From mapmyrun.com…

This past week was a great, busy week week. I love back to school… even with no kids nor myself returning to school! In my life the month of September is like New Years. It’s a time to reflect and set some new goals or take action on the plan & goals. For me, it’s the perfect time to run my first half marathon!

After hearing from Eldest last week that an injury will keep him from running the Mighty Niagara with us in 13 days, am working on strength and health. Hope that he takes it easy to meet his next running goal, just means we’ll have to plan another half! So glad getting stung by a yellow jacket (in the knee of all places) didn’t impact the Sunday long run. Almost there!!

Our kayak along the Buffalo River Monday was a perfect day. I have a post with pics queued for later this week.

Moved my long run to Sunday and cut it to 8 miles this week. They were forecasting some crazy rain so changed up the weekend. Different plans had different tapers and instead of running 12 this week, opted for 8 miles. It’s interesting that 12 miles blew the day – the run was fine and I finished well but was totally wiped out. OK, part of it was my own fault… for some reason when I finish these longer runs I’m either famished or not hungry at all. The not hungry at all is dangerous because my body really needs food. Last Saturday was shot, I think partly because I didn’t eat enough or soon enough after running. Lesson learned. No matter how you feel, body needs fuel!!

It was a great run on a perfect day. A little warmer than I had planned… because I started later than expected. Had a toasted roll w/peanut butter and coffee about an hour before heading out. Took a water to drop at mile 2/6.5 for an out and back along the river on a picture perfect day. Oh yea.. tried the salted watermelon Gu at 6.5. Not bad. I expected it to be sickly sweet, it was good.. I’ll have it again. It does make a difference for me most days and gave me a little kick. It’s nice now that 8 miles is a doable run for me, no worries about water or potty breaks. The Gu was more in prep for the half. For just an 8 miler, I wouldn’t have bothered. Water, I would have bothered. Even though I stay pretty well hydrated, tend to be a mouth breather which dries me out. A few sips feels good.

My hip was a little tight later on Sunday. It was a busy day doing fall things around the house. Saving staining the fence for cooler days at the end of Sept :). Little stretching through the day and some quality hot tub time always helps!

13 days till the Mighty Niagara!!