We're having a heatwave...

Holy Crap, Batman.... where's the iceman when you need him?

Okay, it is hot.... really, really hot. Being from the South I usually don't gripe about the heat too much, but this is unreal. We have had heat indexes of 106 for several days. 106!

What makes matters worse is that my husband and I are planning on running the Chicago marathon in October. So far the training has been tough, but bearable. Until last weekend... when I had a BIG meltdown. If I had had enough hydration in my system I would have cried real tears. Last weekend was the first time I felt like there was no way I was going to make it to that race. I felt like giving up then because there was no way I would ever be able to run 26 miles. It was purely the heat talking. I have been pretty positive mentally until last week. I had so much self doubt after one crappy performance.

Today was better. I had given myself a mental check, the mileage was lower, and there was (praise God) a freakin' breeze every once in a while.

I have learned alot in training for this marathon... don't get me wrong, I will never do another one of these things again, but I am grateful for the things I have learned while training month after month. (I will post separately on that when I get closer to my race time.) What I have learned the past couple of weeks is how important for your mind to be ready. Mental strength is about the best thing you can have. One crappy performance does not make up the sum. I totally discounted 6 months of pretty good training for one horrible day.

I've also learned that a few well placed sprinklers along the route can make a huge difference.