Pre-Way Too Cool

Last night, I get a phone call from my doula client whose due date is March 19th. She is showing signs of prelabor or early labor potentially. Of course, this weekend I am going out of town for a race, so I could miss the birth. Thank goodness I've got two back-up doulas (although one has just reported she is ill). But, the reality is, I would be sad not to be at the birth. I am hoping the babe can wait until Saturday evening or Sunday. Ah, which brings up Saturday and Way Too Cool... eek! I am nervous and excited. Not sure if it is the nerves or just my body gearing up, but I've done lots of sleeping this week. It could be that I finally have a bed and micro fleece sheets. I slept on a futon for 8 years of my life. I had no idea what I was missing out on. Other than sleep, my running has been mentally harder since Sequoia. My body has been in recovery mode. I have had some good runs regardless. I joined Leor and Will for a 15 miler, the first section of Ohlone 50k, on the 6th. Steep and challenging, but beautiful. Sunday I was up at 5:30 am for a 18 miler at Lake Chabot. Took it easy on Monday, Tuesday a flat 12 miler, and Wednesday easy with my favorite, stride outs. No running yesterday, but yoga and a good swim with 4-100 meters fast. When I am finished typing this entry, I am packing my bag. I got some goodies from La Sportiva, so I can sport some of those at the race. Just so you know, my stomach just dropped (probably the 100th time in this past week). Did I mention I was nervous? Anyway, yoga this morning to calm me down. I also have a sports psychology tape from the 80's that I'll listen to tonight. For some reason, it has become tradition since high school cross-country. Well... as I tell my doula clients, there are lots of unknowns, but trust your body, this is what it was made to do. I am not having a baby, but I do believe my body was made to run, more to come post-race! And good luck to all you other runners out there! Hope to meet Devon Crosby-Helms , Bev Abbs, Joelle Vaught, Karl Meltzer, Thomas Reiss, and of course whoever else is willing to say hi... I just love that there are other people that love to run. Ok I really need to practice some yoga, I think my heart is already beating faster!

(Some how this picture seemed appropriate).