We met at 7:00 AM at Desert Breeze Park for our final Team In Training group run this season. I guess it kind of makes sense, our very first run of the season was at Desert Breeze. Although, that first run was only 5 miles and had nearly 5 times as many people there.

Our little group of 5 set out for an 8-mile run today. It seemed really weird to have the run be so short, it wasn’t even in double-digit territory! It was in the mid-50’s when we started, so I debated leaving my jacket on but I knew I wouldn’t want it once we got going. I just used my handheld Amphipod today because I didn’t want to wear a belt hydration pack. I have a new wound on my lower back that was picked up from wearing my Nike running capris on Tuesday night. Remind me to throw those things away… they cause wounds every time I wear them. In fact, after evaluating things and running several times with them, I’ve come to the conclusion the Nike capris were the problem on that first 18 mile run.

The run was nothing exceptional and was nothing bad, just another run. I think all of us were a little tired as we had several quiet moments during the run. But after finishing we couldn’t stop talking. Making plans to go to dinner once this week before we fly out, corrals at the race, the expo, flight arrangements, everything. It’s so close now and it feels like there are so many things we need to figure out in these final, short days.

This week will be strange. Our runs are all short and are not supposed to be very intense. The taper period is to allow all of our muscles to recover so we are fresh on race day. I guess it also gives us more time to prepare for the race mentally. (Or more time to stress and worry about things, as is typically the case with me…)

Wow… we’re in the final countdown now! The race is one week from tomorrow!