Friday, September 29, 2006

The Night Before the Night Before

I had a little packing meltdown tonight - my first show of nerves I guess. I was frozen at trying to figure out what to wear. I know what I want to wear, I've known for weeks what I'd wear...but the predicted 46 degree morning threw me. We discussed it last night at the track - throw-away shirt, or long socks over the arms would do it. I figured I had a couple shirts I could toss. But then, tonight, when I was digging around, I couldn't think of throwing any shirts away. I don't have any long socks. I have arm warmers, but I don't want to carry them for the rest of the race. I want to run in my tank top, and I'm sure it'll be too cold at the start. No worries though, Eric saved me. He dug around in his stuff and came up with an old gray tech fabric shirt for me to wear and toss. It'll be big on me, but I only plan to wear it for three or four miles. So, now I'm packed, and I'm just waiting to go...

Riley has a cross country invitational way up in Bellingham tomorrow, near the Canadian border, and Eric and I will be heading to the opposite end of the state, over the Oregon border. Web is off in the San Juan Islands on a camping trip. Our family will be spread far and wide - it's a strange feeling to think that in the not too distant future, being that far away from each other will be the norm.

I made the three of us a big spaghetti dinner with sourdough bread tonight (marinara sauce with soy meat, zuchini, onions and peppers- yum!). It's a little early for Eric and I, but Riley needed a good carbo load and it's comfort food around here. Eric and Riley are messing around with a design program on the other computer - it's kind of cool - Riley is so versed in two or three different computer design programs that Eric brings small projects home for him to work on. Riley earns some good money doing it - and, funny, usually teaches Eric something about the program. Of course, it goes the other way too, Eric teaches Riley about design. It's a good deal for both of them.

This is turning out to be a rambling, not really connected post....wonder why? Maybe a little pre-race anxiety, a little bit of an inability to think about much besides the race. I think I'll stop now.

Next time you hear from me, I'll be a marathoner!

17 comments:

Darrell said...

I'm just back from two days spent moving our oldest son into an apartment with three strangers. It's a really weird feeling. He starts work towards his BA in Culinary Mgmt on Monday.

Enjoy Portland. I can't wait to read all about it.

Unknown said...

By mile three you will be warm so the throw away shirt will be perfect. It is freezing at the start, but the adrenaline and all the other people will warm things up a bit as well. Umm, go to sleep if you are not already asleep and sleep in if you can. Other than that I suppose I should follow my own advice soon except I have kids awake and I am currently carbo loading.

tryathlete said...

Go Michelle Go!

Rob is right though - it'll be cold at the start, but you'll be ditching stuff from then on.

You might need a new moniker - Marathon Mum?

Olga said...

Michelle is one of us and has jitters! I can't believe you don't have an old shirt to get rid of, don't you go to so many races where they give away shirts? Back in NYC when I did 5k-10k every weekend, I had a full load of this stuff, had to donate it.
OK, rant. I will do more of it tonight:)

Anonymous said...

Woo hoo!!!!

Your nerves put a smile on my face. You're going to have so much fun. Good luck!

Sarah said...

You're almost a marathoner! : )

Rose said...

How exciting!! Can't wait for the race report. Good luck!

JustRun said...

YAY! Thinking of you now! By the looks of the clock here, you're finished! Hope you are well!

Taunya said...

Best of luck to you. I'll be thinking of you! Can't wait to hear about how it went.

Wes said...

Lots of luv and best wishes! I'm sure this is after the race, so I'm excited to hear about it!

Anonymous said...

Sounds like a great dinner and I'm sure you completely rocked the race.

Dori said...

Michelle, I couldn't wait for the race report and looked you up on the marathon page. Congratulations on finishing--you're a MARATHONER!!!

teacherwoman said...

I hope the marathon when well...Marathoner! Way to go!

Legs and Wings said...

I'm looking forward to hearing about YOUR MARATHON! I hope it went well. Congrats.

Thomas said...

6:08:31 chip time, is that you?

IronWaddler said...

Just found your blog. Hope you had a good day. Welcome marathoner!!!!

Ironayla said...

Great Job yesterday!!! I can't wait to hear about it :)