Sunday, March 20, 2011

Believe It Or Not…

Ten miles – CHECK! I’m officially in the double digits. My body does not feel 100%, but it seems to be withstanding the increased mileage okay. Not perfect, but okay. If you are new to the party, I had a hip stress fracture back in October and am now back to running, sort of. I am planning on running the Boston Marathon in April.

I know this blog is called, “Shut Up and Run,” but there are actually few times I need to tell myself that. I have many problems and challenges, but self discipline is not one of them. This morning, however, I had to scream it in the mirror. It was just one of  those days. Not all runs are equal and sometimes we start out on the wrong foot. But, we continue anyway.

Up at 5:45 a.m, I was trying to get in my long run before I had to head to Sam’s baseball tournament started at 8:30am. It was all a go. I had mapped out a run, laid out the required gear and got a good night’s sleep.

Bad thing was when I got up I could hear the wind howling outside. I muttered the eff word under my breath. I was headed to the Boulder Reservoir and I knew if it was windy at my house it would be Wizard of Oz style windy at the Rez (that’s what the cool people call it). I briefly considered a ten mile treadmill run, but not having the mental fortitude of Janae or EMZ, I kept with my plan.

I arrived at my start point and it was still pitch black outside. For some reason I thought the sun rose at 6:30 a.m., but it’s more like 7:00 a.m. I never run alone in the dark. There was a full moon casting some light on my skinny ass, so that made it okay. Okay, don’t get on my case for running in the dark. I know it is stupid and attackers, wild animals and potholes are waiting around every turn. This was a one time thing and only for 20 minutes. And it wasn’t as pitch black as it seems in this picture. Really it wasn’t.

moon

I wasn’t ten feet from my car when I took advantage of the darkness and squatted in the trees. Crap. Yes, already. And I hadn’t even started.

The first five miles I made three, yes three, more pit stops along the trail. The wind was deafening and humbling. I trudged on, not worried about my pace. More concerned with my stomach.

I’d like to act all naïve as to why my insides were revolting, but we spent Saturday evening at a tap table at Rock Bottom Brewery, so you have your answer. I only had two beers, but I never have good luck with beer the night before long runs. Or really beer anytime. It makes me gassy and moves things through too quickly. By the way…a tap table is this incredible thing. You have five beer taps at your table and pour yourself beer as you please. The bar keeps tabs and you pay at the end. Convenient. Dangerous. Heavenly. It is kind of like this, although this is not our actual table:

taptable

The sun started to come up and my spirits rose a bit. I was still heading directly west and into the wind, but I kept telling myself the turn around was soon.

rezview

 

suncomingup2

I encountered a little farm. Yes, I was the only one around for miles. This is advantageous when you have to poop a lot.

farm

I hit mile six and was thrilled to see this, my best friend:

portapotty2

By mile seven the wind had died down and so had my stomach. I cautiously managed to choke down a gel. I saw another runner and she told me I had blood all over my teeth. WTF? Lips chapped from the wind. Another bonus of this run.

I put in my iPod for the last two miles and reached around to pat myself on the back. This was my highest mileage run since September, pre-inury. I did it in wind and darkness and with the shits and bloody teeth. I always think that the most challenging runs we have are the ones that mentally prepare us the best for race day.

Post run, still trying to hold it in:

P1090377

If it is windy in Boston on April 18 I will hurt someone. Note to self: no beer the night of April 17. Just tequila shots (kidding).

What was your long run this weekend? Any stomach problems?

Ever sat at a tap table?

Time for a nap,

SUAR

PS: Congrats to McRunner who ran a 2:36:54 marathon in LA today. Average pace = 5:56. A PR for him! Regardless of what you think of his 30 experiment, the dude pulled out a killer marathon!

75 comments:

  1. Way to go getting back in double digits!! This vaguely reminded me of my first half-marathon when I came across the finish line with a monster bloody nose and had no idea until I was surrounded by medical personnel, ha!

    And I really need to try a tap table. That looks fantastic. Just perhaps not the night before a long run...

