Ten things I learned on my long run

I ran 10 miles this weekend, & it was definitely a learning experience. ;-) I'm considering it that, & not getting hung up on some of the details. I have my first distance race on Sunday!! So excited/nervous. I'm doing the Portland Shamrock 15K. Can't wait. :-) Anyone else in Portland?

1. Just because you see someone else leaving their car at the same time as you, and feel oddly compelled to not look like a slow dork, DO NOT match their pace. They will turn back after 1.5 miles, & you'll still have 5 times that to go. Only, you'll be tired, because you didn't pace yourself & acted like a fool.
2. When you see the one lonely bathroom opportunity on the trail, take it. Even if you're convinced you don't need it, by the time you circle back & see it again, it will be too late. I promise.
3. Shot blocks are easier on your stomach than the Power Bar version. I swear I've learned this lesson before, but forgot.
4. When you're at mile 4 & have already hit the wall, you'll start hearing your football-coach-father's voice in your head, "Suck it up, (LastName)," and "Pour it on, (LastName)".
5. Running in the wind, rain, & 38 degree weather, despite how much it blows, will make you feel kind of badass. No one needs to know that you're rocking out to Miley Cyrus, "Party in the USA".
6. And, speaking of tunes, Kelly Clarkson - preach it, sister. What doesn't kill you will in fact make you stronger. It's just me, myself, & I.
7. You will not be hungry after a long run, so no need to bring snacks or worry about what to eat after your race this weekend. Perhaps just a fresh pair of pants. See #2. The fact that clam chowder is offered as one of the post-race options is hurl-inducing.
8. When you see that portapotty coming back on the return, even though you feel like you don't need it because bad things have already happened & you couldn't possibly go, ummmmm, try it. See #2. Again.
9. A year ago, you ran your first 5K, & now you're doing 10 mile runs on the weekend. You're officially a runner. It's okay to be slow.
10. I know you thought the run sucked major big time, but there were no cross walks or potty breaks to stop the Garmin, so this was actually your true time. And, it was a PR. So, there's that. ;-) Wet pants aside. 10 miles, 1:44. Slow, but steady.

So, so, so excited & nervous for this weekend!

Here are a few scary bathroom pictures!

I think this was Friday?
Violet sweater - Jcrew
White tank - Loft
Skinny jeans - Gap, Always Skinny
Wedges - Tory Burch

Black sweater - Nordstrom
Coral tshirt - Loft
Skinny jeans - AE
Black wedges - Tory Burch (yes, I kind of love the shoes ;-))

Bad hair - courtesy of my run
Black sweater - Express
Black & white striped tshirt - Gap
Skinny jeans - AE
Black wedges - you guessed it, Tory Burch

And, today! I got the tshirt at the Gap over the weekend, & I'm kind of obsessed with the bright coral color. It was $7 or so - a steal, and just the pop of spring color that I need.

Black sweater (sense a pattern? ;-) - Nordstrom
Coral tshirt - Gap
Skinny jeans - AE
Black wedges - shockingly, Tory Burch

I'm starting to notice a trend in my outfits. Maybe I should change things up a bit. . . :-)

Give me your best race tips!!!