Now that summer has official come to an end and football is in full swing (shhhh...moment of silence for the Colts), it is also almost harvest time.  One thing I have learned, growing up in where corn and soybeans blossom, is that farmers are never happy with the weather.  

It either rains to much or to little.  It either is to hot or to cold.  Well....I think runners are much like farmers.  It is either to hot, to cold, to dry, to humid, or to dark.  For instance, I started my big run over the weekend and the temp was 59 degrees.  I was borderline long sleeves....I mean come on....it was a tad chilly.  I don't think I have ever paid so much attention to the weather as I have during this training.  Maybe it is just me and I have an inner farmer...could be possible.  After all, this is the hoosier homeland.

So once again, and for the last time until the 26.2, I ventured out on Saturday to trek up and down the monon for a long run.  And once again I had a slew of friends lined up to pass the baton and get me through the 20 miles.  Actually, it was a great run with no real aches/pains or fatigue.  Thanks to Brad, Jake, Katie, and Quinn for keeping my on track, on point, and entertained.

The coolest thing I saw during the run and a true sign of inspiration, was two guys (lets say they were baby boomers) running side-by-side; each hold the same piece of string.  It was a simple piece of string that physically linking them but you could tell that the link was much stronger and deeper.  

For miles, I kept thinking about these two (a blind man and his friend).  I kept thinking about all the ways they could and probably were connected; about all things they have intimately shared.  I can imagine their conversations over miles of road or dirt.  I can imagine their saturday routine.  There they were, chucking along (enjoying life, enjoying the weather, enjoying each other) and connected so strongly by a little flimsy piece of cloth.  I wander who was really leading who.  Thinking of them still brings a smile to my face.  I will be sure to take a little piece of them with me on Oct 12th.

The training begins tapering off now.  For the next 3 weeks I will be cutting down the miles and making sure i am eating well (not to much either.....mom!!!! ;o).  I think I am set on gear (shoes clothes, etc), tunes (Kate Nash !http://haightashburybeat.com/diaries/wp-content/uploads/2008/01/knash%20bricks.jpg!has been added to my play list...just in case you were curious), and a nutrition plan.  I am sure my legs are ready for a slow down.  I know I am ready for the 5:30am to go away.