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  2. Great job in the mileage climb, Beth! I also started my long run yesterday before 7:00. My buddies (male) asked me to meet them down by the lake - dark and spooky and animals around. Fortunately, they showed up on time.
    My mileage has also taken a few leaps and bounds recently and I'm getting pretty darned excited about this spring marathon.

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  3. Although it wasn't perfect, congratulations on the 10 miles!!! I have "peeing" issues as bad as your "pooping" issues. I got 7 miles in on Saturday, hoping to run 10, but got stuck in between bathrooms on my route and had to turn home. BUMMED. Thinking of just wearing a Depends next time.

    Question: Are you timing your training so that Boston is your longest run instead of tapering down??

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  4. I had an absolutely glorious 11-mile run yesterday. No shits or chapped lips, but I did get a little sun/wind burn.

    I have never heard of a tap table until now! Best idea ever!

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  5. Oh, and HELL YEAH to the double-digit mileage! Rock on!

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  6. Awesome job on the 10 miles. I ALWAYS have to go poo 5-10 min into my runs, and my county has decided to remove all the port-o-potties that it had in our parks, so yesterday I took a detour to Whole Foods. There was no other option because our "woods" are about three trees in a row. Got a half marathon next week, have already added a poo-stop into my planned time :)

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  7. OMG. You are my hero. I'm a baby runner and if I have yet to even go 5 miles. There is no way I would have run after having to squat by a tree... but maybe now, after reading this, I'll do it.

    Love your shirt.

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  8. Anon - technically Boston is a training run for me. Although I never do 26.2 mile training runs. I will, however, be tapering anyway. Just to play it safe and to have fresh legs. Great question!!

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  9. Yay for being back in double digits!!
    My first 12 miler was yesterday. My legs sucked but it got done. Next long run - 13.1 two weeks from today. And I better not have leg issues or stomach probs or I will request a refund. Ha!

    LOVE your top!!!

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  10. I did an 11-miler on the 'mill on Friday - went decently well, and there's always a bathroom nearby. ;) I give you mad props for running in winds, and with the sheeeeeeets, but with that cool frickin' Athleta gear on you, I bet it was worthwhile afterall. ;)

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  11. I'm a new follower so I don't know much about you..YET!
    Happy Boston training for you!

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  12. I have a funny story from my marathon! I found a port a potty (on course one) and was like sweet! No line and probably still clean. So I went in and did my business. Went to wipe and nothing. Yelled out to the family to check the other pots and nothing! SO it was the kind where you had to wipe. I knew my mom and some print outs with race info on them in her purse so I told her to hand over a piece of paper..... wait for it...

    I WIPED MY ASS on the marathon map : ( That might be a bad omen but I managed to knock out a PR with "itchy butt" 4:23:12 and 4 mins 34 secs faster than October.

    Glad you are back in the double digits. I however am planning on NOT seeing double digits for a few weeks : )

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  13. Awesome, so happy for you! And love the pic, that shirt is awesome! My long run was a short run this weekend - raced again:)

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  14. woo hoo! thats such awesome progress. I love the tap table. But youre right, not the night before a long run.

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  15. Ahh the potty.. how I love thee!!!! I have tummy prbs A LOT when I run. I"m still working on that one. Looks like it turned out beautifully for you!! I'm so excited for you!!

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  16. You should be the poster child for triumphing over running adversity!

    I ran a half marathon today and it was 40 degrees, windy, and rainy. I'm not sure my clothes will ever dry or I'll ever thaw out. Check back after my nap.

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  17. Love Love Love the Photos! Glad to hear about your long run and that you are healing! Cheers to that!!

    This week I had a crappy 16 miler. Planned to do more, but had to turn back due to all sorts of issues. My dad told me he just had to cut short his long run due to fatigue, and overall crappiness. Apparently this week was bad for long runs.

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  18. 10 miles?! GO ON WITH YOUR BAD ASS SELF!!

    No long run for me, but I have had awful stomach issues on long runs before and I did during my first half. Having to poop can really slow a girl down.

    Never sat at a tap table, but that is the recipe for trouble for this girl.

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  19. Yay for you!! I hope the rest of them are wind free for you!

