Hot, Humid and Snakes...Oh, My!

Week 1 of marathon training in the books. I still can't believe I'm really doing this. I've visited the race website several times just to "confirm" my registration.

Monday: 4 miles
Tuesday: 5 miles
Thursday: 3.2 miles
Saturday: 6 miles

18 miles total for the week - and that's about 8 miles more than last week! So thankful for the overcast skies during yesterday's long run (God answers even our "smallest" prayers!). It's been really hot and humid this week and to be honest, I am NOT really enjoying running very much right now. I know that will change in the fall, but the thought of the long runs BEFORE fall does not make me look forward to this.

So, I had my first encounter with a LIVE snake this week and didn't even know it. My neighbors came to tell me that they are pretty sure I ran right on top of a water moccasin that was coming out of a wooded area in our neighborhood. WHAT? It was fairly small (they ran over it coming to tell me it was there, thank goodness!) but it was a snake nonetheless. I think it might be time to invest in a headlamp for my nighttime running.

131 days until race day (OMGosh! That freaks me out a little!)!

I've lost my mind...

I'm committing. I wish it was to something super fantastic like saving for a vacation home in the Bahamas, or even for my boys' college education...but it's not. To most people, it will sound absolutely absurd and utterly ridiculous.

I'm paying someone else money so I can run 26.2 miles. Seriously.

December 3, 2011 - that's 142 days away for those watching the ticker - in Memphis to raise money for and awareness about St. Jude's. Could there be a greater cause? I think not. But I could just write them a check and be done...right?

Regardless, I am hoping all the 26.2 veterans will provide some encouragement and advice along the way. I'm going to need it, especially until this miserable Mississippi heat starts to give way to the cooler temps of fall.

Stay tuned...and wish me luck.