This last month is when thing really get tough.  There is a long run every weekend (I move mine to Mondays :)  and you have to be on top of your game.  I ran the longest distance I have ever run today 17 miles!  I was so happy once I got back to my apartment and logged it into mapmyrun.com to see that I actually did an extra mile that I was not expecting!  I wouldn't say the 17 miles was easy for me, but I guess I wouldn't really say it was that hard either.  Although, I went very early and it is not too hot out. I also let myself go slow, very slow.  In fact, I even let myself walk for a bit when I needed to - but hey, I don't want to injure myself on my first extremely long run!  The wind also go in the way and made it rather hard for me to keep up my pace.  My  next long run, I will make myself keep running at a decent pace no matter what.  But even in a real race, you walk through the water stations, right?!  And for me, its the fact that I actually ran 17 miles - without stomach problems, or having my knees hurt, or even throwing up (which I did on the finish line of the Chicago half marathon last year).  So hey, that is good for me! 

What also helped me was a new detox and super powerful anti-oxidant drink called Rebootizer.  It is just now available in the US at www.rebootizerusa.com and helps me keep my body in shape and my muscles from tensing up.  I took it before my long run today and yesterday and I really notice how much stamina it gives me and it keeps my body from feeling fatigue!!  Seriously, it really works! You should try it out too :)  And it tastes good too.  I have not ventured into using gels or power blocks yet - because I know they are suppose to give you energy, but they taste awful and make me want to throw up!  Any suggestions on how to overcome my strong aversion to that nasty (yet supposedly essential) gel gunk?

The best part of this last month is seeing how great my legs look from all the running! I got some great compliments on them this weekend too... the short shorts helped.  And now, Im off to go indulge in a great big sandwich after I ran off LOTS of calories!