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  20. Mutherf***er! AWESOME!!!! Really and truly awe-inspiring! TEN. 1-0. Okay I really need to just SUAR today. It's all rainy and windy and rainy and ... raining... but I am going to do it ANYWAY! Thanks to YOU :) Today I have 8-9 on the docket. I'll be shooting for 9 but since I have been 'resting' for almost 2 weeks, it may be a little bit of a shock on my hip. We shall see :)

    Is that a REAL bathroom? How lucky is that? And thanks for your vote... not sure if I thanked you yet. You can vote every day ;-)

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  21. So nice to hear the shit stories again. You know I went ten miles yesterday and it was pretty good. I take care of all my 'yesterday food' before I leave the house and run in a neighborhood that would jail me if I so much as tooted by the wrong driveway. Never sit me at a tap table. I did all my drinking back at JMU and have been sober since. Love to hear your recovery story!

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  22. I can so relate to this run! I showed up at the Rez (yeah, I'm cool too) in the dark earlier this year for a 12 miler and had to move my car up the road to avoid a territorial dog. On a separate run, 14 miles this time, I had to squat in a ditch next to 55th St. Fortunately no one drove, ran or cycled by at that moment, and I was grateful for the all of the livestock odors out there. I'm in the Boulder Half this weekend. Hopefully the dog won't be an issue. Hopefully the poop won't be either. I will take your advice and avoid beer the night before. Actually, maybe better do that all week....

    Big congrats on your 10-miler!

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  23. I ran a 1/2 this morning! and confession, I know its bad for you but I take Immodium before each race. I have the same problem you have and its not going to mess up a race :) glad your are back up to 10 miles! and that bathroom looks super sketch-but i guess you gotta do what you gotta do!

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  24. You look pretty good after your run! Sorry it was so rough. the wind was killer here today, and it was really tough.

    That tap table looks amazing! I must find a place that has one...

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  25. Congrats on the double digits - that's a big accomplishment and great to see you building the miles. Sucks that you had lip & stomach issues along the way, but way to push through and git 'er done.

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  26. I had a crappy run this morning. Out to the university, long lovely manicured lawns. I was looking at every bush over 10cm high as my life-saver. Thank goodness the soccer boys never remember to lock their amenities block. It was a much more comfortable run home.

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  27. WTG getting that double digit in! You look awesome by the way and I love all the pics.

    I did 13 yesterday and it was a tough run too for me, tummy probs, achey hips (achey everything as a matter of fact…) Also very windy.

    But you are right - the tough runs are where we find what we are made of.

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  28. 12 mile long run with two potty stops, and a 6.5 mile killer trail run with ZERO potty stops - can you guess which run had the immodium on board? :) Hope your tummy feels better - and I suggest vodka for the pre-race drink. Just kidding!

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  29. I have never seen a tap table. It does seem fantastic and dangerous all in one! Amazing job on the run, even with the bad belly and bloody teeth. Also, I LOVE that top!

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  30. Double digits already! You're officially back!

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  31. ROCKSTAR! im so excited for you to get to boston!

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  32. Love the outfit! And congrats on the run.

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  33. Doesn't it feel great to make it to double digits?! I wish you a settled stomach for your next long run :-)

    Gotta run.

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  34. I'm super impressed! Any one of those things (dark, windy, sh*ts, etc) would have sent me back to my warm cosy bed in no time. Mental fortitude, indeed!

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  35. Beth, you are a rock star!

    I finally got off my lazy a$$ and started running again, after 6 months of growing my beer baby. I only made it a mile and a half, and there were some walking breaks, but I FINALLY managed to start running. It's because of you, be proud.

    And since I only went for 15 minutes, I then hopped on the bike and hit a headwind so hard I was pedaling downhill.

    Thanks for reminding me to stop making excuses. And congratulations! You win for going out before dawn (it's the time change that made it dark).

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  36. I love that run, I know every picture that you posted. the eagle trail and that run is one of my favorites. did you start at Coot? great job there Beth!!!!!!

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  37. Yesterday was my longest run (6.6 mi) since my half at the end of November. I had to start PT and get orthotics for some serious foot and hip pains that I had been trying my best to ignore.

