20.

let me start by saying, I feel awesome. I needed that. everything went just as planned. short walks every 2.5 mi. didn't get hungry, got a little thirsty but the water fountains were on. smiled alot. sang along. took it in stride. for the first 15 miles, i just kept telling myself to slow down. easy peasy. the 4:12 time pretty much guarantees I'll be under 5:30 at the marathon.

i was tired for the first 10. sore. the 20 miles i had put in this week were showing. but then i dropped off Molly, and then the sun came out, and then i hit the lakefront, and then it was allllll good.

i was fiddling with my headphones around 18 miles in and a tourist jumped in front of me. there, in front of Ed Debevics, I tripped and fell into a mud puddle. I didn't look too bad, but my knee was bleeding. Meh, gotta run home. So I jumped up and started running again. For the next two miles, people felt the need to tell me, "you're bleeding." Yes, I know. It had run down to my socks in a thick drooly line by the time I got home. i can't help but wonder if the adrenaline boost from a fall didn't help bring me home faster.

it's lovely out today, and the planned scattered showers stayed away. i'm probably sunburned. the wind was fierce and nearly claimed my hat- and definitely claimed some of my pace- but it's nothing. all in stride.

i picked up the pace a mile from home. i walked in the front door knowing i have 6 more miles in me. and a few more weeks till i have to find 'em, anyway. 22 days to go, and just 59 miles.