Cam - isn't it amazing how it can months to build up the endurance and then a week or two of not training can cause it all to fall apart. I did 3.1 yesterday and 5 today and it was tough. I felt so out of condition, but I got it done!

Thanks for the book recommendations, too. I have thought about getting the 1st Marathons book, but never did. Maybe I'll give it a try.
Susie - Hang in there. We all have those moments where we question our sanity in training for these races (like every time I start

). But the feeling of accomplishment feels so good, when the workout/race is over.
You can do it. We're all here to support each other. Think how nice it'll be sporting that Tiffany necklace after the Nike race
Renee- Yep. I got the 5 miler in today. Felt a little better today than after yesterday's run (just a little). XT tomorrow.
Craig - I went with 2 pairs of socks for the 07 Goofy. Wore a thin layer first and then the "supposedly" blister free socks. Ended up with 5 blisters on my feet

I used your advice of the vaseline for the spot where I got a wicked blister during the 06 Goofy. Worked like a charm

Not even a hint of a blister on that part of my foot. This year I may vaseline my whole foot!
Lou - congrats on the 18 miles!

Maybe next year for our Phillies!
Talking about mental toughness - what do you guys do to get you through the long runs/races? Do you think about anything in particular? Listen to music, etc.?
I find that when I'm doing my training, if I tend to check the Garmin frequently, then I get kinda stressed and worry if my pace is to fast, slow or just notice how much farther I have to go. It seems to make me more tired. So, to avoid that I try to focus on something to keep me from looking at the Garmin.
On today's 5 miler, I had my iPod on. Now from past experiences I know it takes approximately 4 songs to play to complete a mile. So I made up my mind not look at the Garmin until after the 15th song played (which would put me close to the 4 mile mark) I could try to pick up the pace for the last mile if I was too slow.
On other occasions, I'll count my steps. I may decide to go 2000-3000 steps before I look at the Garmin. It's a lot of counting, but it keeps my mind off the distance, the time and any pain or discomfort I may feel. (With all that counting, there must be some OCD in me somewhere!

)
My 5 mile time today was 1:07:37, which comes out to approx. 13:32 mpm pace.
Terri