    Great job on getting back to double digits today! It seems like this has been the weekend for 10 milers and half marathons!

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  38. I had a half marathon this weekend. My tummy started to hurt through the race. But I ended up being okay.

    Great job!

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  39. Congrats on hitting double digits!! Your determination continues to pay off and you are an inspiration!

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  40. Hey 10 miles is 10 miles! Glad you made it!

    I have never sat at a tap booth / table - but I love the idea - but I am sure I would drink more than I should! Just too easy to keep you glass filled up!

    I have a feelin' McRunner could run pretty fast no matter what he ate! He is obvioulsy a speedie guy! WOW or WOW!

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  41. I had a tough run today as well. My issue was stomach cramps from running too soon after I ate. Still got in 10 miles.

    Never heard of a tap table. That is a cool idea.

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  42. Yay for being able to run again! Boo for the stomach issues! That just sucks!

    I have never even heard of a tap table! I'm not a big beer fan, but I bet my husband would love it!

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  43. I have never even heard of a tap table. Sounds dangerous.

    Georgeous pics. That looks like my run when I visited Boulder last Nov. Really pretty valley with mountain peaks in the background.

    10 is fantastic.

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  44. Congrats on the run! My long run this weekend was similar, though midday sunny heat instead of pitch black cold wind. I think mental toughness is tested most in runs like these, and the only way I get through is by taking it mile by mile.

    And a tap table? I've never seen that before but definitely need to find one this weekend (after my long run)!

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  45. Great job on your long, harrowing, and bloody run this week. I am right there with you, completing my first half marathon while struggling with a back injury. It wasn't pretty, especially when a doofus coming out of a water stop ran right across my path and into me at mile 3 (side-note: next time you have a running workshope, that would be a GREAT item to add...the danger that lurks at every water stop).

    Regardless, my best friend ran with me the entire way even though we were a good 10 minutes off her (and my previous) pace. For the first time in years I was just happy to FINISH a race instead of focusing on a time goal. And you know what? It just might be the best meadal I ever put around my neck. I bet that is JUST how your Boston medal is going to feel for you!

    Thanks for always inspiring me!

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  46. I did a 10 mile training run today - but in a race. Made for some fun running buddies. For the first time in a long time - no tummy issues!

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  47. Do you take toilet paper with you on your runs?

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  48. First off, I would quit running if I couldn't drink beer. Never had issues with beer, liquor or anything and running... well, cucumbers and italian dressing really act up my reflux... other than that, iron stomach.

    I often crap in public... well, off in the woods, what the hell, dogs can do it, why can't we?! High five for squatting and taking care of business!

    Long run was 8.2 miles, non stop. First time this year... shit, first time since last December!

    rock on. Glad your hip is holding out. Please be cautious, I would hate for anything to happen to this all star comeback, I want a REAL person's take on Boston. :) Have an awesome week!

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  49. So jealous of the ten mile mark! But thrilled for you all the same!
    My long run was 5 miles, pathetic I know, but I'm still nervous about pressing too hard into running after my own stress fracture. Plus my half isn't until the end of may, so I still have some time to get to double digits. And, to continue with the list of excuses, I have been pressing my luck with a head cold. My "long run" was a little difficult on the breathing side. A few one minute walks were dashed in there, but it helped.
    A few more weeks and I'll be doing the double digit dance, I hope.

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  50. Whenever I've come back from injury in the past, it's always the first 10 miler that makes me feel like a runner again. Congrats!

    Love the Athleta top.

    On running in the dark--I know it's stupid, but it always feels safer if it's a.m. dark rather than p.m. dark.

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  51. Yay for double digits...you're doing amazing!

    I love that outfit...is it Athleta?

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  52. Oh, and I did 4 runs this week. Feels so awesome!

