Final Prep For Race Day

Tonight was my last official run before race day. I've been able to run a little more each day, but I'm still not back to where I was 3 or so weeks ago. The milk supply, weight issues, etc. are still a problem, but I've decided to keep running until Saturday's race. After that I will probably be quitting or only running 1 day a week or so. There are still at least 2 more races I had planned to run within the next few months, but at this point my milk supply and Macy's health are more important.

We scoped out the race course at Lake Zorinsky on Tuesday night, and the course looks pretty decent. There are a couple of hills that look a little daunting, and it seems like the runners will be kind of crowded together in spots, but overall I think it will be good. I think I'm officially ready to set a goal, so here it goes. I'm shooting for finishing the 5K in 38 minutes or under. I will not be running the entire thing, and while things were going well a few weeks ago I was thinking of a goal of around 34 or 35 minutes. I think this 38 minute goal might be a little tough, but I think it's doable if I really push myself. At this point, I think the farthest I've officially gone while training is 2.25 miles so the last 3/4 of a mile or so should be interesting.

I'm trying to decide if I should get a watch before Saturday so that I can pace myself to try to hit my goal, or if I should just wing it and go as fast as I can. I think I might be distracted by the watch and get a little obsessed with watching the time. I also can't decide if I'm going to bring my iPod or not. If anyone has any advice on either of these issues, I'd really appreciate it.

I think Cory is planning to bring the girls and cheer me on. While I was getting ready to go run on Tuesday night Madison said to me, "Mommy I want to go watch you run." I told her that she could come watch my race on Saturday, and I think she's excited about it. It will be fun to have them there. No matter my time, I hope my family will be proud of me for accomplishing the goal I made for myself 11 weeks ago. I know this experience has made me feel better about myself, even with the setbacks I've had the last few weeks.

Wish me luck!