Mel Mental toughness is the only thing I am struggling with big time this year. I just try to break it down into segments. I like the quote How do you eat an elephant? One bite at a time. Thinking of it as a 26.2 mile journey is daunting, so just take each mile as it comes. Sorry you are in a funk right now.

The fact that you have the courage to cover the distance speaks volumes more than your speed.
Amy -

for your Achilles. I hope it works itself out soon and youre not sidelined for too long.
Craig Thanks so much for your words of wisdom on the mental aspect of training. You are a very smart man and I always appreciate your insight. Glad to hear youre feeling well-prepared for the main event.
Mike Congrats on the 3+ hour run.

Glad to hear the heart-rate training is working well for you.
Cecilia Congrats on the awesome half-marathon finish!!

Great time.
Jodi Awesome time on the Great Pumpkin Classic!!

My 10-year anniversary was on the 26th.

Have a blast on your trip.
Susie Sorry about the less than desirable run. Hang in there
Terri - Sorry to hear youve been sharing my lack of motivation issues. I hope your friends attendance at the marathon will kick you into high gear. Lots of

for your mom.
Paul Congrats on the half-marathon time and for the new PR!!
Rhonda Best of luck in getting back in the swing of things. You can always modify your training to suit your needs. You will be fine!! Glad you had a great time on the cruise.
Dave Congrats on your awesome half-marathon finish.

You have come so far in such a short time. As for DW and the kids at WDW, I have to share my personal experience. WDW was my first marathon a few years back and I didnt get to see DH and the kids until mile 23 and that was it for the race. It was a HUGE disappointment and I am STILL to this day resentful. When I trained so darn hard and I didnt have those closest there to cheer me on and share such a major accomplishment broke my heart. Please tell DW how important it is to you. This day is all about YOU!! It's about showing your kids what hard work, dedication and goal-setting is all about. Reaching for the stars
Your wife will respect that. My DH will have my DD's 5 & 9 if they want to hang out at the marathon. After a few years, DH is MORE than used to hanging out at races with the girls and waiting for me to finish.
Krista Youre my kind of runner!!

I cannot imagine running with other people either.
MelR - You ROCK!!

I am always amazed and inspired by your feats. Great race report.
Carrie - Great pace on the LR.

You guys are smokin!!
Jackie I hope you are feeling better.

Cheers for finishing the run in the face of adversity.
Helen Best of luck on your upcoming race. Sorry Minnie did you wrong
Sunny I think you hit the nail on the head with the newness factor being gone playing into the lack of motivation. Stay positive and look at how your determination has allowed you to continue this pursuit. The speed is truly irrelevant at this point.
Judy You know they say you never forget your first
Anne Too funny your DS thinks you only go to WDW to race.
Heather Glad to hear youre getting back into the groove and have found the inspiration again. Sometimes its easy to lose sight of it and life just kind of gets in the way.
Kevin - Sorry youre feeling frustrated in many aspects these days.

I hope you find answers soon and shake it off.
Matt

for your injury. Dont try to run through it and risk prolonging it. XT'ing sounds like a great idea.
Kelley Endurance athletes need carbs to fuel LRs. Best of luck working some good nutrition into your diet to help support your training needs.
No packets for DH and I as of yet. I always hope they come on the weekend after a LR as sort of a reward.
15 miles for me tomorrow, which is shaping up to be on the TM since the forecast calls for downpours both days.
Southwest came through with a DING yesterday for our November/December WDW trip, so the DD's are in for marathon weekend!! DH laughs and says "what, seeing only me at the finish doesn't have quite the same effect?"

Silly man, my babies are my inspiration to run as my mission is to raise and empower strong women.
Best of luck to everyone racing this weekend and for the LR's. We're getting close guys!! I hope to post more frequently now that I am finally feeling like I will be prepared, both mentally and physically, come January.