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  53. I AM SO SO HAPPY FOR YOU!!! 10 MILES....Girl, you gave me the goosebumps!! Bummer about the tummy issues though!! Thanks so much for the shout out....you made me blush. Congrats to the McRunner, amazing! I will keep you sober the night before Boston ha:)

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  54. Excellent job!! I hate it when I have GI issues during a long run. I actually did my long run at a park this weekend because it has bathrooms every 1.5 to 2 miles, which is AWESOME!!!!! I have learned to avoid beans the day before a long run, and really any kind of alcohol will cause problems if I have more than 2 drinks. So so so happy for you and your double digits! :-)

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  55. No run for me yesterday - I had GI issues before I started and knew it wouldn't go well if I ran. Way to suck it up and run. For early mornings, I usually have to yell at myself, too.

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  56. Nope, I've never sat at a tap table, but I have sat at a fondue table.

    My long run was 30 minutes and I didn't count mileage. I had some serious surgery in October and am just beginning to bounce back from it. I'm feeling great about what I'm doing and that's what's important, right?

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  57. Thanks for sharing this challenging, and entertaining, story of your long run in terrible conditions. Next time it's a little windy/rainy here in Seattle, I'll think about this run of yours and I'll shut up and run!

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  59. I can only dream of running a 2:36 marathon. Congrats to the McRunner! and...Congratulations to you on your double digit run. THat is so good.
    I ran 13. It was a disappointment, 1 min. under my goal pace and it was a painful run. I'm just wondering when I'll run pain free again.
    As for the tummy - that's exactly why I run so early in the morning. The dog won't tell a soul what goes on. ;)

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  60. I ran a 12k race this weekend - longest run yet, and across the Golden Gate Bridge. I cramped up and had to walk for a bit, and was really looking for somewhere to go, but it's a bit trickier with passing cars and 100s of runners! The bridge has a portapottie on it, but the bastard's locked up. Fortunately I could walk through it and finish running. Next stop, nonstop 12k.

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  61. Nice work on the double digit long run! That's massive progress, I bet you're floored! The winds were INSANE on Sunday, I feel ya. I fortunately got my long run in on Saturday (18) and I feel so lucky, it went so well. I'm feelin' more confident about this whole Boston thing now! I rewarded myself by buying a new running top (it's bright yellow) for the marathon! Like my XC coach in college used to say... "gotta look good to be good!" :P

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  62. Welcome back to double digits girl! So proud of you!!!

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  63. I cannot wait until i can say i did double digit runs. I am a new runner and only ran 3.1 miles and working towards my 1st 1/2 marathon in October.
    Congratulations!

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  64. Congrats girl! I hit my 10 miler last weekend, and this weekend took it to the streets and just ran for an hour and a half. Wonderful run through open country roads but did a number on my shins. Next week I have a 11 miler planned, eeekkkk. I also have trouble with the hip every once in a while.

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  65. First I read MissZ's good news and now yours. This is just a great day all around. BOULDER BABY, BOULDER!!!!!

    As long as she didn't say you have CRAP on your ankles you'll be alright with a little blood on your teeth. And speaking of which, how close was she to notice that?

    Good for McD Runner....great time (even if I don't approve of his fund-raising methods)

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  66. Jason - so the girl who noticed my bloody teeth was very close b/c we were making out on the trail! Seriously, I stopped to use the bathroom (shocker) she was waiting too and noticed the blood.

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  67. I gotta ask - you ever had yourself tested for a gluten allergy? Before banishing gluten from my diet, my run logs (if I had kept them) would have looked exactly like this.

    Also, congrats! :)

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  68. Tim - yeah, I've been tested for celiac, don't have it. for me I get into trouble when I eat high fat rich foods and dairy. Also, TMI, but if I get back up I pay for it on long runs. Thanks for your feedback!

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  69. It looks beautiful where you are! Thanks for sharing. I ran 16 miles on Saturday - my longest run EVER! :) I always look forward to reading about your accomplishments.

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  70. love that shirt!! Congrats on the ten miler!

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  71. i've had it with the wind, too. 60mph gusts at one race and then winds yesterday at shamrock marathon. hoping it's not bad at boston, but at least i'm prepared with 2 windy PRs under my belt.

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  72. Tap table? Cool! Although, beer does that to me too...sigh...

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  73. Way to go! That's great that you are back in the double digits. Love the outfit, too.

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