For the love of all things holy....if this heat doesn't break...

I spoke with a good friend of mine who has run a marathon before. I joked with her that the next time (if there is a next time) I lose my mind and decide this is a good idea, I will train in the winter for a spring marathon.

She reminded me that she did just that. She trained all winter for the Disney Marathon, which takes place in January. She said that day in Disney was so hot she ended up walking part of that marathon.

I don't think she has any idea what a relief it was to hear her say that. This friend of mine is a true athlete. I look to her as an athletic role model, of sorts. If she had to walk part of the marathon, then it's okay to do that! I no longer feel this insane pressure!

The week is good and hot, but I manage to run the prescribed mileage for the week. I don't think I've taken a hot shower in weeks because it's too damn hot for hot water and cold just feels so good when you have sweated your nipples off of your breasts.

I even planned to start my Saturday run at 6:30 to beat more of the heat and not hold everyone up. Only ten miles. No problem, right?

Sweet Jesus and all his disciples.

I can honestly say I have never sweated through my clothes. Ever. I mean, all the way through. My shorts, my underwear, sports bra, t-shirt. In fact, I was able to wring the sweat out of my t-shirt. It was such an uncomfortable run, I don't even know what else to say.

I knew I could run the ten miles, but at one point I realized that my run is as fast as my walk and what am I doing killing myself? I joked with our walkers that I was keeping pace with them. On any other day, that would be sad. One of them mentioned that today shouldn't be about time, but about getting through the distance. Amen.

So at about mile 8, I walked. What was the difference? In fact, I think when I started to walk, I was able to pick up my pace a bit.

And I have a bone to pick with those folks who don't sweat. What the hell is wrong with you!? How is this even possible? How is it that I look as though I've been in a rainstorm and you are ready for a nice breakfast and a spot of tea? Tell me! I dislike all of you non-sweaters!

Now that I've calmed just a bit, I am ready to put this long run behind me and move to next week. Hey, that's what you have to do. Keep moving along. I've made the commitment and I intend to finish.