, 20 stinking miles! Yes, the hamstrings are a little tight and the body is a little tired, but it is well worth it.

Special props to Ed, Bobby, Tami and of course Linda, Runner Girl Power Super Friend!!

Reaching 18.

How many of you remember that day you finally reached the ripe old age of 18? I remember with great excitement, that now, I would be responsible for me, as if 18 was some magic number that catapulted me into adulthood. That reaching 18 would gain and earn me the respect of adults that were much older than I, that finally I would be able to vote, and my decision mattered.

Today along with my Runner Girl Power Friend Linda, we reached the 18 mile mark, our furthest run to date. We ran the 3, 6 mile loops, that Kathy our wonderful coach had designated as our Saturday morning run. I was wondering how this run was actually going to turn out, not for the distance, which really did not concern me, it was the challenge to leave our Garmin's at home and learning to run by how we feel and not by the pacifier that is normally wrapped around our list.

To be real honest, I was going to just blow off this challenge, but I have come to trust the training techniques of Coach Kathy. Through her being willing to freely invest into the lives of each of us as runners, I have been able to see measurable successful results, with my running, whether she has us running in the rain, wind, up hills or down hills. I can honestly say, I have enjoyed our marathon training, I have no complaints, I am having the time of my life and could not think of a better way to spend a Saturday morning than running 3, 6 mile loops which equal a total of 18 miles.

Reaching 18, what a day...I am looking forward to our next big run...hopefully, we will get to have our Gamin's back.

Special props as always Linda...Runner Girl Power Activate!!

My Super Sweet 16

Don't let the title fool you, this is not a recap to the MTV reality program of overly indulged, excessively spoiled and mollycoddled teenagers whose parents feel that turning 16 is such a milestone in their life that it warrants a lavished birthday party, that rivals that of Kings & Queens.

No, this is about my incredible personal record run of 16 miles & some change, today with my ever faithful Runner Girl Power friend Linda. Yes, we did it! She and I both trekked from Veteran's Park down the long & flat Riverside trail and back again.  

I must confess, when I first awaken this morning, I really wanted to stay in bed, which is odd for me, as I have come to really look forward to our Saturday morning runs, but this morning was one of those mornings when I thought, staying in bed and sleeping would be a much more pleasant exercise, than running in the humidity & rain.  Begrudgingly I rolled out of bed to meet the Runner's World group, my friend Linda and the course, which Coach Kathy charted for us.

As it all turned out, the run was wonderful. Linda and I met Jessie, who gave us some great insight and tips about our pending first marathon run. Jessie hope you do well on your run in St. Paul. We also got to chat with Team Bean runners at our water stops, what do you call Team Bean, when the Bean is not there?  You all did great!

All I can say, is I really loved this Super Sweet 16...now I am wondering what is 18 going to be like?

Oh What A Beautiful Morning!!

It was just so beautiful this morning, the sun was shining, the birds were singing...well not really, just a little wishful thinking on my part.

Our run this first Saturday of September was so very cool. Our scheduled read 7 miles, BUT upon our arrival to Veterans Park, Coach Kathy informed us, we were going to run 9 miles, oh the added bonus, we would be running numerous hills. I would like to make mention, that I did not detect an overwhelming sense of enthusiasm from the group of runners.  We all diligently collected our directions and hit the concrete.

May I say, I enjoyed this run, up the hills, down the hills, in the wind and through the rain, it just was fun...yes, I am serious it was just fun. I want to be real honest with you all, isn't this what I have been training for? It takes sheer dedication to stay the course of the race that is set before me, that would also include all those who have committed themselves to the Runner's World training.  And I think it is safe to say, each person has a reason for running, and each person's reason is individually and uniquely distinct to his or her life.  As for me, I am so enjoying the process, embracing the training, whether it's a good run day, bad run day, or indifferent run day.

Today, was just a great run day. I enjoyed meeting some new runners, getting to run a new route, running up to the BOK center, and laughing, cause it looks like "duct-tape," with lights,  and then I enjoyed getting to hang out afterwards with some of Tulsa finest people.

(looks like duct tape to me)

Special props to Susan, I saw you running, is it still a secret? Way to go Cheryl, you Go Girl!,  your 1/2 marathon goal is so doable and of course a special shout out to my Runner Girl Power- Friend, Linda, we so ROCK! The Power is Activated!!  By the way, Linda & Bobby, it's official I have drank the Kool-Aide, I registered today for Route 66, what in the world are we thinking?