Tempe Town Lake and Tempe Canal - May 21, 2011 - 20 miles

Today was a big run day so we took a little drive to Tempe to see something new while we ran 20 miles. We started our run around the lake and then headed up Papago Mountain which was a mistake. Then we headed back down to the canal which has a much different look than our canals right here at home. Some parts of the canal looked like a little river and it was so pretty. We didn't get any pictures of that though.

Sam, Sheryl, Rhonda, Marla
Marla, Sam, Rhonda

Cute couple - Sheryl and Sam
(Happy Anniversary you two)

Shadow People - Sheryl took this picture while we were running.

Rhonda, Marla, Sheryl, Sam

My hip started hurting around mile 13 but I took some ibuprofin and kept going. Hoping it's not too sore tomorrow. It was a great run and the longest we will do before the marathon. With only 3 more weeks till the race so it's time to taper now.

May 14, 2011 - 12 miles - Canal

These last few runs haven't been the most adventurous but it sure is exciting to be out running again. I set out to run 12 miles today and managed to do the whole thing. Hip is a bit sore but manageable. I still don't know that I can get up to 26 in four weeks since next week should really be the longest run before the race. I think 15 would be a good amount for next week. I need to decide whether to back down to the half-marathon or wing it and run the marathon on a hope, prayer and adrenaline. I'm just so thankful to be running again!

May 7, 2011 - 7 miles - On the canal

After 4 weeks of hip troubles, things are looking up. Five miles last Saturday and seven miles this Saturday. Marla, one of my marathon buddies has also been injured and we were missing running in a big way. So as luck would have it, we are on the mend at the same time. It was so fun to catch up on life which I've really missed this past month. I feel so blessed to have wonderful friends to run with. This morning couldn't come fast enough for me to get out and go on a real run. I'm being very careful and cautious with my hips but overall, they felt pretty good for the duration of the run. I started getting a little stiff when I was done and decided to do a spin class and that helped loosen me up. Now I need to be good and use my foam roller. Not sure how to go from getting back to 7 miles to being able to run 26 (injury free) in five weeks but I'm still hopeful that I can do the marathon.