It's about that time....

 Seven hours until go time... but who's counting? After hardly sleeping AT ALL last night, I have woken to be surprisingly calm. The calm before the storm? hmmm.  I may not be able to give this race my over all best, but I am determined to give it my current best. There really isn't another way to look at it. To be honest, I was scared that people who didn't know I was hurt would look at my time, what ever it may end up being, and be like... ummm some runner you are. (I know, I know, Im supposed to think "who cares?") That's  scary and hard for me because I always give my best and usually have something awesome to show for and be proud of. I think that no matter what happens today, I will still be proud and The woman will be too, That's enough for me.  Every race can't be your best, your smoothest, your most comfortable, a new PR - today, Im trading in skill for dedication and determination, and Im simply going to run like I still deserve to be there. In fact, I do deserve to be there. I've put in one hell of a season so far and it's not even close to being over. So I'm picking myself up, brushing off the dust of me, my sneakers and my pride and I'm going to finish that race - with a positive attitude - like it is my one and only job . My goal today is to simply not give up, yes even if that means finishing last.  Shocking, I know. Maybe sleep deprivation is finally getting to me. Maybe running in the back of the pack will give me a new perspective. (I have to at least hope.)  My former PR is lucky that I can't stomp all over it today... that doesn't mean that I won't. Im not going to let this stupid injury suck the life and fun out of something that I love so much.

 I'm treating today as if it were any other normal race - plenty of water, down time and carbs. I will spend the usual amount of time (if not more) making sure both my body and mind are prepared and content. I keep telling myself, out loud at times, that it will be okay. I know this isn't the olympics; but it's my personality to treat every single race, run and everything in-between like it is that important. I take my running seriously, but today - I have to not take myself so serious. There is no shame in trying and falling a little short - the important thing is that you try. I'm going to try try try until my head... or leg falls off. Pain or not, Im looking forward to a run. Bring on the challenge.