Tools of the Trade

So. The San Antonio Rock-n-Roll Marathon/Half Marathon is less than two weeks away. Less. Than. Fourteen. Days. Away.

And, with the event sold out at 30,000 participants, it promises to be a small little event void of any adrenaline-pumping excitement.

Holy cow.

I've been doing mental gymnastics trying to psych myself out...trying to talk myself into the fact that my knees will NOT give out on me during the 13.1 mile run through scenic downtown San Antonio. Trying to talk myself into the fact that the marathon officials will NOT take away my Ipod since there are supposed to be live bands at every mile marker. Trying to talk myself into believing that I will NOT have to stop and pee every 1/2 mile out of sheer nervousness. Trying to talk myself out of the idea that I will be the last person to cross the finish line.

Ya see, when I trained for the triathlon...my first ever...back in June...there was no doubt in my mind that I was sufficiently trained. Back then, I felt strong. I felt confident. I felt EXCITED.

I do not feel that way now. Now, I feel scared. And, my knees hurt.

So, I'm relying on tangible things to motivate and encourage me. Things that are visible. Things I can proudly display on my body--I really love the running singlet above. The saying makes it seem as if 13.1 miles is really no. big. deal. Yeah, right!!

This lovely stamped necklace
(it says 13.1 on the front and RNR 2008 on the back)
was given to me by a thoughtful friend,
and I wear it for motivation every time
I hit the pavement.

I found this visor a few months ago,
and I wear it as a source of motivation whenever I run.

The good ole' knee brace is an absolute must
for this 1/2 marathon runner.
I actually need a brace on both knees,
but I refuse to wear two in stubborn protest.
I don't wanna look like a TOTAL dork!

Shot Bloks are my friend.
They have served me well
during the triathlons,
and they are serving me well now.

Lastly, there are no more important tools
for me than the
ancient Chinese secret
Tiger Balm and good ole' Motrin.
I definitely inherited my knees from my parents.

Every time I go out running at some point I think about the movie Forrest Gump...when someone shouts, "Run, Forrest, RUN!" Having just hung out with my high school peeps who still call me Jenny...it makes me chuckle every time. I think to myself, "Run, Jennay, RUN!"

Let's hope I'm still chuckling after 13.1 miles on November 16th. Come join the fun as a spectator if you're in the area.

And, if you've got a wheelchair handy, bring it. Think I might need one.