This morning I got up at 5 a.m. to do my longest run since my first marathon – 14 miles. It was AWESOME. Never in a million years did I think I would EVER look forward to long runs, but I do. The strength, confidence and sense of accomplishment that comes with every step is empowering. It helps that I run with the best training group, too. I love my Get Fit Atlanta crew and definitely encourage folks who are thinking about running to find some sort of support/running group. The accountability, coaching, companionship and just plain ol’ fun can have such a positive affect on the marathon experience. I normally run by myself during the week and roll out of bed Saturday mornings to log in the long ones with Get Fit.

My pre-run pic. This was actually 3 miles in. Four of us today had 14 on the schedule so we met up, in the dark, to knock out 3 miles before joining forces with the rest of the crew.

These lovely ladies were my pace buddies today and knocked out an easy 11, ahem, with me!

Whoops! Did I put this pic in the post? This was somewhere around mile 12 during a rest room break. GASP!

When I got back to my SUV I had this little goodie waiting for me. One of my group-mates went to Trader Joe’s earlier in the week and picked up a bottle of their Organic Midnight Moo chocolate flavored syrup for me. I can’t wait to try it!

After the run sports dietitian Page Love from nutri fit sport therapy, inc. gave a 30 minute seminar on nutrition for running. She shared great advice about pre-run eating and hydration, race day readiness and post-run nutrition. I was happy to hear that adding some Midnight Moo to a glass of skim milk is a good post-run recovery drink; and that having a beer, or two – ahem, after I’ve properly refueled is OK but I should alternate it with water. Um, of course!

Now, I’m off to put my feet up and take a little power nap before I start my beer water cycle.

Happy Saturday!

Winks & Smiles,