Welcome to Blister Central! Can I help you find another blister?

Aside from the blisters (which really aren't that bad), the good news is (drum roll please.....) I HIT THE 20 MILE MARK!!!!  (The crowd cheers, and the crowd goes WILD!)  Well, I did hit the 20 mile mark, but it wasn't pretty. 

I hit the 20 mile marker for my first time two weeks ago on August 30th.  I know, please forgive me for not having blogged sooner.  The reason I didn't blog was because it really wasn't that exciting, although it was an accomplishment!  At mile 9, I started to get the aches and pains.  I was a little worried that they were coming on so early.  At mile 13, I stopped to buy some Gatorade (GO GATORS!) and some water.  Stefhan met me at the end so that he could drive me home.  Ironically, I was checking my mileage on my cell phone at 19.97 miles and I tripped on the sidewalk.  I probably tripped because I was so tired, I was basically doing the 98 year old shuffle without the walker.  Needless to say, I had a complete yard sale.  Headphones flew out, cell phone went flying (I couldn't believe I was about to break a third cell phone). My arms were extended like superman, I was just missing the cape and the superpowers.  Miraculously, I got my feet underneath me and saved myself.  Don't put it past me to almost bite the dust at 19.97 miles.  Stefhan missed the escapades, fortunately.  All he saw was me picking up my gear.  And yes, my cell phone survived.  (And the crowd goes wild, AGAIN!)

I ran another 21.3 miles tonight.  My longest run so far.  I did cheat a little.  At the 10.5 mile mark, I ran to the 7-11 for more Gatorade (GO GATORS!) and water.  Stefhan met me there and I chugged down my Gatorade (GO GATORS!) and sat in his car for about 5 minutes.  I almost considered him just driving me home because I really wasn't in the mood to run.  I persevered, however, and continued on my way.  I even got to run through a nasty wind and dust storm.  Supposedly they were 40 mph winds from the south (guess which direction I was running!?  Yep!  The south!...and the crowd boos hysterically...)  It was so windy and dusty that I had to turn my head to the side because so much dirt was being kicked up into my eyes.  I was actually crying dirt.  I had to look to the side at the storefront windows to use the reflection to see where I was actually running.  The last 3 miles of the run were on a steep incline.  I'm hoping this prepares me for the incline at the end of the Malibu marathon.  The race is almost exactly 2 months away and I now have to refine my training plan.  Anyone have any ideas?

I did win a nifty Malibu Marathon t-shirt!  I made a wise crack post (I'd say the comment, but it's not family appropriate, sorry guys!) on one of the facebook comments and got to win this awesome t-shirt.  I feel a little guilty wearing it ahead of the race, but it's just too darn comfortable! 

My feet still have blisters popping up on them in all sorts of places.  It's kinda cool though, it's like I have more than five toes.  I like to think the blisters are what make my humorous personality so great...without them...I'd just be lame and dull.  So I say, bring on the blisters!

Hope you are all well and enjoyed the post! 

Always,
Charli