
For the 2010 Las Vegas Half Marathon on Dec. 5! Running with me will be 20-30 of my best running girlfriends. Some will do the full, but most of us are there for the half. I don't expect to PR with that crowd or all of the revelry in the days and nights prior to the race.
Last night I booked my flights, hotel, and registered for the race...most expensive race, ever. Sheesh. Both the full and half marathon distances are $135. I think the most I've ever paid for a race prior to this was maybe $85, and that was for a full marathon. That race registration is going to cost more than my share of the hotel room for 4 nights...really.
The group of women I'll be spending the weekend with in Vegas are all planning to wear plaid running skirts and white compression socks/sleeves...when in Vegas dressing as naughty school girls seems appropriate (plus the
RunningSkirts.com skirts are super comfy. I've worn one of these skirts for 2 of my 3 marathons and for literally thousands of miles of training over the past 4 years).

Yesterday I had one of those "oh shit" moments that briefly had me mentally canceling my running/cycling goals for the next few months. Hidden under the slush was a rock or hunk of ice that laid in wait for my left foot. I landed on the evil object, felt blinding pain shoot up the lower quarter of my leg and ankle, hobbled for a few steps, then was forced to stop to catch my breath and assess the damage. It hurt, but nothing felt broken or seriously injured. I walked for a couple of minutes, until the pain subsided. Once I was certain there was no serious damage I finished up my run, though I did cut it short a mile, just to be safe. Thank goodness for my sturdy cankles! I've never once broken or sprained either ankle. *knocks on wood* I am certain having stocky leg and ankle bones is an asset when it comes to durability.
My ankle continued to be a bit tender and stiff for the rest of the day and into this morning, but no swelling or serious damage seemed to be present, so I pressed-on with my planned 7 miler today (I just had to--it was gorgeous and sunny...these days are few and far between, this time of the year. Gotta take advantage of that source of vitamin D!). Ankle felt great while I was running, but is still a little "off" while at rest, so I'll definitely be keeping an eye on things for the next few days.