The final countdown....

The final week leading up to my big day was nothing grandiose, but the miles (37.5) were still substantial (so what if the bulk of them happened at the marathon itself?).

So, what went down?

Monday, in keeping with my #nevermissaMonday ritual, I got clearance from Coach Suz to run my easy-paced 3-miler about nine hours early....under the light of the ginormous super full moon. Did you see the moon that night? It (literally) lit up the night....I barely needed my Knuckle Lights.

Tuesday was an active recovery day. Yadda Yadda Yadda. Some stretching, PT exercises, and some planking for good measure.

Wednesday was more of the same. It was weird to have two non-running days back-to-back. It's been several months since that's happened. I joined a new planking challenge since my #planks4thewin challenge kind of tanked (seriously, where did all of my plankers go?). I'm still planking daily, just not posting every single time I assume the position. Moving on...

Thursday was the final #5at5AM for Barb and myself (for this training cycle). The temps were in the low-50's, with a steady breeze...a near-prefect simulation to what we'd have in Oklahoma. I wore a tank with a long-sleeved top and capri's, and think I nailed it.  Don't you love it when that happens?

Friday was a L.O.N.G. day of travel.....our journey to Oklahoma involved nearly eight hours of car time. Not one to wear running gear unless I'm 1) on my way to a run, 2) actually running, or 3) returning from a run, I elected to dress like a runner anyways...with leggings (compression sleeves incognito underneath), a comfy top, and the running shoes. Desperate times.

#Fridayfashion was pretty casual this week

We arrived at our destination (a bed and breakfast lodging set-up for that first night), and then hustled downtown to meet Traci (from RUN? Are you in?), who was able to pick up our 5K bibs and from the expo. Traci and I have been Facebook friends for a few years, and it was awesome to finally meet in person (at a race, none the less). I knew we'd be cutting it close with our arrival, so she was a great help in getting our stuff for us.

We also met up briefly after the 5K Saturday morning

Saturday was the 5K. The temps were chilly at the start (low 30's), but felt fine once we were moving. 

Barb and I at the start line

Also, we spent some serious time at the expo, exploring.

And received a gait analysis, courtesy of Brooks. 

And, Sunday. The day we'd been training for. Another cool morning, especially at the start of the race. Thankfully, the coolness was bearable and felt fine after the first mile or so. But the wind? Not so much!

The race itself? Well, I'll share this much for now...the Route 66 Marathon has a beautiful course, but it's nonstop hills. Factor in the crazy wind (along with a very unexpected achy hip/groin issue), and it made for a rather difficult day in my running shoes. The recap will be posted later this week, so stay tuned.

Check out the size of that medal!

In other news....

...this is what happened in our hometown AFTER we left for the weekend. How's that for timing?

As usual, I'm linking up with the lovely HoHo Runs and Tricia for the Weekly Wrap. Do head over and check out their blogs and see what everyone else has been up to!