The countdown has begun.  We are not just under a month away and I am getting psych'd for the show down in Chitown.  

I spent this saturday morning running solo for the first time in weeks.  It gave me some good time to reflect on the journey to date and new things I might have learned along the way (see previous post for my Top 10 lessons learned).  So I thought I would add 5 more things learned.  So here you go:

Number 5 - Mental Mind

It is amazing to me how much running in a mental game you have with yourself.  Sure, during the initial training days I needed to build my legs and lungs capacity.  But now it is much more about keeping my mind flowing during runs and preparing mental before runs.  I can get jacked up a for 20 miler and really punch through it with excitement.  Yet, take today as an example, I was struggling to complete the 12 miles.  It was like I was in the ring with Tyson in one corner beat on me and the devil in the other tempting me to quite (which equals fail in my book). 

The interesting thing is, I was struggling not b/c of any new or more dramatic pain, but b/c I was not sharp mentally and a little bored; I tended to focus more on the aches or lack of excitement.  I think this is why I like (or prefer) to run in the early mornings.  I simply am not wake yet and time just kind of flows.  Bottomline is that mental prep is key.

Number 4 -  Humidity may be just as bad if not worse than Heat.

Living in the midwest sweat plain, there really is no getting around it.  On these long run, I have been changing my shirt 3 or 4 times.  Not sure what I will do during the marathon.  Obviously the key is to continue to re-hydrate but dang....sometime I feel like there is a faucet on top of my head that just won't shut off.  I am not going to jump on the "no shirt" bandwagon yet but maybe it is coming soon.  Sorry ladies!

Number 3 - Walkers in a Pack are dangerous and clueless to their surroundings

It is amazing to me that when a group of people walk together on a path (ie...the monon) that they think it is totally appropriate to walk 3 wide and keep chatting on their marry way about how Johnny and Janie watch to much "American Idol" or how Oprah won't let Sara Palin on her show or how hurricane Ike is going to destroy all the refineries in the gulf (as if the refineries never thought about being in a hurricane hot zone until now).

These paths are not a motor speedway like you see at the Daytona 500; where there are 3 lanes to run in.  I don't know what is more annoying to me...a Pack of walkers taking up all lanes (causing you "the runner" to have to dart in the woods or in a mud pit to get around them) or people that coast in the passing lane on the freeway/highway/interstate/autobahn/whatever.  Seriously though...if you are NOT going to go at least 5+ MPH over the speed limit.....go to the middle or far right lane.  This is not England....we were taught to PASS over there....not coast.....maybe the same should be done on the running paths.....coasters get over :o)  

Number 2 - Bikers need to choose

I don't really care if you ride on the paths, sidewalks, or the roads.  Just make the choice as a collective group and let us all know.  I will be sure to do the opposite of what you do.  I am sure you find the walkers and runners annoy on the paths.....but holy goodness.  When you fly around us at mach 8 with your special glasses, neon outfits, and cyborg hamlet....it is a bet shocking.  I am just waiting to get plowed into and watch little Lance flip into a pack of walkers.  On the lake front path in Chicago is probably the worst place for this scene.

Number 1 - Watch your step

I have never been one of those peeps that gets all anal about where a dogs relieves themselves.  Like Kevin Costner said in A Perfect World "This here is nature, Phillip."  A dog should be able to poo in the grass without you having to carry a scooper/baggy/etc.  However, at least position your pooch in the grass....not the sidewalk.  

You must be aware of sidewalk poo as a runner....particularly on long runs.  Further, if you are a early morning or late evening runner...ie, sun is not up...make sure you use all your senses to detect an up coming odor that your need to hurdle.

Alright...that kind of turned into a rant....but what can say....It is an Election year.  Off the to Kenny Chesney show at Lucas Oil.  Should be interesting.