Eighteen [Miles] and a Life to Go!

There's nothing like a Texas girl . . . who can actually adapt to her new surroundings. This time last year I could barely run three miles and I classified weather less than 50 degrees as "fucking freezing." Today, however, I ran 18 miles in "17 degrees feels like 1." Literally, my water bottles froze shut and I almost broke my tooth while eating my Snickers Marathon Energy Bar.
My last two long runs--both 16-milers--for lack of a better word, sucked. During those, I spent half the time walking and the other half wishing I would break my ankle so I would have a good excuse to quit. But this time I ran almost the entire time (not freezing to death is a good incentive to keep running) and I actually enjoyed myself. It took about a mile and a half for my toes and fingers to thaw and I was able to stay motivated almost the entire time. The last three miles were really hard, but I did it!

I ran the Capital Crescent Trail from Georgetown to Bethesda. I think it helped to run a trail with mileage marks rather than guestimating the distance and dodging tourists as usual when I start my runs from Captiol Hill.

Afterwards, I treated myself to a yummy sandwich from Dean & Deluca, a bubble bath with the Lush-icious grapefruit shower gel from Matt and Laura, and a viewing of Tivo-ed 12 Angry Men. Excellent flick.

I only have one more looooong training run next weekend (also 18 miles) and then I taper off before the real thing on March 19. Now to more important things. What does a girl wear when running a marathon down Rodeo Drive . . . ?