Monday: 8.99km, avg 6.25/km

Wednesday: 10.03km, avg 5:57/km

Thursday crossfit: Mobility stretches, handstands (able to do a full handstand off the wall for 30 sec!), deadlift (deficit), 2x, 115; 2x, 135; 1x, 145
Metcon: 3 rounds, 30 sec, 30 sec rest. Chinups (3/4″ bands), jump ropes (singles), dumbbell squats (35 lbs). Total 134

Saturday: 9.62km, 6:44/km

Here it is: one week until the marathon. I leave for Argentina Wednesday afternoon, meet my father down in BA Thursday afternoon and get this show on the road.

I was warned that tapering either would be a positive experience or a nightmare. For me, it’s been a total nightmare. I’ve gotten use to running and working out so much that although I’m tired and happy to be doing shorter runs, my body is confused as to when to ramp up for the next 10k after I’ve done the first 10k. What gives? My legs and knees feel sore, more sore than before. I worry about over-training and every possibility of what could happen races through my mind.

On top of that, this is a destination run, so there’s final details to worry about. Is it going to rain here in D.C.? Atlanta? Argentina? Antarctica? Is it raining anywhere?

Also, our government decided to shut down last week, so most of my favorite places to run are now closed, with armed park rangers in tow. That means more chaos at work. And we officially have a new owner.

Stress, stress, stress.

I knew this wouldn’t be easy and often, it seems like getting to this point has been the true marathon. Actually running the race will be a 4 hour victory lap of sorts. That hasn’t taken away the anxiety and the irritability. Believe you me, when I am anxious, ANXIETY rules the day. I’ve gotten better about control my panic attacks and the training has helped significantly. Still, it’s a pain in my ass.

In our last planning call yesterday, my dad reminded me that the hard work is now done. I completed the training (two short runs are in order Monday and Tuesday but they’re really jogs around the block in what I hope will be cooler weather), did the planning and endured the obstacles that popped up. In his words, now it’s time to kick ass.

Speaking of the trip, this blog will be the spot to read about our adventures in South America. As long as there’s decent wi-fi and I can download my photos, I’ll be posting frequently and posting on Facebook. For those who have read at some point, I truly thank you.