It's tradition

I'm making a move toward the marathon. The fulllll marathon. I know I've been slightly obnoxious in the past when it comes to running posts buuuuttttt now I think I've got this under control. I just want to make a few short comments when it comes to the very start of my marathon training.

1. Now that I live in Elgin most of the time, I have realized that I've really taken for granted the wonderful sense of security I have in running in the Dupage County suburbs. I never, ever worry about getting kidnapped/clubbed over the head/raped while running alone. I go for runs at 9 o' clock at night, and as long as I stay in semi populated area's, and bring my cell phone, I'm pretty safe. My school, where I live, is kind of right down the street from gang territory, and we, meaning the XC team, are no longer allowed (the girls anyway) to run on the bike path near school, as there was a man clubbing and dragging women runners off into his van toward the end of Fall semester. ;-/ I cherish weekends when I'm at home to run.

2. From my long run yesterday I've learned that running 7 miles without eating any sort of breakfast at all = negative splits on an out and back route because my tummy is grumbly.

3. Winter running is not the same as winter walking. I do not need 40 layers of clothing to stay warm.

4. an hour and a half of kickboxing/abs of steel +100 crunches + 7 miles of running + an hour of ice skating = a very sore girl the next morning.