I've tried to post several times since Saurday but have hit one glitch after another

so this is waaay late, but I wanna share, so....
Did my final long-long run on Saturday. 13 again. It was not "easy," but I've completed 13 twice now, which is a big boost to me mentally.
I am (halfheartedly) kicking myself for deviating from the training plan on that last run (Hubby stayed home with our pup who'd just been spayed, so I was running alone and thought I'd run at "my" pace). So I ran above training pace and did 5 minute intervals (5 run, 1 walk) for most of the run.
I was afraid I'd wimp out if I lapped the lake (9 miles) and had to run 2 miles past the car to get up to 13, so I ran 6.5 out and back.
I was feeling the increased speed and intervals by mile 10. The last 1.25 wasn't pretty: definite leg fatigue, lots of walking interspersed with small spurts of halfhearted wogging. (Where's the wogging emoticon??

)
So the lessons in this run: 1) Stick to the plan. 2) 7 weeks probably really wasn't enough time to train for a half (I already had a base of 6 miles, but....). 3) Stick to the plan. 4) I feel like I CAN finish, if I 5) Stick to the plan.
The knees ached at the end of the run, so I fully expect to be shufflin' through whatever park we visit post-Princess. (Sitting with knees bent in the car was worse than standing/walking, though. Odd to me.) And I am making sure to pack Tylenol. I took 2 after the run and they helped me get through the rest of long-run day. The next day the thighs were a bit sore but not enough to keep me from doing whatever I wanted to do.
I think if I had another 4 weeks I could probably finish the Princess "stronger," i.e with something left in the tank. But I'm pleased with my progress and I am giddy with excitement.
Thank you, Princesses, for your encouragement, support, and for sharing yourselves on this board. I'm proud of you! I'll be cheering for you all.
We are princesses, watch us sparkle!
