See Megan Run

(my apologies for the pic if you're offended....I thought it was hilarious!)

Yesterday was my 18 miler. AND I MADE IT!! I come to realize more and more how running is just such a mental game for me. I have to divide it out in my head, and give myself milestones. Yesterday My breakdown was to take it in three sections. First, I'd take care of the first 8 miles, then I'd tackle 6, and the last 4 would be my final bout. I do it all consecutively, of course, but i just have to have a breakdown in my head. If I were to be thinking "one mile down, 17 more to go," I don't know if i'd have made it. I was very pleased with how smoothly it went. I attribute this to...

-adequate hydration aka lots of H20
-new songs on my Ipod
-strawberry flavored shot blocks (they are SO good)
-comfortable attire
-no chafing (Thanks to Benita I have an anti-chafing roll on that is AMAZING. Usually I get big stingy rashes under my arms.)
-my knees didn't hurt!!

I was so glad to be done when that last mile came around, let me tell you. BUT after yesterday I am feeling like this marathon is doable. For my long run next week I have a 14 miler, and the next week I peak at 20, and it's taper down from there. I can't believe the race is so close! I also just found out my mom will be in town to cheer me on, which makes me SO happy!